RON MILANO | LEGACY PARTNERS
DAVID BEINHORN | SARES REGIS GROUP
THE TECHNOLOGICAL MAINTENANCE MAN
Can you believe how much technology has changed in the maintenance field? Just twenty years ago, work orders were filled out by hand and make-ready turn boards were not digital.
Now that tools like Yardi or On-Site started to be implemented in the property management industry, the maintenance technician as needed to adapt faster. We can ' t hear“ It’ s ok, he is just not computer savvy " anymore. Maintenance techs need to have a good understanding of most industry systems, apps and tools.
These days, maintenance supervisors need to spend most of their morning updating their management system, closing work orders or changing the unit availability dates Yardi ' s new mobile app and the Happy Inspector mobile app makes it faster and easier to complete due diligence, light inspections, unit-to-unit inspections and more.
HD Supply and Wilmar have great apps and websites that make ordering new parts to order parts quick and painless for supervisors on the go- namely the ability to save your favorite parts- saving you time and the headache of having to look up part numbers.
With more companies adding community wide Wi-Fi to their amenities, maintenance teams are switching to tablets over clipboards. Imagine completing a turn check list or a work order as it is completed. In this fast and ever changing industry the ones who have seen it happen, we are the teachers of the future technicians. It is important for them to implement technology into their skill set from the start of their career.
As important as technology is in the property management industry, the human side is still the most important. Over the years, I have learned that the best team retention happens on a personal level. Treating them like a person is more important than anything I could offer to their career. Technology is a great tool to build their skill. Being a good mentor is the best way to build a solid team.
- Kristopher Corfield, Fairways at Lowry
PROFILES
RON MILANO | LEGACY PARTNERS
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT MAINTENANCE AND TECHNOLOGY NOW AND IN THE FUTURE?
Maintenance is heading that way, and technology will help to reduce call backs and questions from residents when we communicate via the portals we have. I would like to get my staff iPads for their work orders.
WHAT IS TRENDING UP IN MAINTENANCE?
“ Technology, more tech savvy. Everything can be run off your phone. You can unlock doors, change your thermostat, and turn on your lights, all with your phone.”
WHAT IS TRENDING DOWN IN MAINTENANCE?
Analogue. You’ re not getting phone lines in units anymore. Residents also want to contact you more via email and less by phone calls.
HOW DO YOU RETAIN EMPLOYEES
Treat them right. Trust their decision making. Give them responsibilities and make them accountable. Don’ t micromanage them.
DAVID BEINHORN | SARES REGIS GROUP
HOW IS TECHNOLOGY CHANGING THE MAINTENANCE PROFESSION?
With all the technology we have today with smartphones and other digital devices to diagnose problems on the spot. we are better able to solve a problem quickly and save money. Whether it is down time or minimizing damage to a building or a system.
WHAT ARE THE BEST WAYS OF ATTRACTING AND RETAINING YOUR TEAM?
Attracting good people is being a good leader who people want to follow and learn from. someone who will work with you to build you up so you want to succeed in the work place. And do so because they do not want to let you and the team down.
WHAT ARE THE MOST USEFUL AND LEAST USEFUL TOOLS YOU USE IN YOUR DAY-TO-DAY?
With all the technology out there today pretty much all of us have a smartphone that we use every day to communicate with others what we need. You can look up information on the spot or if needed take a picture and get it to the people who need the information on the spot. Being available to answer questions when on the job is crucial to being there for the team. over the years I have come across some useless tools but quickly found a way to eliminate them from the tool bag to minimize wasted time. all tools have a propose it is just finding out which tools can do more than one thing to reduce waist.
20 | TRENDS • MARCH 2017 www. aamdhq. org