Embracing Change: Navigating Technology Implementation in Property Management
By Cris Kimbrough, Chief Strategy Officer, SKBM Smart Technology
Change is never easy, especially when it involves adopting new technology. Having spent years working at the intersection of emerging technologies and real estate, I’ve seen firsthand how daunting it can be for property owners to integrate smart building solutions into their operations. At SKBM Smart Technology, we understand the unique challenges property owners face, especially those in the middle-market. Our focus has always been on making this transition as smooth as possible, allowing owners to enjoy the benefits of new technology without feeling overwhelmed by the process.
Middle-Market Property Owners and the Challenges of Change
Middle-market property owners face specific challenges when implementing new technology. Unlike larger players, they often don’t have dedicated teams to manage complex rollouts or navigate the learning curve that comes with new systems. As a result, the idea of upgrading to smart technology can feel intimidating, even if the potential benefits are clear.
Our experience has taught us that the key to successful change management is a supportive, thoughtful approach that recognizes these challenges. We aren’t interested in forcing a one-size-fits-all solution onto properties. Instead, we work with owners to understand their specific needs and constraints, and we help guide them through the process.
How We Approach Change Management
One of the most significant hurdles to adopting new technology is ensuring that everyone—from the property manager to the maintenance team—feels comfortable with the change. This is why we focus heavily on training and support, and we leverage an AI-enabled training and knowledge base solution to make the process as effective as possible.
Our AI-enabled platform serves as both a training tool and a repository of knowledge for your team. Rather than relying solely on in-person training sessions that can be time-consuming and stressful, we provide staff with flexible, accessible training modules. This allows everyone to learn at their own pace, reducing the anxiety that often accompanies new systems.
The centralized knowledge base is another critical piece of our approach. When questions come up—whether during the initial rollout or months later—having a reliable source of information means that your team can continue their work with confidence. We know that consistency is crucial in property management, and our tools are designed to support that consistency even as new technologies are introduced.
Improving NOI Through Thoughtful Integration
At the end of the day, the goal of adopting new technology is to improve property performance—whether that means reducing costs, increasing efficiency, or enhancing tenant satisfaction. The right technology, implemented thoughtfully, can make a real difference in net operating income (NOI). By streamlining operations, reducing manual work, and offering new amenities that attract tenants, smart technology has the potential to significantly impact your bottom line.
But for these benefits to be realized, the implementation needs to be handled carefully. Our role is to guide property owners through this process, helping them avoid common pitfalls and making sure that the technology fits seamlessly into their existing operations. We approach each project as a partnership, and we measure our success by how comfortable and confident property teams feel with their new tools.
A Partnership for Long-Term Success
The journey doesn’t end after the technology is installed. Change management is an ongoing process, and we remain committed to supporting property owners well beyond the initial rollout. Our goal is to help property teams feel equipped and empowered to use new technology to its fullest potential. We believe that with the right support, change can become an opportunity for growth rather than a source of stress.
If you’re considering implementing new technology in your property and are worried about the challenges that come with it, know that you’re not alone. At SKBM, we’re here to help you navigate these changes, making the process easier and ensuring that your investment delivers real value for your property.
Author Bio:
Cris Kimbrough
Chief Strategy Officer
SKBM Smart Technology
[email protected]
Cris is Chief Strategy Officer with SKBM Smart Technology, bringing proptech to the multifamily industry. Previously, Cris acted as Senior Director of Smart Building Technology for Greystar, leading the development of a strategic initiative to utilize smart building technology to improve tenant satisfaction, streamline operations, and drive ancillary revenue to properties. Cris and her team consulted with clients and internal stakeholders to apply technologies that enhanced building operations and improved NOI. Throughout her career Cris has sat at the intersection of emerging technologies and their applications to commercial and multifamily real estate. She is often sought after as a speaker for her ability to provide technologists insights to the real estate community. Cris previously was Global Technology Solutions Director with CBRE. There, Cris initially focused on in- building cellular solutions, building a program to provide connectivity solutions to properties across the US, improving occupancy and tenant satisfaction. Subsequently, she helped found a building technology consultancy practice with the firm, working with asset managers to develop technology strategies for both commercial and multi-family properties nationwide. These technology solutions enabled owners to identify new rent rolls, enabled cost savings, and drove revenue to properties, significantly impacting NOI. Cris has a PhD in Anthropology from NYU where she participated in archaeological digs in Turkey, Syria, France, and the United States. She was awarded several grants to complete her dissertation research, most notably a Fulbright Fellowship that allowed her to spend a year in Turkey.
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