Figuring out how to leverage Yardi’s power, and optimize it for your unique needs requires a solid plan of action. Without it, many end up feeling stuck. 

That’s where System Assessments come in. 

A System Assessment makes recommendations for system improvements, security enhancements, and better integration of technology. It focuses on system architecture, hardware, and software integration. This includes computer systems, networks, databases, and applications. It may also cover IT policies and procedures.

The key components of a typical System Assessment are as follows. 

1. Identify the Right Questions

For your assessment to be effective, you’ll need to ask the right questions. Some key ones to start with are:

  • What’s the size and focus of your business? A large business with a diverse portfolio has more complex requirements than a smaller company with a focused real estate portfolio. Understanding the scale and scope of your business is crucial.
  • What are the objectives and benefits? Clearly communicate to your staff why you’re using Yardi and how it will improve operations. This creates a sense of purpose and motivates employees to embrace the change.
  • What is the current state of the system? You need to know where you are now so you can map out how to get where you want to go. 
  • Who’ll use the system? Different verticals within your organization have unique needs and concerns. You need to know who will be using the system and how it will be used. This will allow you to make informed choices that best serve your business.

In addition to the above, you will need to develop more specific questions based on what Yardi modules and verticals you’re using and your unique business needs. 

2. Identify key stakeholders

Stakeholders include anyone who interacts with or is impacted by the system, such as property managers, accountants, IT staff, and executive leadership. Each group has unique needs, concerns, and insights that are vital to understand how Yardi can be used to benefit everyone in the organization. By identifying these stakeholders early in the process, you can avoid missing key people and insights in the assessment. This helps foster buy-in and supports a smoother implementation.

3. Plan and Conduct the assessment

Once you know the questions to ask, and where you can get answers to those questions, you can plan out your assessment. This includes identifying who you want to talk to first, how you want to collect data (through interviews or through surveys), etc. After you’ve mapped out how you want to conduct the assessment, the next step is usually detailed interviews and/or surveys with key stakeholders. This will allow you to gather insights on current pain points, desired outcomes, and specific requirements. Next, you’ll want to perform a comprehensive review of your existing workflows, data management practices, and integration points, which identifies  opportunities for optimization. The assessment should also include an analysis of your IT environment to ensure compatibility and scalability. By meticulously examining these aspects, you can develop a strategic implementation plan that maximizes Yardi’s capabilities, enhances operational efficiency, and supports your business objectives.

4. Make a Strategic Plan

After you’ve done your System Assessment, the next step is to create a strategic implementation plan that outlines how you will:

  • Leverage Yardi to support business objectives. This involves utilizing Yardi’s comprehensive suite of tools to streamline operations, enhance data accuracy, and improve decision-making processes. Additionally,  it involves tailoring Yardi’s robust reporting and analytics features to provide actionable insights. These insights will help you make informed decisions that drive growth and profitability. 
  • Provide strong training and support. Providing training and ongoing support will give your team confidence. This includes making sure they have access to written resources, in addition to hosting training sessions. You can find resources on Yardi Client Central, or you can hire Lynx to create what you need. 
  • Proactively manage resistance to change. Some team members may feel lost and frustrated from previously trying to learn Yardi. Sharing how you’ll help the team succeed at the start of the process can address these concerns. 
  • Monitor progress. You need to monitor progress and evaluate feedback from your team. This allows you to flag any issues or gaps in the process promptly. 

Need Help?

Although the process seems simple, getting an assessment done well requires extensive Yardi knowledge and industry expertise. Lynx has assisted hundreds of clients in navigating this exact process. 

Feeling stuck is not the end – it’s an opportunity to realign and move forward with a clear, focused strategy. Reach out to find out how we can partner with you to develop tailored solutions.