1. What problem(s) is this technology solving?
Asking your board to consider this question first will slow down the urge to go after the shiny,
new solution in favor of solutions that will truly improve the lives of your homeowners. Having
the answer in mind before you shop for specific platforms will also help you narrow your search.
"The 'what' can often be far more important to consider than the 'how'. Are you looking to speed up processes,
house documents, create enhanced communication lines, or are you truly looking for that one-stop shop?
Knowing exactly what the need is will help you sort past the bells and whistles to find what actually works best
for your unique situation."
-Holly D. Lull, CMCA®, AMS®
Community Manager
Associa® HRW, Inc., AAMC®
2. Is the solution integrated?
While your board might be searching for a solution that meets a specific need, considering
technologies that facilitate more than one area of operations can cut down on confusion,
wasted time and duplicate data. Make your community easier to run by seeking out platforms
that serve many purposes and asking technology providers to show you the specific ways their
solution is integrated.
"Many of the new technologies entering the market for associations can only help boards with one aspect of
running a community. The problem with this is that eventually boards can end up with several 'one-trick pony'
solutions, forcing them to constantly toggle between them. Ultimately, boards miss out on the efficiencies
these solutions promised to create. It's important to have an all-in-one solution that covers the spectrum of
association operations.
-Andrew Brock
EVP and CIO
Associa
