Interactive maps and their application within maintenance platforms are proving to be a key advancement in maintenance operations.
By Andrew Ruhland
In an era of increasing centralized property management, modern operations at today’s communities often involve teams aiming to work collaboratively from several locations.
This can make operations more difficult, ultimately affecting the living experience for residents. Operators are realizing that by leveraging technology and focusing on improving operational efficiencies, specifically maintenance operations, they can better support teams and significantly enhance the resident experience.
Maximizing Maintenance Capabilities
Interactive maps and their application within maintenance platforms are proving to be a key advancement in maintenance operations. Providing technicians with the technology to visualize entire properties all the way down to each individual unit allows them to pinpoint specific problems and allocate resources more efficiently.
For instance, if a property has a pest control issue, technicians are able to identify and isolate it to ascertain adjacent units or common areas being affected, rather than unnecessarily treating it as a property-wide problem. Interactive maps enable teams to submit work orders directed at target areas, saving time and resources.
“Interactive maps greatly enhance operational efficiencies, particularly for maintenance supervisors who are responsible for organizing and managing the daily tasks of technicians,” said Jacqueline Dill, asset manager for Asset Living. “Having the ability to streamline coordination efforts allows teams to better allocate resources and ensure that technicians are fully utilized and effective throughout the day.”
Contributing to increased organization, visual data empowers faster, more precise decisions at the operational level. Whether it’s preventive maintenance or addressing immediate problems in real time, the advanced visibility provided by these tools has become indispensable for teams.
“These interactive maps generate heat maps that are crucial to the success of maintenance teams by helping them make swift connections and draw insights,” Dill said. “They are analyzing vast amounts of data, and these tools enable technicians to quickly spot trends and decide what the best course of action is, such as whether to repair or replace something.”
For new hires, maintenance software can streamline training procedures to help new associates better understand their tasks with highlighted work orders – an advantage impossible with traditional maintenance tools and processes. When data visualization is implemented, supervisors no longer need to micromanage or give detailed directions to technicians, and they can simply refer to the map and head straight to where they’re needed.
Enhancing Communications and Streamlining Operations
Interactive maps also improve communication between maintenance technicians and vendors.
If a vendor is lost or if there is a language barrier, maintenance teams can access the map on their phone and guide them directly to the location they are needed. Map features further simplify communications by allowing teams to access information about ongoing tasks, such as apartment homes in need of painting, cleaning or carpet replacement.
This enhances productivity and scheduling, making management tasks easier. Universally understood, interactive maps also make reporting pertinent information to stakeholders easier and more efficient.
Moreover, using interactive maps and communication features are as simple as texting. Work orders are submitted similar to a text message thread, enabling clear and speedy communication. Features like badging can also be incentives for highly motivated teams.
“While interactive maps absolutely improve overall maintenance operations, they are especially valuable when reporting on major, time-sensitive issues or renovations,” said David Alvarado, regional maintenance supervisor for Atlantic Pacific Companies. “Providing a comprehensive view of a property, interactive maps enable us to monitor for emergency problems and communicate any necessary adjustments as needed. It is so simple to use.”
Improving Accountability and Professionalism
From an accountability standpoint, interactive maps also add an extra layer of protection.
With features such as timestamps and photographic receipts of the work that has been done, maintenance teams can easily verify whether a task was completed should a resident claim otherwise. This helps safeguard technicians and onsite associates, ensuring a higher level of customer service and increased trust from residents.
“For regional supervisors like myself who oversee multiple properties, having an ongoing, readily available record of work orders and instant access to real-time updates has been a complete game changer,” Alvarado said. “I can’t be physically present at every property and having the ability to still see accurate reports for each community helps me guarantee that each location is well-maintained and residents are satisfied with the service they are receiving.”
Elevating the Resident Experience
Ultimately, integrating interactive maps into maintenance operations raises the level of professionalism and quality of work maintenance teams are able to deliver, subsequently boosting the resident experience.
Work orders that once took hours to plan and delegate to technicians are now being managed and executed seamlessly. The visual data that interactive maps offer helps maintenance teams perform their day-to-day tasks more efficiently while raising living standards.
“Our mission has always been to provide the tools necessary to empower teams to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively,” Dill said. “The innovative features these maps entail allow technicians to deliver exceptional service and improve operations to a degree that greatly impacts how satisfied residents are. And an improved experience definitely translates to a healthier bottom line.”
About the author:
Andrew Ruhland is an account executive and content writer for LinnellTaylor Marketing, which focuses exclusively on the rental housing industry, its trends and technology innovations.