Apartment Trends Magazine March 2017 | Page 22

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