How can CRE innovation and technology support business agility and transformation?

1 Data-driven decision making

One of the main benefits of technology for CRE is the ability to collect, analyze, and visualize data from various sources, such as sensors, IoT devices, building management systems, and user feedback. Data can help CRE managers to monitor and optimize the utilization, condition, and performance of their assets, as well as to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies. Data can also help to align the CRE strategy with the business objectives, by providing insights into the needs, preferences, and behaviors of the employees and customers. For example, data can help to design and implement agile workspaces, hybrid work models, and personalized experiences.

2 Automation and integration

Another advantage of technology for CRE is the potential to automate and integrate various processes, tasks, and functions, such as maintenance, security, booking, billing, and reporting. Automation and integration can help to reduce costs, errors, and risks, as well as to improve efficiency, quality, and compliance. Automation and integration can also enable more collaboration and communication between different stakeholders, such as CRE managers, service providers, tenants, and end-users. For example, automation and integration can help to create seamless and frictionless journeys, smart contracts, and self-service platforms.

3 Innovation and experimentation

Technology also offers CRE the opportunity to innovate and experiment with new solutions, concepts, and models, such as co-working, co-living, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse. Innovation and experimentation can help to create more value, diversity, and flexibility for the CRE portfolio, as well as to respond to the changing needs and expectations of the market and the society. Innovation and experimentation can also foster a culture of learning, creativity, and adaptation, which can enhance the competitive advantage and reputation of the organization. For example, innovation and experimentation can help to explore new ways of using space, such as biophilic design, digital art, and gamification.

4 Sustainability and resilience

Technology can also support CRE in achieving sustainability and resilience goals, such as reducing environmental impact, enhancing social responsibility, and increasing operational continuity. Technology can help to measure and improve the energy efficiency, carbon footprint, and waste management of the buildings, as well as to implement green and circular practices, such as renewable energy, smart lighting, and recycling. Technology can also help to mitigate and recover from various threats and disruptions, such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, and pandemics, by providing backup systems, contingency plans, and remote access. For example, technology can help to create healthy and safe environments, such as air quality sensors, touchless interfaces, and contact tracing.

5 User-centricity and engagement

Finally, technology can help CRE to enhance user-centricity and engagement, by creating more personalized, interactive, and enjoyable experiences for the employees and customers. Technology can help to understand and anticipate the needs, preferences, and feedback of the users, as well as to tailor and deliver the services and solutions accordingly. Technology can also help to foster a sense of community, belonging, and loyalty among the users, by providing platforms for communication, collaboration, and recognition. For example, technology can help to create immersive and memorable experiences, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital signage.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?