3. Can all of our residents use and benefit from this
technology?
The appropriateness of the technology you're considering for your community should be
evaluated among your fellow board members and with providers early in the selection
process. Onboarding a platform that has a steep learning curve or one that is only applicable
to a limited number of residents, or requires a level of hardware or knowledge residents
don't have, can lead to wasted time, money and effort for everyone. Alienating or frustrating
residents with technology they can't or won't use leads to a lack of confidence in the board
and a poorer community experience.
"Be sure that the technology implemented is user-friendly for all residents and staff. Technology should help
make life easier, not more complicated. These days, most everyone has a smart phone or computer, but be sure
to think about how you will help integrate residents who don't. If necessary, have a plan B. Technology should be
inclusive – don't leave any residents out in the cold."
-Jennifer Freeman, CMCA®
Director of Management Services
Community Association Services of Indiana
4. How can we ensure buy-in from residents?
There's no point in providing a powerful technology to your community if no one will use it,
which is why getting buy-in from residents early is so important. Guidance from a community
association technology expert for choosing the right platform and communicating to residents
about it are particularly useful for ensuring your community adopts the new platform.
"Overcommunicate to your residents about how this new technology will help improve the community and solve
community-specific issues. Be transparent and share status updates throughout the implementation process.
Continually communicate after implementation to make sure your residents understand how the technology
works, and introduce it those new residents as they move in to the community."
-Jennifer Freeman, CMCA®
Director of Management Services
Community Association Services of Indiana
