How asset managers overcome PropTech limitations
Asset Managers likely have at least a few of these PropTech software tools deployed across their portfolio. Everything from property management & leasing, environmental compliance reporting, tenant billing, construction lifecycle management, building optimization. While PropTech software comes in many flavors, not all Asset Managers responsible for commercial real estate portfolios are happy with their current solutions. For those looking to overcome PropTech limitations, read on.
The challenge with PropTech software? Few offer Asset Managers an operational tool AND expert resources that help them achieve their goals. This leaves asset managers wondering how to overcome PropTech limitations using their own limited resources.
Unfortunately, the problem started before Day 1.
Long before implementation, multiple stakeholders and executive sponsors came together to ensure each of their motivations and purchase drivers were addressed. The Sustainability office needed a solution to standardize international reporting requirements (like GRESB). The Facilities Management team was looking to comply with Building Performance Standards. Asset Management wanted to mitigate OpEx pressure to increase NOI.
These competing priorities share a common thread: data.
These teams evaluated PropTech software based on a multitude of ways to collect different types of data:
- Outcomes & ROI
- Compliance/Reporting
- Usability & Adoption
- Security & Governance
- Scalability & Support
Asset Managers who have been through this process before will notice there’s nowhere in this initial process that focuses on what they know to be the pitfall of all PropTech software—the huge gap between “data/insight” and “implementation/action.”
This is the number one reason why Asset Managers need to overcome PropTech limitations: action was not part of the software selection criteria.
Filling the Gap
Asset Managers who are fed up with this broken cycle are utilizing managed services. This augments software-only capabilities and helps asset managers overcome common stumbling blocks. Specifically, in these core areas:
- Investor & regulator pressure
With hard compliance deadlines (e.g., NYC Local Law 97 fines starting in 2025) and investor expectations (GRESB scoring is now almost table stakes), asset managers can’t afford “shelfware.” They need provable outcomes. - C-suite visibility
Facilities and IT leaders are reporting more to the board on ESG/energy. Managed services give asset managers confidence that “we’ll hit targets” without needing to build a whole ops team internally. - Talent shortage
FM and building-engineering labor gaps are acute. Instead of hiring scarce talent in-house, firms increasingly rely on vendors who combine software + services.
From Insights to Action
Asset Managers are turning to managed services to not only fill the gap. Asset Managers who are looking to overcome PropTech limitations want to “programmatize” their PropTech beyond the software. This implementation at the corporate level eliminates the need to write a new script with every new acquisition.
Asset Managers are realizing the need for “software + managed services” to actually drive results like:
- Data translation & triage
Providers monitor analytics dashboards, filter false positives, and bundle actionable insights with “next best action” This reduces alert fatigue and builds trust with on-site teams. - Project scoping & execution
Turning analytics into ROI often requires minor retrofits, control adjustments, or new vendor scopes. Managed services teams liaise with engineers and contractors to implement, not just suggest. - Measurement & verification (M&V)
To prove ROI (and support compliance/ESG reporting), managed services close the loop: they document energy savings, avoided fines, or operational gains directly in dashboards, creating a feedback cycle that asset managers can show to investors. - Capacity & change management
Many owner-operators don’t have enough staff to onboard yet another tool. Managed services cover training, standardization across properties, and escalation paths, which shortens the time-to-value curve.
The path is clear – managed services delivered by trusted, vetted experts like InSite is how asset managers overcome PropTech limitations.
About InSite
Founded in 2013, InSite is a leading solution partner for optimization in buildings, extracting value from data to engineer meaningful outcomes for its clients. We deliver financial and operational impact by harnessing our team’s expertise in engineering and building performance optimization. Our Engineered for Results approach combines an intelligence platform that collects and analyzes data for single buildings and entire portfolios with our program management teams who transform data into prescriptive recommendations.
