In the forceful  competitive field of real estate, there’s no such thing as “good enough.” Property managers balance a complex mix of tasks from tenant communications to maintenance requests to lease tracking, financial reporting and compliance while also trying to maximize profitability. Old-fashioned management methods based on spreadsheets, emails, or phone calls are ineffective anymore.

This is where an enterprise software steps in, turning property management from a manual process to a seamless, technology-driven operation. But while enterprise software makes us more efficient, it is also a cause of concern. Is technology making too impersonal property management? Is this making tenant relationships less human? We’ll look at both the pros and cons.

Business Software Pains in Property Management 

Automation boosts productivity, however, some people fear that it threatens the tenant-manager bond. The trick is to keep technology only an enhancement to your productivity, not a substitute for engaging with people as people.

Enterprise software is costly. Large real estate firms can see the ROI clearly, and smaller property managers must determine if the benefits outweigh the upfront costs and subscription fees that follow.

Centralized data systems are threats to security. With the majority of property management processes now running through software, property managers need to ensure that their software provider has robust security measures in place and is compliant with data protection regulations.

Striking the Right Balance

Enterprise software, in the meanwhile, is transforming property management, automation of workflows, data-driven decision making, etc. Technology must, however, augment and not supplant human engagement. Successful property managers use automation strategically not just to save time, but to make more time for meaningful engagement with tenants.

Enterprise software is not a question for real estate professionals, but rather how enterprise software can be writ large in every property management approach while keeping the all-important personal touch in play that is the trademark of great property management.

Has technology made property management better or less personal? Let’s discuss!