by Rob Murchison

Leadership in the era of technology and AI is not about having all the answers—it is about taking the first step, even when the path forward is unclear. For asset managers, facility managers, and IT leaders, navigating the complexities of integrating technology into buildings and portfolios can feel overwhelming. Still, the truth remains: You don’t need to be amazing to start, but you must start to be amazing.

The journey of using technology in commercial real estate (CRE) is not a sprint; it is a marathon. It is understandable to feel daunted by the sheer volume of data, analytics, AI capabilities, smart building tools, and the aging existing technology (which has often become technology debt). However, as leaders in operations who realize we must embrace technology, one of our most important roles is to nudge our teams forward, fostering a culture of exploration and learning. The key is to experiment and learn incrementally rather than attempting to quickly exploit by rushing toward full-scale implementation without a solid foundation. With a solid foundation, you can achieve small successes that will set you up for bigger accomplishments in the future.

I recommend alleviating the pressure of expecting an immediate return on investment (ROI).  Start by creating or choosing use cases that align with your portfolio’s specific needs. For example:

• Facility Managers might start by integrating automated fault detection and diagnostics (AFDD) into just one facility, tracking its ability to reduce downtime and repair costs. Note: Workflow integration is essential; do not take this step without first implementing a solid computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or integrated workplace management system (IWMS).
• Asset Managers might leverage AI-based building occupancy tools in a small portfolio segment to reveal insights on improving tenant satisfaction and retention. Some mind-boggling tools are available without installing a single sensor in your building because your occupants already bring their own sensors—their cell phones!
• IT Leaders may incorporate IT parlance and processes into the operational technology (OT) domain by establishing secure connections using a zero-trust architecture and software-defined networks to increase flexibility. Once secure connectivity is proven, IT and facilities can tackle one of their biggest challenges: knowing exactly what they have inside their buildings by testing solutions and services to automatically discover all the vintages and varieties of tech inside their buildings. They can start by implementing this in a single building and then expand it across their entire portfolio.

Wherever you start, start small—but don’t call it a pilot; establish that it is a proof of value.  In today’s CRE market, there are a plethora of proven use cases to commit to the business need far before selecting the technology solution. Allow yourself and your team to gain experience and build confidence with a new toolset. Or, if the offering is available and right for your business, use a managed service to quickly achieve a desired outcome and explore if that is the best delivery model for your organization. It is not about perfection—it is about progress. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings you closer to mastering the technological innovations that define the new order of leading CRE players and the future of our industry.

Embracing technology as a necessary asset to operational goals is not about being an expert from day one. It is about committing to a journey of continuous improvement. The sooner we take that first step, the sooner we lead by example and inspire our teams to follow. Let us embrace this opportunity to evolve and position ourselves for long-term success.