Speakers
Cat Allday: VP, APM Platform and Product Operations at Appfolio
Suzanne Hopson: Founder and Principal at Here2Elevate & Co-Host of Decoding Multifamily
TL;DR Summary
In this insightful session, Suzanne Hopson and Cat Allday discuss the advancements in AI at AppFolio, focusing on practical applications, integration challenges, and the importance of responsible AI development. They highlight the launch of RealmX and its potential to revolutionize property management.
In an engaging session at Apartmentalize, Suzanne Hopson interviewed Cat Allday, the AI lead at AppFolio, about the company’s innovative AI initiatives and the future of AI in property management. Cat shared her journey into AI, the development of AI solutions at AppFolio, and the launch of their new product, RealmX.
Key Takeaways About AI Initiatives
- Introduction of RealmX: AppFolio’s new generative AI solution, RealmX, includes three components: RealmX Assistant, which acts as a co-pilot within the product to assist with tasks like communication and data retrieval; and RealmX Flows, which automates business processes, freeing up time for property managers to focus on more strategic tasks.
- Practical AI Applications: Cat emphasized the importance of building AI solutions that solve real problems. For instance, RealmX Assistant can send bulk communications, retrieve specific data from reports, and maintain a consistent brand voice in resident communications. This reduces manual work and ensures consistency across interactions.
- Responsible AI Development: AppFolio is committed to building AI responsibly. They set up guardrails to protect user data and ensure that AI systems only respond to relevant queries. They have enterprise agreements with major AI players to safeguard data and prevent misuse.
Actions Property Managers Should Take With AI
- Explore AI Solutions for Operational Efficiency: Consider implementing AI tools like RealmX to automate routine tasks, improve communication consistency, and enhance data retrieval processes.
- Evaluate Vendor AI Practices: When selecting AI vendors, assess their approach to responsible AI development, data protection, and integration capabilities to ensure they align with your operational needs and values.
- Leverage AI for Training and Onboarding: Utilize AI to train new employees, reducing the time required to onboard staff and helping them quickly become proficient with software and processes.
By integrating advanced AI solutions like those offered by AppFolio, property managers can streamline operations, enhance resident experiences, and maintain a competitive edge in the evolving landscape.