When some employees are in the office and others are in remote work environments, it can be challenging to promote company culture. It takes dedicated and creative volunteers to bring team members together. The Yardi Atlanta Holiday Committee did just that! Holiday cheer all week long Best pajama party winner The 2021 Yardi Atlanta Holiday Committee is comprised of Amber Brown, Catrina Ishman, Christi Duffey, Don Rodgers, Stacy Sinatra, Whitney Peak, Michelle O’Neal, Shandra Tuner, Shela Johnson, Shelby Adkison, and Adrian Paul, were on the committee. Areyonna Crawford stepped in as a special guest. The team coordinated a work week accentuated with fun events to spread cheer. The week of December 13-17, Yardi employees throughout Georgia were invited to participate in five days of virtual events. Festivities included an ugly sweater contest, holiday trivia, Holly Jolly Cocktail workshop, pajama party, scavenger hunt, It’s Not Just Christmas webinar, charcuterie board-making party and gingerbread house party. For each event, there were opportunities to learn new skills, explore creativity and show talent—or a humorous lack thereof. From roses made of salami to mocktails so good you won’t miss the alcohol, there was something for everyone. It wouldn’t be Atlanta without contests Yardi Atlanta comes alive when there is an opportunity to compete! The ability to hold your own in the heat of competition is kind of a prereq to employment (or at least to getting a seat at the cool kids table). The Holiday Committee tapped into the spirit of competition with a photo contest. Best ugly sweater The Yardi Atlanta Holiday Celebration Photo Contest capped off the fun of the week. For the competition, competitors submitted photos from throughout the week. Employees then voted for their favorites on Employee Central. The winners include: Best Pajama Party...

Something spooky this way comes! The Yardi Atlanta Annual Halloween Contest brought plenty of thrills to local team members. We’re excited to share the festive goodness. Halloween week, employees in the Yardi Atlanta office and remote work environments were encouraged to participate in the annual contests. This year, the contest returned in a virtual format. The distance didn’t stop the camaraderie or the creativity. The “Best Group” costume winner. Rather than decorating cubicles and departments, contestants decorated their homes, their pets and everything in between. One week of costumes, décor and art contests successfully spread the holiday spirit across county and city lines. At the end of the week, team members voted on some of their favorite creative projects. Below are the winners! Best Pumpkin Selfie – Marilynn Duffield and Family Participants were encouraged to carve a jack-o-lantern or paint a pumpkin and snap a selfie with the results. Best Throwback Costume – Jessica Krisher with Andrew and David It needn’t be new to be fabulous! Team members resurrected some of their favorite costumes from Halloweens passed. Best Work from Home Halloween Decorations – Warren Melton From spacious yards to cozy office nooks, team members submitted their decorated spaces for a chance to win.  Funniest Costume – Kevin Vasquez, Krang from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Scariest Costume – Esteban Diaz as Freddy’s Day off Best Overall Costume – Jillian Tuten as Cardcaptor Sakura Best Group Costume – Yardi RCAH Client Success as Disney villains Winners received a $25 Tango gift card. But we all know the best prizes are the bragging rights and knowing that your idea is the one to beat next year. The Yardi Atlanta Annual Halloween Contest is not all fun and games. Okay, just kidding. It is. But the greater...

1. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.  PURCHASE WILL NOT ENHANCE CHANCES OF WINNING.  Sweepstakes is open only to AIM Conference® 2021 attendees who are legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, who are 18 years of age or older (except residents of Alabama and Nebraska who must be 19 years of age or older) at the time of entry.  Employees, officers and directors of Yardi Systems, Inc. (“Sponsor”), and its respective subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising, promotion, or production agencies (and each of their respective IRS dependents, immediate family members [children, spouse, parents, siblings, and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside] and individuals residing in the same household of each, whether or not related) are not eligible to participate.  Void where prohibited by law.  By participating, entrants agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. 2. ENTRY PERIODS: Sweepstakes Promotional Period begins on October 17, 2021, at 9:00am PDT.  Entries must be received by 9:00 a.m. PDT on October 20, 2021.  There will be two drawings after 9:00 a.m. PDT on October 20, 2021. 3. HOW TO ENTER.  There are two (2) ways to enter: a) During the Promotional Period (i) visit the REACH by RentCafé® (booth) at the Apartment Innovation and Marketing (AIM) Conference in Huntington Beach, Calif., for contest details (no purchase necessary); (ii) post a photograph or video of Clarione Gutierrez’s live painting session during the AIM Conference to Participant’s personal social media account on Instagram and/or Facebook; and (iii) use the hashtag #ReachByRentCafe and set each post entry to public during the duration of the Promotional Period. b) Without Purchase (Mail). Hand print your name, complete address, city,...

It may seem like summer just started, but it’s already back to school season in metro Atlanta. This year, Atlanta returns to its annual school supply drive for nearby Mimosa Elementary! The school supply drive provides at-risk youth with much needed classroom supplies. Learn more about past school supply drives. This year, Yardi Atlanta School Supply Committee is raising funds and accepting donations through Friday, August 6th. It’s easier than ever to participate. You can make a digital donation on any of the following platforms: Back to shcool concept. Backpack with school supplies. Top view. Copy space Cash App – $cheri1136 Venmo – @Cheri-Blackwell PayPal – https://www.paypal.me/clynn1136 If you are going into the Atlanta Office, you can drop cash off in person to Kerri Rawls or seal the donation in an envelope and slip it under Adrian Paul’s door (in HR).  If you love picking out school supplies, you can donate new, unused items. The Committee will accept backpacks, notebooks, loose leaf paper, glue sticks, scissors, binders, pens, and pencils. You can drop off school supplies at the box in the main breakroom on the 2nd floor. Please note that the Committee accounts for all monetary donations and provides a summary of donations and our purchases. We are striving to be more transparent about funds raised while also keeping donors anonymous. If you have any hesitations or questions about the accounting, please reach out to the School Supply Committee. Yardi Atlanta is currently halfway through the fundraiser and we’ve crossed the $300 benchmark. Help us double our...

Yardi offices throughout the U.S. are re-opening on a rolling schedule. To enhance safety and convenience, employees will be able to make reservations for workspaces through Corom software. But there are a few things that you need to know before getting started. How does COROM promote employee wellness? Internally, Corom serves as an occupancy tracking and desk hoteling system for Yardi offices that are reopening at partial capacity. Currently, settings in Corom ensure that offices operate at no more than 25% seating capacity. This permits ample space between active desks during occupancy. The scheduling system also permits time for cleaning desks and equipment between uses. Corom permits flexible scheduling. Employees can make reservations on an as-needed basis. This arrangement facilitates time for collaboration and independent work. What will my workspace look like? Each workspace will include two monitors, a mouse, keyboard, phone, and one of two docking station styles. You can select the docking station that you need when you’re making your reservation. Employees should bring their laptop and headset. If you do not have these items, loaner sets are available. It is possible to reserve “your old desk” at the office if it is not reserved by someone else. Before making the reservation, check workstation details to ensure that it has all of the tech that you need. Some details may have changed. Reserving your workspace at a Yardi office Before reserving a workspace through Corom, you will need to upload your vaccination card to Employee Central via Profile > CDC Card, located under Settings on the right side panel. Within two business days, you will receive an email with an invitation to log into Corom. Gain access through the Corom website, Corom mobile app or Yardi One dashboard. You can make same-day...

Summer heat heralds the beginning of pool season and water sports. Yet for residents of Mesa and other desert environments, the relationship with water is far more delicate. Yardi employee Amanda Ferguson has reshaped the way that she sees water. With her new perspective, she is helping to save lives with a powerful local campaign. A summer of change Amanda’s shift began in the summer of 2013. Her brother, Bill, set out to bike Sycamore Creek Trail. The combat veteran and athlete met up with his friends and began his workout. A few hours later, Amanda received the phone call that changed her life. Bill was lost in the desert, and temperatures peaked at 115 degrees. Search teams scoured the terrain. Unfortunately, Bill passed away from heat exposure before rescue teams could locate him. He was 31 years old. “How can this happen when we live in 115-degree weather every day?” Ferguson wondered. “How can this happen to someone who had done two tours of duty in Iraq and was trained to survive in the desert?” An undetected problem Amanda didn’t receive the answers that she sought, but one thing one for certain: water saves lives, and recent drought conditions place vulnerable residents at risk. Many local residents may be unaware of the problem. Aerial views of Mesa reveal pools on nearly every block. For some, the ubiquitous appearance of water may overshadow a continual problem in the area: many residents are food and water insecure. Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in 2020, there were 520 heat-related deaths in Arizona The Mesa Hydration Campaign is a program hosted by the United Food Bank. Each year, the campaign saves lives made vulnerable by excessive heat and limited financial resources.  “Not everyone has the resources to protect themselves from...

When life presents unfathomable challenges, some people respond with insurmountable compassion. The founders of For Your Record are among the compassionate people who turn tragedy into triumph. We’re happy to highlight Julie Dennis, senior analyst, special projects. She is a founder of the nonprofit and a Yardi Scottsdale team member. Read on to learn about her empowering work in the nonprofit sector. Surviving gray relationships in a black-and-white legal system Navigating the legal system is complicated and intimidating in even the best situations. Survivors of domestic violence face additional court legal hurdles in their journey towards safety, freedom and independence. “Domestic abuse survivors often face a lack of understanding and empathy as they navigate the legal system, from law enforcement to judges and prosecutors,” explains Julie. “Domestic abuse involves a lot of gray area that isn’t easily understood unless you’ve survived it, so a black-and-white legal system makes things tricky.” Certain public records are only available for free to people classified as victims of crimes, which means that the costs of obtaining records can escalate quickly if a survivor is not listed as a victim on a specific report. She continues, “An overwhelming majority of domestic abuse survivors experience financial abuse as well. What that means is that they don’t have their own money or don’t have access to the money they have. Leaving is the most dangerous time for a survivor and accessing funds can be problematic.” Financially successful people are not exempt from such challenges, either. Abusers commonly restrict access to monetary resources, and there isn’t a “certain type of person” who falls prey to domestic abuse, says Dennis. “Domestic abuse does not discriminate. It impacts every class, profession, race and gender. There is no typical survivor. Accomplished individuals with considerable earning...

Online fitness classes can be a lot of fun. As a yoga teacher, I can personally attest that online classes have helped people stay active through the ups and downs of recent months. One thing that students miss during online classes, though, is the ability to work out with friends. Burnalong solves this problem, and Yardi employees in North America can enroll for free! What is Burnalong? Burnalong is an online wellness platform with an array of health and fitness classes. There are 45 categories including popular favorites such as yoga, boxing, Pilates, self-defense and barre. There are also general categories like financial wellbeing, stress management and life coaching to help you feel your best. Explore thousands of videos by hundreds of unique instructors. I really appreciate the inclusive class formatting in Burnalong. Users can filter class by special considerations such as diabetes, Fit Over 50, arthritis and adaptive workouts. The model students represent the spectrum of the population, which is rare among fitness platforms. (Some classes don’t have model students at all which is also great option.) Get fit together even when you’re miles apart Another thing that makes Burnalong unique is that it encourages participants to invite others to join in. Together, you can stream the class in sync and see one another. Exercise together and cheer for one another–or more realistically, you can build camaraderie by trash talking and encouraging healthy competition. Yardi employees in North America can also add up to four family members at not cost. A family that shreds together, smiles together! Getting started Yardi employees in North American can register for a lunch and learn to get more information. When you’re ready to dive in, simply register online using your Yardi email (but not your Yardi...

Yardi is navigating the COVID-19 crisis with the same philosophy that has guided the real estate technology leader for nearly four decades: prioritize take care of clients, employees and communities. The efforts continue a longstanding practice by the company to proactively help during times of unexpected need both nationally and worldwide, such as fires, hurricanes and other natural disasters. At home In March, Yardi announced that the  company would commit $2 million to assist food banks and other non-profits throughout North America during the pandemic. Twenty-two organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada, all based in cities where Yardi has offices, received two rounds of donations. This was augmented with a third round, an additional $2 million, announced in mid-October. Yardi’s hometown of Santa Barbara received funds for its food bank, and Yardi also matched community donations of up to $50,000 when one of the organization’s vehicles was wrecked while working on pandemic relief. Abroad With a global workforce that has grown to around 7,000 employees in more than 12 countries, Yardi’s philanthropy has expanded as well. Among its international efforts is Yardi Vasti Vikas Prakalp (YVVP), a corporate social responsibility project in Pune, India, that supports NGOs and implements direct interventions in urban communities (vastis) of Pune city. YVVP launched a pandemic response plan that included providing dry ration kits to over 2800 households, supplying masks, sanitizer and sanitary pads to those isolated in shelters, supporting sanitation workers who clean community toilet blocks, educating teachers and parents on coping strategies, and providing job retraining those who have lost employment. Assisting the industry In order to help the rental housing industry recover from the hardship caused by the pandemic and its economic fallout, Yardi provided $1 million to create the COVID-19 Rental Housing Support Initiative....

2020 Yardi Celebrates Onsite Teams Day Sweepstakes NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT ENHANCE CHANCES OF WINNING. Sweepstakes is open only to legal residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto, who are 18 years of age or older (except residents of Alabama and Nebraska who must be 19 years of age or older) at the time of entry. Employees, officers and directors of Yardi Systems, Inc. (“Sponsor”), and its respective subsidiaries and affiliated companies, advertising, promotion, or production agencies (and each of their respective IRS dependents, immediate family members [children, spouse, parents, siblings, and their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside] and individuals residing in the same household of each, whether or not related) are not eligible to participate. Void where prohibited by law. By participating, entrants agree to these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. ENTRY PERIODS: The Sweepstakes Promotional Period begins on August 9, 2020 at 8:00am PDT.  Entries must be received by 5:00pm PDT on August 13, 2020. There will be five drawings after 5:00pm PDT on August 13, 2020. HOW TO ENTER: During the Promotional Period (i) visit the Yardi’s social media channels, RentCafe Genius social media channels, and/or Yardi Breeze social media channels (no purchase necessary); (ii) screenshot the contest image, answer who you are thankful for and why, and post to the Participant’s personal social media account on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or LinkedIn; and (iii) tag Yardi (@yardi for Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter; @yardisystems for Instagram) and use the event hashtag #APTeamsDay. Limit one (1) entry per person per approved social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn) during the Promotional Period. Any attempt by any person to obtain...

For Richard Gerritsen, regional director of European sales at Yardi, leadership is all about creativity. “Technology changes the world. We play our role in this as technology partner, but it is also about finding the right balance between costs and benefits. We try to encourage our sales teams to define the best solutions for our clients. At the same time, it is important that our salespeople, and all other staff, feel comfortable in their own skin.” Dutch real estate publication Vastgoedmarkt recently spoke to Gerritsen about work/life balance, the need to learn from successes and failure, and the willingness not to think in just commercial terms. The interview below is reprinted with permission. Difficult circumstances Gerritsen notes that many of his team members are finding living circumstances difficult due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I live outside the city and, after a day full of video conferences, I hop on my bike and I can be out in the countryside in just a few minutes. By the time I return home, I feel refreshed and have recharged my batteries.” “It’s important to recognize that we have young people working at the company who have an urban lifestyle. They live in apartments in areas where there’s normally plenty going on in the evenings, and they’re used to spending a lot of time socializing away from home. Their lives have been enormously diminished by the crisis; living between the bed, sofa and dinner table. Some of them are finding it a real struggle. Set against this, our work is about bringing across a message with great energy, passion and enthusiasm. The combination is hardly a recipe for success. It’s very difficult to know how to help them in this situation.” For Gerritsen, leadership in these times becomes...

Yardi is working to keep clients informed and connected during a challenging time for the real estate industry and the nation. Those efforts will continue in May with a one-of-a-kind digital Yardi Advanced Solutions Conference (YASC), offered entirely online for the first time and free to clients. In some respects, this special edition of spring YASC won’t differ from what it’s been for two decades — a three-day educational event (Tuesday to Thursday, May 19-21) for clients to refresh their Yardi software skills and preview real estate technology innovations. “We look forward to welcoming our clients and prospects to classes that reflect the same great learning and skill development opportunities they would have with us in person,” said Tim Hoover, creative director for Yardi and producer of the biannual U.S. YASC events. “We’re excited about YASC Digital, which will feature spotlight sessions with Yardi executives, chances to interact and engage with other attendees online, and more.” Participants in YASC Digital will be able to access more than 125 courses in 18 learning tracks on demand; May 19-21. This approach offers registrants flexibility for self-paced learning and for creating a personal plan that meets their business needs. Market-based registration tracks will make class selection a breeze. As of today, Yardi plans to present the year’s second U.S. YASC as usual in October. Last year’s conference drew over 2,500 clients and Yardi staff members to San Diego. Fall YASC registration information is available here. Clients will receive an email on May 12 with an access link to participate in YASC...

Last week, Yardi Matrix hosted three webinars that provided insight on how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the self storage, multifamily and commercial real estate markets. Let’s look at the insight on the commercial market, which is extensive. This post continues our first commercial sector recap, which you can read here. Feast and famine in industrial The industrial sector witnesses mixed results from shelter in place mandates. E-commerce is roaring as consumers and businesses go online to purchase necessities without leaving home. Logistics and distribution are regarded as essential services, largely immune to shut down mandates. These niches are among the few still adding jobs. Walmart has posted 150,000 new positions, followed by Amazon with 100,000 and CVS with 50,000. They’re offering enhanced benefits as well as boosted hourly wages. Not all industrial tenants are forecasted to whether the downturn. Small business that occupy multi-tenant industrial spaces could dissolve. Most tenants aren’t positioned for unlimited viability. Multi-tenant, smaller organizations compose nearly 45% of industrial space which will have a notable effect on overall industrial performance. Retail on thin ice with few exceptions Grocers are thriving, but the boon is not expected to last long after the COVID-19 recovery. Before the pandemic, cash flowed away from grocers to restaurants and meal kit delivery services. Social distancing has hamstrung both of those competitors, forcing consumers back to store aisles. Grocers are hiring as well as grocery deliver companies. Such businesses are expected to add 300,000 workers over the next three months. But as the crisis subsides, grocer revenue will return to normal. No matter what, its clear that retail landlords will be hit hard. Social distancing policies have reduced and, in many cases, eliminated transactions at brick-and-mortar stores, which were already experiencing a decline with the...

The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island: together, they make up the most vibrant city in the world. But New York needs no advertising. Any New Yorker will tell you that each of the five boroughs has its own unique charm. So, what do renters expect when looking for an apartment in NYC? We compiled a short list of tips to attract potential renters in the Big Apple. Keep it clean Looking for an apartment that’s in move-in ready condition is a priority for most people looking to rent in New York City. As such, hiring regular, professional cleaners for the entire apartment building can do wonders to attract new renters. It also shows those who already live there that the building management looks out for their well-being. Make sure any maintenance issues are handled before a showing—no matter how small. Keep it safe Whether it’s Brooklyn apartments for rent or apartments in Queens, feeling safe in the city that never sleeps is paramount for renters. This is why ensuring the safety of the premises is crucial. No matter whether your renters are in it for the long-term, maintenance support is key. Moreover, regular check-ups and upgrades to security systems and locks are essential. Keep it close Proximity to work, school, or anything of importance to the renter is an amenity most NYC renters would be willing to pay big bucks for. Once a prospect shows interest in your rental, it’s most likely because they are happy with the location or are willing to compromise. In NYC, proximity to public transit is one of the top criteria renters use when searching for apartments. Advertise convenient transportation options near the property’s location, but always be honest. Staten Island might be just a ferry ride...

With environmental consequences ever more present, the push for green construction and green amenities is growing. At first glance, the way buildings are constructed may not seem to be a high priority in the fight against climate change. But, in the U.S. alone, they make up about 40% of the country’s CO2 emissions. Like many other industries, the multifamily sector is taking steps to adapt as green construction is encouraged by both investors and consumers. Furthermore, the regular presence of environmental news promotes a green lifestyle and encourages people to take action individually. Specifically, in the rental real estate market, this has led to an increase in the demand for green amenities. This is especially true among Gen Z and Millennial renters, who are quickly becoming the number one driving force of amenity demand. Enter the rise of the green renter. Typically, eco-friendly renters are willing to spend more on a product for the promise of being green—either in and of itself or because of its production process. Much more aware of individual carbon footprints, these renters gravitate toward buildings that were built with reclaimed materials, are energy-efficient, and create less waste. Meanwhile, community amenities that are on the rise reflect the renters’ desire for a healthy lifestyle. In particular, they ask for fitness centers and on-site gyms. However, the trend among younger renters is to exercise not only the body in the traditional sense, but also the mind and the soul as well—which gave rise to wellness amenities, according to National Multifamily Housing Council’s 2018 Disruption Report. This equates to facilities that are equipped with smart technology to guide residents as they work out, track data, and progress, as well as more relaxed areas where they can either engage with the community or...

With the rise of freelancing and digital nomadism, coworking spaces are among the most sought-after amenities today. Although many locations are specifically designed to be shared office spaces, coworking spots are becoming ever more present in multifamily buildings and communities. In fact, many buildings with apartments for rent in Sacramento, Brooklyn, Houston, or Austin now offer shared workspaces where residents can not only work, but also maintain a healthy work-life balance and practically eliminate their commute. As more amenities for remote workers are integrated into residential construction, shared workspaces are replacing the club rooms and lounge areas of years past. The good news is that designing such a place inside of a living community is more versatile than designing an actual office space because you have more freedom for creativity. Granted, certain amenities should be present for the general needs of remote workers; and, some amenities will cater to the specific needs of different professions. General amenities For every working space, provide high-speed internet, comfortable chairs, and well-positioned tables and desks. Moreover, because connectivity is essential for remote workers, invest in an internet package from a trusted provider. But, be careful about the positioning and capacity of outlets to prevent any uncomfortable or even dangerous incidents. As for the working space itself, create a layout that’s flexible and that people can adapt for both group work and solo sessions. Furthermore, attend to the well-being of those who will use this facility; most young renters—who happen to be the majority of the digital nomads—place great emphasis on wellness amenities. As such, ergonomic chairs and warm-light systems are a must. Moreover, go the extra mile by providing services, as well. Tea, coffee, and water are essential, and you can also add printers and scanners for that...

Leases are the backbone of your business. Getting them quickly signed leads to fewer vacancies, more revenue, and happier stakeholders. But to get there, you must convert your prospects. These six tips will help you get the signatures that you need with less waiting. Close the deal in prospects’ minds. Getting a lease signed begins as early as the property tour. Whether the tour is virtual or in-person, you can use language that promotes the sell. Verbally help prospects see themselves in the unit: “There are so many options for placing your couch in this spacious living room,” or “Your kids will love the recently renovated playground.” When it is time to sign, prospects already have a clear idea that their lifestyles are a fit in the community. Incentivize signing the lease within 24 hours of the agreement. Verbal interest is great, but it doesn’t pay the bills. To maximize a sense of urgency and minimize vacancy time, create an incentive for signing the lease within 24 hours. Perhaps waive the garage rental fee for a month or provide discounts for local services like pet sitting and dry cleaning. Offer what’s valuable to the prospect in exchange for what’s valuable to you, their commitment. Guide indecisive prospects with facts. Use your property’s desirability to your advantage. Gather data on how quickly units lease in the community, in the neighborhood, and any competitive advantages of renting promptly (like seasonal promotions). If there are other value-add features to your community, don’t hesitate to share them. Follow your property facts with a signing incentive for maximum impact. Make it easy to sign the lease. Make it simple for prospects to become residents. First, streamline the application and renewal process using leads-to-leases enabled property management software. Then ensure...

It’s never too late to make a resolution for the New Year, especially if it improves efficiencies at your senior housing properties. Resolve to go mobile! When you make the transition to mobile charting, you pave the way to success. What is Mobile Charting? Mobile charting is simply the act of entering resident information on the go. Care staff enters resident data into Yardi Senior Living Suite using a mobile device. Resident data can then be conveniently and securely stored in cloud. Why makes the transition from paper to mobile charting? We’re glad that you asked. Here are five benefits to making the switch. 5 Benefits of Mobile Charting Mobile charting increases care staff time with residents. When staff can’t access a mobile device to enter resident data, they must interrupt their rounds to do so. That means less time engaging with residents and more time tethered to a desk. With mobile charting, care staff naturally integrate data entry into their resident visits. Mobile charting improves accuracy and consistency of resident data. Remember how staff scurries between residents’ rooms and office computers to enter data? In the shuffle, they struggle to remember details from one visit to the next. This may result in inaccuracies and missing data. With mobile charting, there is no lag time between receiving and entering data. Immediate record keeping results in greater accuracy and better care for residents. Mobile charting enhances accountability amongst care staff. With paper charting, it isn’t always easy to tell who altered a file or when. When a staff member logs into Yardi EHR on a mobile device, their contributions to resident files are marked with a date and electronic signature. The automatic features enhance accountability and record keeping. Mobile charting protects resident data. Sheets of...

Appropriately for the “acceleration” theme of its global conference this week, Realcomm recently hosted a webinar in which several experts, including Yardi’s Alex Stanton, commented on the rapid pace of change in commercial real estate and new data management technology entering the marketplace. Stanton, regional director of commercial sales, said the movement toward an integrated concept of information management is so profound that it’s altering the very concept of the lease. “Client,” for example, no longer means a single entity but instead a broader category of people to be managed with increasingly granular information. “Space” encompasses coworking, parking and amenities as well as traditional offices. “Tenants” are morphing into “guests” whose service expectations require the collection and management of an expanding body of information including such non-real estate sources as weather and traffic information. Companies are creating digital twins of everything from their buildings to their tenants and the environment surrounding them. The best prescription for managing change, he said, is aligning IT resources with a company’s strategic direction. “When there’s a nice marriage of business and IT, there’s stronger direction and execution on investments, efficiencies and other actions,” Stanton said. Other participants and their thoughts on managing change included: Sam Wong, head of analytics and data science for global real estate manager QuadReal Property Group. When building its data platform from scratch, QuadReal focused on gaining insight and action, not just reporting, and its attention to the information management and database portions of the solution stack equaled that devoted to business intelligence and analytics. “We also sought a platform that could grow in capability and size so we don’t just worry about what we need to do in the next year or so,” said Wong, who managed both the business and technical teams...

Google has eliminated 300 apps from its online store after discovering a secret plugin silently installed across several Android devices. The seemingly innocuous apps were all secretly outfitted with the WiredX botnet. WiredX commandeers vulnerable Android phones and tablets, using the gadgets to kick off a DD0S attack. While Google does not yet have an official account of just how many devices currently host the WiredX botnet, Chad Seaman, a senior engineer at Akamai, a cyber security firm, estimates the number could reach 70,000 or more. “I know in the cases where we pulled data out of our platform for the people being targeted we saw 130,000 to 160,000 (unique Internet addresses) involved in the attack,” said Seaman. Silent, but Deadly The initial WiredX outbreak occurred on August 17th, when several Content Delivery Networks (CDNS) reported similar DDoS attacks. A search for the source eventually landed at the doorstep of Google’s Play Store, prompting the tech firm to pull hundreds of affected applications from its store and initiate procedures to remove the malware from infected devices. “We identified approximately 300 apps associated with the issue, blocked them from the Play Store, and we’re in the process of removing them from all affected devices,” a Google spokesperson said. “The researchers’ findings, combined with our own analysis, have enabled us to better protect Android users, everywhere.” The apps chosen to host the plugin provided genuine services, like ringtones and video players, but included hidden malware designed to commandeer the device for potential DDoS attacks. Once powered on, any infected phone or tablet mainly served as a soldier in a broader DDoS army – all unbeknownst to the user. While the apps themselves operated as promised, the malware surreptitiously connected to an internet server run by the WiredX...