Using technology to streamline operations

May 13, 2010

I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times the other day about Microsoft and their intent to better compete with Google documents in the “cloud computing arena”. This basically means data is stored on computers that is easily accessible from anywhere. While Redside has been and intends to be big users of Microsoft software for the foreseeable future, I couldn’t help but think “it’s about time” when reading this article. Over a year ago we started working more closely with our resident managers and have trained them all with Google documents. Sharing spreadsheets allows us all to go to one repository to see who has and has not paid and review any resident notes. We can go back and review data from last year and don’t have to worry about “who is working from the most recent spreadsheet”.

By and large property management is a simple business where folks are less likely to embrace new technologies to streamline operations. I’m a big believer in trying to find new ways to streamline operations whether it’s through our use of Google documents or using the camera on my phone to email pictures of apartments or work that needs to be done quickly.