Despite the hype surrounding AI, automation and analytics, most property teams still rely on manual spreadsheets, gut feelings and disconnected systems to manage their assets, according to a new report
Rewiring Real Estate from Nemetschek warns of a “digital disconnect” across the industry, despite increased requirements for fulfilling sustainability compliance, rapid technological advancement and escalating demands on property managers.
The research, which surveyed property managers across the UK, US and Germany, highlights a need for vendors to bridge the knowledge gap by educating the industry on how to better leverage the technology already within its reach.
‘Gut’ over data
Perhaps the most prevalent theme throughout the research is the persistence of instinct-led decision-making, even as property portfolios grow more complex.
The “instinct over data” mindset is further demonstrated by nearly half (49%) of professionals continuing to collect and manage data manually in spreadsheets, with 23% storing data across multiple, disconnected systems.
Another 23% said their data is paper-based (and that figure grew to 34.3% for industrial operators), and only 5% link data on a specialised platform.
“The industry recognises the value of data but remains trapped by outdated workflows,” said Dr Jimmy Abualdenien, head of digital twin product at Nemetschek Group.
“Real transformation won’t come from buying new software to map isolated processes; it will come from connecting all operational data to achieve efficiency gains through monitoring, prediction and automated optimisations based on the complete actual reality.”
Doing more with much less
The report also highlights the mounting pressure facing property managers as they navigate rising expectations and limited resources.
Some 79% say they face more challenges with fewer staff, with that figure climbing to 84% among retail property managers. Another 75% of all respondents agreed that creating required reports is a complex, time-consuming and mainly manual task.
These stats suggest that while operational efficiency remains a steadfast goal, many teams lack the tools, or time, to achieve it.
Educate, not just innovate
Rewiring Real Estate calls for a collaborative approach between technology providers and real estate operators to foster innovation in the world’s oldest asset class.
More than three-quarters (77%) of professionals say they need constant insight into real-time building performance and 79% believe there should be a single repository for all critical building data.
Yet, even for those respondents who store data electronically and know how to find it, there are limitations to the value they can derive from it. Across UK, German and US markets, 37% of professionals say they need expert knowledge to understand the data they have.
The report says vendors must move beyond product promotion to deliver real-world education, showing firms how to unlock the value of digital tools that can streamline data, improve efficiency and drive more informed decisions.
“Technology isn’t the barrier, understanding is, Dr Abualdenien said.
“Vendors and operators must work hand in hand to rewire how this industry thinks about data and decision-making.”
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