Centralization has become the industry’s go-to operations model to help operators combat labor shortages and the rising costs of property management. Until recently, it wasn’t a completely viable option. A few short years ago, the centralization of teams and services would have been infeasible due to the lack of technology solutions to support it. As property technologies have emerged, empowering teams to manage properties and provide enhanced levels of customer service remotely, the time for centralization is now.
Why is Centralization Critical Now?
Centralization can relieve current hiring and associate retention challenges by enabling property teams to complete the same workload with a reduced on-site presence. By deploying technologies and solutions that either absorb certain tasks or create efficiencies, operators can not only maintain operations, but potentially even accomplish more with less.
Case in Point: Self-Guided Touring
With self-guided touring technology and centralized leasing teams combining to cover tours at multiple properties in the same market, remaining on-site associates can focus on resident service. On-site maintenance teams aren’t a requirement when mobile maintenance workflow platforms can strategically assign tasks to limit transit and labor times, and create real-time lines of communication with residents and on-site teams.
Another Proof Point: Cloud-Based Access
Through tools like cloud-based access controls, centralized associates can instantly assist residents or provide access for guests, dog-walkers, cleaning services, food delivery or package carriers upon request, without needing to be physically present.
Centralization doesn’t represent a step back in terms of customer service, but a significant step forward in efficient property management, making the lives of both associates and residents easier.