Streamlining operations with technology: How Boathouse drives efficiency through technology
In an industry where property management teams are juggling resident needs, maintenance, leasing, and administrative work, operational efficiency is key to success. For the Boathouse in Portland, Oregon, adopting technological solutions like Updater has helped them streamline processes, improve resident experiences, and make their day-to-day more manageable. Bill Brantley, the Assistant Property Manager at Boathouse, managed by Avenue5 Residential, highlighted how technology like Updater Pro | Onboarding has significantly reduced administrative burdens, allowing the team to focus more on elevating the resident experience, core responsibilities, and support leasing goals.
Leveraging technology to optimize workflows
One of the standout tools at Boathouse has been Updater, which automates much of the move-in process for residents. As Bill notes, “Updater helps us efficiently manage all the moving parts of a resident’s onboarding. It simplifies everything, allowing us to track progress in real time without having to chase residents down.” This automated approach ensures residents have a smooth transition into their new homes and frees up the property management team’s time. This aligns with an Updater study from 2023 that revealed that 70% of renters believe “settling in quickly” is the most vital element for a happy move.
Efficiency in handling resident move-ins has been a significant operational improvement. In a community like Boathouse, with 133 units, managing time effectively is crucial. The team has been able to automate key tasks, from collecting required documents, setting up utilities, and ensuring the residents complete the necessary steps for move-in. This has allowed the team to spend more time focusing on high-value activities, such as engaging with current residents or attracting new prospects.
Freeing time for high-impact activities
Operational efficiency goes beyond just automating checklists; it’s about reallocating time to where it’s most needed. With technology like Updater handling the intricacies of move-ins, Bill and his team now have more bandwidth to focus on initiatives that enhance the community’s experience. As Bill shared, the extra time has allowed them to “plan resident events” and strengthen community engagement.
With the property management landscape becoming more competitive, these resident-focused efforts are crucial. Research shows that 79% of residents satisfied at move-in remain satisfied at renewal. By streamlining operational tasks, the team ensures that the quality of resident interaction and event planning can remain high, directly influencing resident retention.
A future of continued operational excellence
Looking ahead, technology is set to play an even larger role in driving operational efficiency across the property management industry. Tools that seamlessly integrate with one another, along with continued advancements in automation and AI, will enable property managers to focus on creating the best possible resident experiences. As Bill notes, while technology is continually evolving, the key to success is in how it allows property managers to refocus their time and efforts: “It alleviates a lot of stress… and gives us more time to follow up on prospects and internal housing issues.”
The Boathouse’s experience underscores a broader industry trend: 61% of property management teams spend more than four hours a week processing move-ins, and technologies like Updater are essential to reducing that burden (Updater, 2022). The shift towards automation and streamlined operations is more than just a convenience—it’s becoming a necessity for property management teams that want to stay competitive and provide the best possible experience for their residents.
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