Building Operations

What are Building Operations? How to Optimize Yours 

Key Takeaways:

Building operations involve all activities required to operate, manage, and maintain buildings 

Building management software optimizes building operations by providing a connected system for automation, collaboration, communication, and data-driven insights 

Modern CRE relies on technology to maximize tenant and owner experiences

Across every sector, digital transformation, thanks to innovative technologies, is changing how people, businesses, and even buildings, operate. In fact, the growth rate for building operations software is on the rise, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.2% between 2025 and 2033. Smart buildings and connected software are optimizing how property managers, developers, and owners handle building operations, leading to better outcomes for everyone.

Let’s take a look at what building operations consist of, how building management software can ease the burden, and why it’s so important for all involved. 

What are Building Operations?

Building operations refer to the tasks and processes involved in maintaining, operating, and managing buildings. If you think about it– buildings are like living beings. They are made up of systems that constantly evolve and change. Most of all, they require daily attention and care in order to survive and thrive. 

For all types of buildings, whether it be multifamily, industrial, retail, etc., building operations entail the oversight and maintenance of various systems, including:

• HVAC 
• Electrical
• Plumbing 
• Security
• Waste management 
• Energy 
• Facilities
• Occupant services 

There are multiple goals of building operations, with the top of mind goal being to ensure that the building and its occupants are safe. Additionally, proper management is needed to extend the lifespan of the building and its assets, provide comfort to all who occupy its spaces, and to upkeep efficiency and the effective use of resources. 

These days, buildings aren’t just about the physical attributes– most companies are focusing on the people inside of buildings and doing whatever possible to optimize their experiences. This approach to building operations management is known as BOE, which stands for Building Operations and Experience. 

BOE combines three main areas of focus, which are:

• Property management: Everything involved in running a property like rent collection and tenant relations. 
• Building operations: Keeping the systems mentioned above running properly. 
• Tenant experience: Optimizing the tenant, employee, and/or resident experience by integrating technology, adding amenities, and curating spaces with intention.

When owners and operators proactively manage building operations (especially with the aid of a platform), the value is transferred to tenants and occupants who experience fewer disruptions and issues.  

The Importance of Building Operations 

The need for building operations and proper management cannot be understated. Proactive management that is data-driven can make all the difference in your building’s longevity, as well as the tenant experience. 

The benefits and importance of building operations is wide-reaching. 

Let’s break them down: 

• ‍Cost Savings : With operational efficiency and preventive maintenance, companies can reduce the cost of repairs, breakdowns, and energy consumption. 
• ‍Increased Property Value : Efficient buildings that are carefully maintained reserve the right to command higher market prices. 
• ‍Enhanced Compliance: To adhere to regulatory requirements, effective management is required to avoid fines, accidents, and unwanted legal repercussions. 
• ‍Greater Safety: Regular inspection and maintenance helps to make sure that building systems are safely operating, thereby reducing dangerous outcomes from taking place. Additionally, by caring for building security, both occupants and the buildings are better off and safer. 
• ‍Improved Tenant Experience: With proactive maintenance and care, there will be less disruptions for tenants and occupants, thereby improving their overall experience. Furthermore, you can leverage technology for amenities management.

Gone are the days where building managers and operators have to carry out building operating management with paper and pen. With a building operating system like Visitt, you can reap the benefits of AI-powered innovation that delivers a unified, all-in-one platform for preventive and predictive maintenance. We’ll come back to this later, but in the meantime, it’s nice to know that you don’t have to stress about building operations when you have a modern tool by your side to assist. 

Building Operations Best Practices

To make the most out of your building operations, keep in mind the following building operations best practices. 

All of these best practices are made a reality when you use a system like Visitt. 

Challenges of Building Operations 

Building operations don't exist without its fair share of tests along the way. With adequate preparation, tools, and planning, you can overcome the hurdles. 

Take a look at what to be ready for: 

• Investment: Building operations, especially the investment in the right technology to ease the burdens, requires an upfront investment. Although the initial costs may stop you in your tracks, you can rest assured in knowing that the overall return on investment will make it well worth your while. 
• People: Having a skilled workforce is necessary to keep building operations running smoothly. It is extremely helpful to have easy-to-use and adoptable technology by their side, which can minimize manual labor and save them time. 
• Data : Keeping data secure is a top priority. Robust cybersecurity is a must-have, so when choosing a technology partner, make sure the solution is encrypted, secure, and compliant. 

The Tech That’s Best: Building Operations Made Simple with Visitt 

Visitt is a commercial real estate (CRE) property operations platform that provides a seamless and connected solution for operators and tenants alike. Visitt is purposefully designed for modern CRE teams, delivering a mobile-first platform that is easy for teams to adopt and scalable across portfolios. 

Visitt’s functionalities stand out across the board, enabling:

• Real-time communication and collaboration 
• Inspection and compliance tracking 
• Portfolio-wide oversight and reporting 
• Centralized documentation 
• Dynamic language translation for diverse workforces 

With Visitt implemented, your team is able to:

• Predict failures ahead of time 
• Optimize maintenance schedule 
• Automate tasks assignments, escalations, and reporting 
• Enhance operational efficiency 

The Bottom Line

Technology is transforming how commercial real estate portfolios exist and expand. With building operations being a non-negotiable, owners, operators, and developers are benefitting from the use of building operations software. 

Building operations software supports preventative maintenance, automated workflows, seamless reporting, and access to cross-portfolio KPIs and benchmarking. With a connected, mobile-first system, you gain access data in real-time, expedite tasks, streamline communication, and enhance oversight and efficiency. 

Ready to see how proactive, AI-powered technology can transform your building operations for the best? Schedule a quick visit with Visitt! 

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