Sal Companieh, Chief Digital & Information Officer, talks to Richard Middleton, President, International Client Delivery (Global Occupier Services), about technology, data, and people— highlighting the pivotal role that data and technology play in shaping corporate real estate operations and organizational strategy.
Five Lessons Learned from Data, People, and Technology: Unlocking Better Decisions in CRE
- Embrace technology—it’s inseparable from real estate operations. Technology is deeply integrated into every aspect of real estate operations—from using drones to evaluate building contents and managing maintenance to providing access and organization to data and analysis. Integrated technology is essential for optimizing corporate real estate strategy and operations.
- Adopt a tailored approach. Real estate is not a one-size-fits-all industry, and technology has made it possible to tailor solutions for an organization’s specific environment and needs. A consultative approach ensures that the chosen technology—whether existing, newly introduced or a combination of both—aligns with a company’s goals and is customized to deliver desired outcomes.
- Understand the inextricable relationship between technology and data. Keeping the focus on real-time, curated, and augmented data—not just the technology or software—provides valuable insights and enables more informed and strategic decision-making when it comes to investments, property management and overall business strategy. With complete ownership and control over data, organizations are better equipped to use their data in the most effective way possible and to create enhanced experiences across the real estate ecosystem.
- Value transparency and access to data. Advanced technology solutions can provide a clear view and real-time insights into an organization’s assets and operations. Being able to see what’s happening inside a physical building—without a physical walkthrough—is a key differentiator to set companies apart from their competition.
- Prioritize continuous innovation and adaptation—and keep people at the center of it all. Find the pain points and prioritize technology investments based on those opportunities. Develop partnerships that focus on the desired outcomes—not just tinkering with the technology—where there is proactive partnership and support to optimize portfolios and operations, and to co-create results along the digital journey.
