How the Right Real Estate CRM Will Save You Time

Real estate agents are busy, and efficiency is a huge priority. Not managing your time wisely can greatly reduce your productivity and ultimately harm your business. An investment in time management is an investment in productivity. One of the best tools to help you with this is a real estate CRM, known in full as customer relationship management software. We know that this software can help save us money by organizing our contacts and marketing efforts. But did you ever think about how it can save you time? In a busy industry, the right CRM functions more like a productivity tool. Here are five ways a great real estate CRM will save you time just make sure you select the right one!

Spotlight

GURNER

GURNER™ is a luxury developer with a difference. With over 5,500 apartments totalling an end value of more than $3.5 billion under development across the eastern seaboard of Australia, we create design-led residences in vibrant locations which offer elegant architecture and a timeless appeal.

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Real Estate Technology

Smart Construction: Building Value through Interconnected Intelligence

Article | July 21, 2022

The construction industry, whether operating at the building level, infrastructure level, or city level, has undergone significant changes over the past decade, and the pace of change has only intensified in the past year. Opaque operating models are giving way to digitalization and transparency in every aspect of the industry, leading to better accountability of the business stakeholder ecosystem and better experience and quality of life for the end customers. The value realization for the sector is coming in three different ways, each with its set of technologies, tools, systems, and processes that lead to specific value maximization. 1. Connected Stakeholder Ecosystems Every stakeholder and their interactions and service provision to building and construction has been digitalized and automated. Architects, urban planners, designers have long been using tools and technologies. The use of 3D modeling and visualization, AR/VR platforms, and drone mapping are creating intuitive means to fast-track the design iteration process and reduce errors. Innovation has been happening in building materials and technologies for smart logistics and inventory management, which is digitalizing the procure to pay cycles and reducing the cost and sustainability footprint of the industry. Infratech is being included into civil construction, and information, communication, and operational tech hardware and software solutions are being integrated at the design stage itself. The industry uses the services of a network of internal and external third party providers and managers. The combination of mobile and enterprise applications, connectivity, and internet of things devices and variables is connecting these people together. Unified frameworks and digital and AI/ML tools allow seamless construction, management, and optimization of built spaces. The sales process is becoming highly digital with the use of customer relationship management platforms, channel management applications, and digital sales aids that blend AR/VR, 3D visualization, audio, video, and digital. The governance and financial mechanisms have evolved as well. Government bodies have digitalized and permissions, access rights, and payment mechanisms are increasingly digital. Regulators are moving towards real time sensor based monitoring and centralized digital reporting on effluents and emissions, aiming to improve sustainability metrics. An array of digital and cloud financial management tools, systems, and dashboards allow every aspect of the financial flow to and from entities to be managed, monitored, and optimized. The users, in both the customer and citizen persona, have become digitally savvy and experiential. The connected and sentient building, infrastructure, and city ecosystem increasingly allows for connected living where many services can already be accessed digitally. 2. Connected Lifecycle Management The construction industry is using digital and automation technologies at every stage of projects – from design to monetization of building, infrastructure, or city systems. Ingredient technologies such as internet of things, artificial intelligence, block chain, distributed computing, edge and mesh intelligence, cloud computing, big data analytics, and data visualization are allowing the industry to plan better and act predictively. The Design phase, in addition to using design and planning tools and technologies, is increasingly adopting concepts of wellness, biophilia, and blue-green integrations to blend technology and architecture. The Build phase has significantly transformed through innovative construction materials and methods, as well as digital, cloud, and sensor based solutions to monitor staff, progress, audits, and errors in construction. The entire land records management system in the country has been digitalized, and plans are underway to use drone based mapping to catalogue all assets and sites at a national level. The Sell phase is using technologies and platforms that have disintermediated some ecosystem partners and aggregated others, increasing the flow of information, communication, validations, and transactions. From marketing to site visits to legal documentation and commercial transactions, every step has been digitally transformed through a combination of AR/VR, AI/ML, digital, and cloud technologies. The Operate phase is seeing newer models of maintenance and management of assets over the long term. Tech enabled metering and monitoring allows for discretization of pay per use type of commercial arrangements, which can be digitally contracted and managed. This allows multi-stakeholder and multi-user assets to operate seamlessly. Multiple automation and real time monitoring systems and solutions – whether fully integrated or point solutions, are enhancing visibility and improving efficiency of operational performance. The Experience phase ensures an interplay of operational and service related systems and technologies allow the users to better access services at building, infrastructure, or city level. There is a lot of emphasis on enhancing customer experience by reducing wait times, improving service levels, creating areas and systems for interaction and engagement, and delivering a better quality of work or life to the end user. The Monetization phase is increasingly at the top of mind of administrators, owners, and operators of construction assets. Long return on investment cycles and complex modes of deployment of public and private capital predicate focus on easing the flow of money and identifying multiple modes of monetization to ensure that projects can succeed. Value added services through retail, advertising, data, or service based use cases are allowing for recurring revenues to be generated. Many of these services can be digitally conceptualized, delivered, and managed. 3. Connected Systems and Services Buildings and infrastructure spaces are increasingly envisioning themselves as an interconnected system of functions, utilities and services, all managed centrally and digitally through a building level control room or an infrastructure or city level integrated control and command center. The set of technologies first adopted for smart cities - such as networking and connectivity; smart management of water, waste, lighting, power, sewage, air quality and emissions; smart access to services and retail; interconnected mobility, parking, and traffic management; and managing request-response systems and on-demand servicing and issues management - are increasingly becoming important for buildings and infrastructure projects. Transport hubs are reimagining themselves as microcities. Road assets are creating logistics hubs and multiple digital monetization channels. Buildings are transforming into mixed use spaces that are accessed and managed digitally. On-demand, surge, discounted pricing mechanisms rely on complex algorithms and predictive forecasts. Multiple indices and standard comparative metrics are being considered by users, governments, regulators, and financiers of patient long-term capital. At the building level, Green ratings and Well Building standards are being measured and reported, and creating methods of differentiating premium and non-premium buildings. Global Infrastructure rankings rate countries in the quality and density and access of road, transport, utilities, and other major infrastructure systems and projects. Ease of Living Index and Sustainable Development Goals create the benchmarks to measure and monitor the performance and impact of city systems. Increasingly, gamification through Swachh Survekshan, Municipal Performance Index, and other city, state, and national level assessments is creating awareness and improving service levels. The indices themselves rely on a set on technology inclusion within projects and technology systems to aid performance measurement.

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Real Estate Technology, Asset Management

8 Steps to Find (& Stick With) the Right Real Estate Investing Strategy for You

Article | June 15, 2023

Search online for real estate investment strategies, and you’ll be overwhelmed with the information overload that hits you. Self-proclaimed experts, gurus, and never before heard of writers (because everyone has a book these days) keep posting hordes of stuff regarding where you should focus your efforts and what you should put your money into. Read a few of these sources, and you’ll see that most of the stuff is the same. It’s very unusual to find ideas that are starkly different online. Head to the store and buy books on investment strategies. Though definitely not to-the-point and instead highly detailed, once you finish reading, you will find yourself at the same spot you were before. Countless case studies, multiple options, a lot of theory, and no practical application! Don’t fret. My article today isn’t going to give you 10 more real estate investment strategies.

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Real Estate Technology

5 Ways to Build Wealth through Real Estate Investing

Article | July 25, 2022

When people talk about real estate investing, they often only talk about whether the value of the home goes up or down. While that may be true if your only investment was in your primary residence, it completely misses many strategies for creating wealth through investment properties. The fact is, there are five different ways owning investment real estate can help create wealth for you.

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Real Estate Technology, Asset Management

Enhance Asset Management Efficiencies with Data-driven Real Estate

Article | June 15, 2023

Explore the potential of data-driven real estate in optimizing asset management and revolutionizing strategies. Learn how advanced technology is changing the future of real estate asset management. Contents 1. Importance of Data-driven Decision Making in Asset Management 2. Overcoming Difficulties to become Data-driven Real Estate Business 2.1 Availability of Data and Connectivity 2.2 Implementation of a Structured and Agile Development Process 2.3 Accelerating Speed and Reducing Costs 3. Benefits of Data-driven Real Estate Asset Management 3.1 Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings 3.2 Improved Tenant Satisfaction and Retention 3.3 Better Risk Management and Decision-making 3.4 Increased asset value and profitability 4. Data-driven Asset Management Solutions 4.1 Property Management Solutions Providers 4.2 Digital Asset Management Solutions Providers 4.3 Project Portfolio Management Solutions Providers 5. Emerging Data-driven Asset Management Patterns 1. Importance of Data-driven Decision Making in Asset Management Real estate asset management is a complex and competitive industry, presenting challenges for asset managers and portfolio managers. Gathering and analyzing information provides valuable insights for data-driven decision making, impacting the success of real estate investments. Decision-making through insights allows real estate asset managers, as well as portfolio managers, to identify trends for the future of digital real estate asset management, make accurate predictions, and forecast future outcomes. For example, data analytics can provide insights related to occupancy rates, rent growth, and lease renewals, which further helps in strategic decision-making for the future. 2. Overcoming Difficulties to Become Data-driven Real Estate Business Corporate real estate asset management requires strategic planning and informed decision-making. Utilizing data-driven approaches, valuable insights into commercial property performance can be gained, leading to optimized operations, reduced costs, and increased profits. However, implementing a data-driven approach comes with its own set of challenges. Therefore, executives and managers in the real estate industry need to understand how to overcome these difficulties and successfully transform their businesses through data-driven operations. Key challenges the businesses must address include data availability, structured processes, and cost efficiency, all of which are essential for improving the effectiveness of asset management in the long run. 2.1 Availability of Data and Connectivity Reliable data availability is a significant challenge in data-driven decision-making for real estate businesses, as the data generated is often fragmented and siloed across different departments. To overcome this challenge, businesses must invest in technology cloud-based platforms, APIs, and data warehouses to enable seamless data integration and connectivity across the organization. In addition, organizations must consider implementing an integrated data management system to analyze data from multiple sources, providing the decision-makers with a comprehensive view of the organization's performance. 2.2 Implementation of a Structured and Agile Development Process For businesses adopting a data-driven methodology, implementing a structured and agile development process is a major challenge. A data-driven approach requires a planned data collection, analysis, and decision-making process. At the same time, the process needs to be adaptable to the changing market conditions and business requirements. To overcome this challenge, businesses must establish a formal process for data-driven decision-making, including clear roles and responsibilities, data governance policies, regular reporting and analysis. This can be achieved by leveraging agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and automation tools. 2.3 Accelerating Speed and Reducing Costs Speed and cost reduction are critical challenges for real estate businesses that operate in a highly-competitive market Data-driven decision-making is time-consuming and expensive, demanding executives and managers to invest in tools that can automate the data analysis and decision-making process. It includes implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to rapidly process large amounts of data and provide real-time insights to facilitate informed decision-making. 3. Benefits of Data-driven Real Estate Asset Management Data-driven real estate asset management has the potential to revolutionize the way real estate businesses operate. Businesses will be able to unlock valuable insights to enhance overall operations and drive innovation by leveraging asset management tools and techniques. 3.1 Increased Efficiency and Cost Savings Data-driven commercial real estate asset management services offer businesses a powerful tool for increasing efficiency. Businesses must automate their manual processes and optimize workflows to increase productivity by leveraging real estate automation tools. It will save time, money and improve the overall quality of service provided to tenants, leading to higher tenant satisfaction rates. Additionally, data-driven decision-making help businesses identify areas to reduce unnecessary expenses, like energy consumption or maintenance costs. 3.2 Improved Tenant Satisfaction and Retention Real estate businesses understand tenants better and improve satisfaction as well as retention rates by managing assets using data-driven methods. By analyzing demographics, behavior, and preferences data, businesses can determine tenants' needs regarding property and make informed decisions to improve services and tailor offerings accordingly. In addition, it leads to higher satisfaction rates and helps companies to retain tenants, which is crucial for long-term success in the real estate industry. 3.3 Better Risk Management and Decision-making Real estate enterprises can make more informed decisions and better manage risks with data-driven asset management. Businesses must use real estate data analytics tools to examine property performance, identify potential opportunities and risks. It improves the accuracy and reliability of their decision-making process and helps mitigate risks more effectively. Furthermore, by incorporating predictive analytics in the real estate decision-making process, businesses can anticipate future trends and proactively take measures to address potential issues before they occur. 3.4 Increased Asset Value and Profitability Data-driven real estate asset management help businesses improve the value and profitability of assets. Business intelligence in real estate helps interpret property management data. In addition, businesses can identify areas for improvement, like cost savings or increasing rental rates. It can result in improved asset value, leading to higher profitability. Furthermore, by analyzing data on market trends of real estate asset management and tenant behavior, businesses can also identify potential areas for investment, leading to increased profitability in the long run. 4. Data-driven Asset Management Solutions Data-driven asset management solutions help real estate businesses manage assets more efficiently and effectively. With data analytics, businesses will be able to streamline their operations, make better-informed decisions, and increase asset value. Ultimately, it will result in overcoming the difficulties in managing the assets and improving the portfolio performance. With the help of advanced technology and automation tools, one can stay ahead of the curve in the highly competitive market and achieve business objectives effectively. 4.1 Property Management Solutions Providers TenantCloud TenantCloud is a cloud-based property management solution provider that offers comprehensive tools and features for real estate businesses to manage their assets efficiently. Its property management software enables real estate executives and asset managers to automate their workflow, increase efficiency, and reduce costs by centralizing and streamlining their property management processes. Its platform provides real-time visibility into property performance, tenant behavior, and rental income, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions and identify opportunities for growth. Its online portal also allows tenants to submit maintenance requests, pay rent online, and communicate with property managers seamlessly. London Computer Systems London Computer Systems (LCS) is a leading real estate asset management service provider established in 1987. Its flagship product, Rent Manager, is a Property Management Software that offers a comprehensive solution for property management, including integrated accounting, contact management, work orders, and marketing solutions. LCS offers Net Dial Tone VoIP telephone systems, enterprise-level hosting solutions, network design and support services, and custom website development. With its customer-focused approach and advanced technology, The company streamlines operations by eliminating the need for multiple programs and driving innovation in the real estate industry. DoorLoop DoorLoop is a cloud-based property management software that specializes in real estate software, commercial real estate PMS, and residential property management software. Its solutions offer a range of features, including lease management, rent collection, maintenance requests, accounting, and reporting. With DoorLoop, managers and executives in real estate businesses can easily manage their properties and tenants from a single platform, improving efficiency and streamlining processes. Guesty Guesty is an end-to-end property management solution provider that offers a comprehensive platform for managing short-term rental properties. Its features include multi-calendar management, automated messaging, dynamic pricing, guest communication, and channel management. With Guesty's intuitive and user-friendly dashboard, real estate businesses can easily manage their properties anywhere. Its innovative solutions help businesses stay ahead of the competition, enhance their efficiency, and drive growth in the real estate industry. 4.2 Digital Asset Management Solutions Providers Canto Canto is one of the leading digital asset management solution providers for visual communications to help real estate companies of all sizes. Established in 1990, Canto is one of the digital asset management industry pioneers. 2,500+ customers leverage Canto’s software to organize, find and share videos and images that helps to work faster and build a brand in this evolving digital ecosystem of real estate businesses. Bynder Bynder is a digital asset management solution provider that is a centralized platform for managing all marketing and creative assets. Its features include asset organization and categorization, asset distribution and sharing, digital rights management, and analytics. Its solution enables real estate businesses to streamline their asset management workflows, collaborate more efficiently, as well as reduce the time and resources required to manage their digital assets. Bynder also integrates with other software tools, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, WordPress, and Salesforce, allowing seamless workflow integration. Aprimo Aprimo is a marketing operations platform provider that offers digital asset management, marketing resource management, and campaign management solutions. Businesses will be able to streamline marketing process workflows using the centralized platform. Aprimo's features include digital asset management, workflow automation, project management, budget tracking, and marketing performance analytics. With the company’s centralized platform, real estate businesses can optimize their marketing operations and drive innovation. The platform also enables businesses to collaborate on projects and measure the impact of marketing campaigns, leading to increased efficiency. 4.3 Project Portfolio Management Solutions Providers ClickUp ClickUp is an all-in-one productivity platform that offers a wide range of features, including task management, time tracking, calendars, and project reporting. Enterprises utilize the platform for creating Gantt charts, and tasks, tracking time, and reporting to stay on top of their projects and meet deadlines. The company enables effective project portfolio management, playing a crucial role in real estate asset management by helping businesses streamline their operations, optimize resources, reduce costs, mitigate risks, and drive innovation. Organizations can leverage this solution to ensure the effective delivery of projects, maintain alignment with strategic objectives, and ultimately achieve better outcomes for their real estate assets. Saviom Software Saviom Software provides futuristic resource management and workforce planning solutions that help real estate businesses optimize project portfolio resources, schedules, and budgets. Its solution offers features such as capacity planning, project scheduling, forecasting, and resource allocation, which are crucial for effective real estate asset and project portfolio management. It benefits real estate industry professionals by providing extensive features to improve project delivery times, resource utilization, and cost management. In addition, it enables real estate organizations to enhance team collaboration, automate manual processes, and reduce administrative burdens, leading to greater efficiency and profitability. Octalsoft Octalsoft is a project portfolio management solution provider that offers a comprehensive suite of tools to manage real estate assets efficiently. Its features include project planning, resource management, budgeting, and risk analysis. In addition, its project and portfolio management solution offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, providing insights into project performance and identifying areas for improvement. By streamlining project management processes, Octalsoft's project and portfolio management solution drives innovation by allowing real estate asset management companies to focus on high-value activities and drive better outcomes. 5. Emerging Data-driven Asset Management Patterns Data-driven asset management is essential in the real estate industry, allowing businesses to optimize efficiency, improve tenant satisfaction, manage risks, and increase asset value and profitability. The emerging data-driven asset management patterns discussed showcase how businesses can leverage technology and data analytics to drive innovation. The variety of solutions offered by project portfolio management, property management, and digital asset management solution providers enable real estate businesses to streamline processes, increase collaboration, and make data-driven decisions. Investing in these solutions will help real estate businesses to remain competitive and achieve long-term success.

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Spotlight

GURNER

GURNER™ is a luxury developer with a difference. With over 5,500 apartments totalling an end value of more than $3.5 billion under development across the eastern seaboard of Australia, we create design-led residences in vibrant locations which offer elegant architecture and a timeless appeal.

Related News

Real Estate Technology

SmartRent Launches Alloy SmartHome Hub+

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

SmartRent, Inc., the leading provider of smart home and property operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today announced the launch of Alloy SmartHome Hub+, the Company’s first thermostat with an integrated smart hub device developed under its Alloy SmartHome hardware brand. This innovative product, one of few on the market that integrates a thermostat with a smart hub device, operates on Z-Wave protocol and has less hardware to install and maintain. In addition to the built-in thermostat technology, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ establishes a single interface to control connected smart home devices, enabling users to turn off multiple lights in a home at once, remotely lock and unlock doors, receive alerts and automatically notify maintenance when a sensor detects a leak. “Alloy SmartHome Hub+, a device years in the making, is our latest solution that paves the way for the next generation of smarter living and working in rental housing,” said SmartRent CEO Lucas Haldeman. “Designed with our customers’ needs in mind, and inclusive of the feedback they’ve shared about the desire for less hardware, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ delivers sophistication and convenience, all while driving rent growth. Feedback from our beta pilot has been positive, and customer interest indicates eager demand to deploy this solution at scale. We are proud to bring Alloy SmartHome Hub+ to the market at large and to continue eliminating obstacles and easing implementation in the industry.” This high-value yet economical device builds upon existing SmartRent technologies by consolidating the hub hardware within a smart thermostat, which streamlines procurement, expedites installation and IoT setup. Alloy SmartHome Hub+ can be configured and paired with most HVAC systems and is compatible with smart locks, smart lights, leak sensors and other Z-Wave devices. About SmartRent Founded in 2017, SmartRent, Inc. is a leading provider of smart home and smart property solutions for the multifamily industry. The company’s unmatched platform, comprised of smart hardware and cloud-based SaaS solutions, gives operators seamless visibility and control over real estate assets, empowering them to simplify operations, automate workflows, benefit from additional revenue opportunities and deliver exceptional site team and resident experiences. SmartRent serves 15 of the top 20 multifamily owners and operators, and its solutions enable millions of users to live smarter every day.

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Real Estate Technology

EVORA Global Announces Acquisition of Metry

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

EVORA Global, a leading provider of tech-enabled sustainability solutions to the real asset industry, today announces its strategic acquisition of Metry, Europe’s number one platform for environmental data collection. The move will establish new standards in data excellence and technological innovation, delivering comprehensive data solutions for the global real estate and infrastructure investment industry. The acquisition signifies an improved level of data automation and quality for EVORA’s clients, achieved through direct connections to fiscal meters and hubs. This approach eliminates data gaps and reinforces the overall reliability of information provided into their analytics and content management platform, SIERA. EVORA's dedication to data quality and validation underscores the company's commitment to ensuring that all sustainability data is analytics-ready, combining external data sources with EVORA's expertise in regulations and carbon accounting, whilst simultaneously upholding the highest standards in the industry. Metry's customers will gain access to EVORA's expertise in setting strategy and implementing net-zero carbon initiatives in their real asset portfolios, broadening the value proposition available to them. This collaborative expertise - integrating human insights with advanced technology - is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of both companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Metry into the EVORA family," said Pradeep Menon, EVORA Global CEO. "This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower real asset investors with the tools and data needed to drive sustainable practices in the built environment. It will enable us to offer unparalleled services to our clients, solving for the climate challenge.” “This the perfect match,” said Magnus Hornef, Metry CEO and co-founder, who will be joining EVORA’s Executive Committee as Chief Data Officer. “We are enabling each other to make a bigger impact faster and I’m really excited about expanding our data collection capabilities to all of EVORA’s customers. It is a giant leap towards connecting every building with reliable data and automated collection.” About EVORA Global: EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 150 clients. About Metry: Metry is the #1 platform for environmental data collection in Europe, with a primary focus on energy data. With over a decade of expertise, Metry empowers companies to develop and use energy-saving technologies and IoT solutions, contributing to real change for the environment. Currently serving over 200 companies in more than 10 countries, Metry is actively expanding internationally to offer full data collection coverage in Europe.

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Real Estate Technology

Cushman & Wakefield Collaborates with Microsoft to Enhance AI Technology Platform

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in real estate services, today announced the firm is working with Microsoft to deploy an advanced suite of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. “We are committed to seamlessly integrating our people with the right technology and processes to enhance service offerings to our clients. Today’s launch of the use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 at Cushman & Wakefield again demonstrates our ability to pair robust technologies with market intelligence and expertise,” said Salumeh Companieh, Chief Information & Data Officer, Cushman & Wakefield. Since 2018, Cushman & Wakefield has been focused on aligning business, data, and operations. Results to date range from an 80% material reduction in operational cycle time, to a reduction of client supply chain costs via proprietary supply chain network optimization capabilities. Azure OpenAI Service Azure OpenAI Service is a cloud-based generative AI solution that offers customers a range of capabilities, including access to cutting-edge AI models, backed by the power of Azure. With Azure OpenAI Service, Cushman & Wakefield can benefit from the power of cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions for its clients and stakeholders. Azure OpenAI Service enables Cushman & Wakefield to create custom copilots that can enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and increase competitive advantage. The platform enables developers to build, deploy, and manage AI solutions for various scenarios and domains. Some of the features of Azure OpenAI Service include machine learning, cognitive services, bot framework, computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and more. Microsoft Technology Centers Microsoft Technology Centers are facilities that provide immersive experiences and deep technical engagements in 50+ locations around the world. Microsoft Technology Center architects collaborate with academic, industry, and government partners to advance the state of the art in AI and create positive impact for society. The Microsoft Technology Center is providing Cushman & Wakefield with access to cutting-edge research, tools, and top specialists from Microsoft and its partners to develop powerful and adaptable applications that use AI features. It is also providing insight into various areas and problems that need AI solutions, with learning and improvement through feedback and advice. Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 brings the power of next-generation AI, grounded in the user and company’s data, to Microsoft’s workplace productivity tools like Teams and Outlook and Word. It works alongside users to provide suggestions, summaries, generate, analyze and explore content and data across documents, presentations, spreadsheets, notes, chats, email, meetings, and more. Ensuring the safety and security of interactions with Generative AI is a crucial value driver for Cushman & Wakefield. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers a high level of security for how the firm leverages GPT models, providing confidence that data is not exposed for training and does not leave the company’s ecosystem, thus safeguarding confidential information. “With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation at Cushman & Wakefield and across commercial real estate,” said Laura Craig, General Manager, Data & AI, Microsoft. “We’re collaborating with Cushman & Wakefield to bring together AI advances that benefit from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to empower the firm’s professionals with new, AI-powered tools.” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2022, the firm reported revenue of $10.1 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more.

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Real Estate Technology

SmartRent Launches Alloy SmartHome Hub+

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

SmartRent, Inc., the leading provider of smart home and property operations solutions for the rental housing industry, today announced the launch of Alloy SmartHome Hub+, the Company’s first thermostat with an integrated smart hub device developed under its Alloy SmartHome hardware brand. This innovative product, one of few on the market that integrates a thermostat with a smart hub device, operates on Z-Wave protocol and has less hardware to install and maintain. In addition to the built-in thermostat technology, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ establishes a single interface to control connected smart home devices, enabling users to turn off multiple lights in a home at once, remotely lock and unlock doors, receive alerts and automatically notify maintenance when a sensor detects a leak. “Alloy SmartHome Hub+, a device years in the making, is our latest solution that paves the way for the next generation of smarter living and working in rental housing,” said SmartRent CEO Lucas Haldeman. “Designed with our customers’ needs in mind, and inclusive of the feedback they’ve shared about the desire for less hardware, Alloy SmartHome Hub+ delivers sophistication and convenience, all while driving rent growth. Feedback from our beta pilot has been positive, and customer interest indicates eager demand to deploy this solution at scale. We are proud to bring Alloy SmartHome Hub+ to the market at large and to continue eliminating obstacles and easing implementation in the industry.” This high-value yet economical device builds upon existing SmartRent technologies by consolidating the hub hardware within a smart thermostat, which streamlines procurement, expedites installation and IoT setup. Alloy SmartHome Hub+ can be configured and paired with most HVAC systems and is compatible with smart locks, smart lights, leak sensors and other Z-Wave devices. About SmartRent Founded in 2017, SmartRent, Inc. is a leading provider of smart home and smart property solutions for the multifamily industry. The company’s unmatched platform, comprised of smart hardware and cloud-based SaaS solutions, gives operators seamless visibility and control over real estate assets, empowering them to simplify operations, automate workflows, benefit from additional revenue opportunities and deliver exceptional site team and resident experiences. SmartRent serves 15 of the top 20 multifamily owners and operators, and its solutions enable millions of users to live smarter every day.

Read More

Real Estate Technology

EVORA Global Announces Acquisition of Metry

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

EVORA Global, a leading provider of tech-enabled sustainability solutions to the real asset industry, today announces its strategic acquisition of Metry, Europe’s number one platform for environmental data collection. The move will establish new standards in data excellence and technological innovation, delivering comprehensive data solutions for the global real estate and infrastructure investment industry. The acquisition signifies an improved level of data automation and quality for EVORA’s clients, achieved through direct connections to fiscal meters and hubs. This approach eliminates data gaps and reinforces the overall reliability of information provided into their analytics and content management platform, SIERA. EVORA's dedication to data quality and validation underscores the company's commitment to ensuring that all sustainability data is analytics-ready, combining external data sources with EVORA's expertise in regulations and carbon accounting, whilst simultaneously upholding the highest standards in the industry. Metry's customers will gain access to EVORA's expertise in setting strategy and implementing net-zero carbon initiatives in their real asset portfolios, broadening the value proposition available to them. This collaborative expertise - integrating human insights with advanced technology - is a testament to the forward-thinking approach of both companies. "We are thrilled to welcome Metry into the EVORA family," said Pradeep Menon, EVORA Global CEO. "This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower real asset investors with the tools and data needed to drive sustainable practices in the built environment. It will enable us to offer unparalleled services to our clients, solving for the climate challenge.” “This the perfect match,” said Magnus Hornef, Metry CEO and co-founder, who will be joining EVORA’s Executive Committee as Chief Data Officer. “We are enabling each other to make a bigger impact faster and I’m really excited about expanding our data collection capabilities to all of EVORA’s customers. It is a giant leap towards connecting every building with reliable data and automated collection.” About EVORA Global: EVORA Global is a premier sustainability advisor, providing comprehensive, industry-leading climate solutions for real asset investors. With over a decade of experience, EVORA is dedicated to addressing the climate challenge posed by the real asset industry, focusing on the needs of investors in the built environment. Its clients include many of the biggest names in global real estate, including Invesco Real Estate, Hines and M&G. Founded in 2011, the company now has over 200 staff and 150 clients. About Metry: Metry is the #1 platform for environmental data collection in Europe, with a primary focus on energy data. With over a decade of expertise, Metry empowers companies to develop and use energy-saving technologies and IoT solutions, contributing to real change for the environment. Currently serving over 200 companies in more than 10 countries, Metry is actively expanding internationally to offer full data collection coverage in Europe.

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Real Estate Technology

Cushman & Wakefield Collaborates with Microsoft to Enhance AI Technology Platform

Business Wire | January 25, 2024

Cushman & Wakefield, a global leader in real estate services, today announced the firm is working with Microsoft to deploy an advanced suite of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions. “We are committed to seamlessly integrating our people with the right technology and processes to enhance service offerings to our clients. Today’s launch of the use of Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 at Cushman & Wakefield again demonstrates our ability to pair robust technologies with market intelligence and expertise,” said Salumeh Companieh, Chief Information & Data Officer, Cushman & Wakefield. Since 2018, Cushman & Wakefield has been focused on aligning business, data, and operations. Results to date range from an 80% material reduction in operational cycle time, to a reduction of client supply chain costs via proprietary supply chain network optimization capabilities. Azure OpenAI Service Azure OpenAI Service is a cloud-based generative AI solution that offers customers a range of capabilities, including access to cutting-edge AI models, backed by the power of Azure. With Azure OpenAI Service, Cushman & Wakefield can benefit from the power of cloud computing, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions for its clients and stakeholders. Azure OpenAI Service enables Cushman & Wakefield to create custom copilots that can enhance customer experience, improve operational efficiency, and increase competitive advantage. The platform enables developers to build, deploy, and manage AI solutions for various scenarios and domains. Some of the features of Azure OpenAI Service include machine learning, cognitive services, bot framework, computer vision, natural language processing, speech recognition and more. Microsoft Technology Centers Microsoft Technology Centers are facilities that provide immersive experiences and deep technical engagements in 50+ locations around the world. Microsoft Technology Center architects collaborate with academic, industry, and government partners to advance the state of the art in AI and create positive impact for society. The Microsoft Technology Center is providing Cushman & Wakefield with access to cutting-edge research, tools, and top specialists from Microsoft and its partners to develop powerful and adaptable applications that use AI features. It is also providing insight into various areas and problems that need AI solutions, with learning and improvement through feedback and advice. Copilot for Microsoft 365 Copilot for Microsoft 365 brings the power of next-generation AI, grounded in the user and company’s data, to Microsoft’s workplace productivity tools like Teams and Outlook and Word. It works alongside users to provide suggestions, summaries, generate, analyze and explore content and data across documents, presentations, spreadsheets, notes, chats, email, meetings, and more. Ensuring the safety and security of interactions with Generative AI is a crucial value driver for Cushman & Wakefield. Copilot for Microsoft 365 offers a high level of security for how the firm leverages GPT models, providing confidence that data is not exposed for training and does not leave the company’s ecosystem, thus safeguarding confidential information. “With this next generation of AI, we have a unique opportunity to accelerate innovation at Cushman & Wakefield and across commercial real estate,” said Laura Craig, General Manager, Data & AI, Microsoft. “We’re collaborating with Cushman & Wakefield to bring together AI advances that benefit from Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service and Copilot for Microsoft 365 to empower the firm’s professionals with new, AI-powered tools.” About Cushman & Wakefield Cushman & Wakefield is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in approximately 400 offices and 60 countries. In 2022, the firm reported revenue of $10.1 billion across its core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, and valuation and other services. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and more.

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