From strategic portfolio management to the right policy per complex with one comprehensive module

Increasing regulations on sustainability. Tenants who have become more critical. Limited financial resources. These are just a few examples of serious challenges that housing corporations will have to face in the coming years. Is it possible to find the right balance between social, financial and property objectives?

Yes, it is! With just one module from Ortec Finance – Asset Management (AM) - managing assets becomes not only effective but also efficient. In this article, we have compiled feedback that we’ve received from three corporations who have used AM to achieve and maintain this balance. 'A very user-friendly module with a pleasant interface.'

Servatius Housing & Real Estate

It really is a welcome change compared to the past.
Yvon van Rozendaal, Asset Manager Real Estate, Servatius Housing & Real Estate

'Previously, we used separate modules and self-built Excel documents. We often noticed that we were not able to answer questions sufficiently. In particular, the mapping of scenarios and conducting analyses proved to be difficult.'

There are several modules available on the market. Our main criterion being that both financial- and real estate controls are offered in one integral model. Bearing in mind the relationship with multi-annual budgets, complex plans and scenarios at portfolio level. In addition, we wanted a module that has already reached maturity, where no parts that are essential to us are still on the roadmap. This is why we picked AM, Ortec Finance’s Asset Management module.

"We wanted a module that has already reached maturity, where no parts that are essential to us are still on the road-map."

We expected the implementation to be time consuming.  But a lot of work is taken off your hands, your main concern is the configuration of characteristics, performance indicators and what you want to control. The design of the module is flexible and offers many possibilities. You are inclined to want to see as much as possible; after all, you want as much insight as possible. Luckily, you are guided well. This has ultimately resulted in a good base configuration. We can refine this design once we really get started with the module.

After two months, we experience AM as a very user-friendly module with a pleasant interface. And if you run into an issue, there is always someone from the helpdesk who will help you quickly and effectively. Of course, there is always room for improvement, but Ortec Finance is genuinely open to this.

"A lot of work is taken off your hands, your main concern is the configuration of characteristics, performance indicators and what you want to control."

We have now filled our budget in the area of investment and divestment. It's really a welcome change compared to the past, both for the asset managers and the controller. Next year we want to expand this process with Complexsessie (Complex Session) and the drafting of scenarios. Then we will know the module better, have even more insight into our complexes and can start earlier with the preparations. In the coming months, we'll make analyses using AM to gain further insights and create other scenarios. Thus, we will get to know the module even better.'

Ressort Wonen

In particular, the view of the future and the creation of policy scenarios are essential for us.
Marlous van Dijk, Business Manager Housing Department, Ressort Wonen

Ortec Finance’s AM module supports us in understanding complex performances and the labelling-, and defining of policies. We apply these performances and outcomes to our Complexsessie (Complex Session) policy choices and complex management plans. In addition, the module has a link with FMP/WALS and Vabi Vastgoeddata (Real Estate Data). This allows you to easily import and record data in a unified way, contributing to the data quality. Moreover, the link constitutes the added value of this package compared to other packages. 

"The added value of this package link with FMP/WALS and Vabi Vastgoeddata constitutes the added value of this package compared to other packages."

All colleagues who have seen the presentation were positive about the acquisition and implementation of AM. The module meets the expectations of the users. In particular, the view of the future and the creation of policy scenarios is an essential element for us.'

Woonwaarts Housing Corporation

The package works conveniently and swiftly calculates alternative scenarios.
Danny van Boxmeer, Asset Manager Woonwaarts

'It was a comprehensive selection process in which various disciplines were involved. We unanimously opted for SBI and AM from Ortec Finance. We were excited about the first demo. During a more in depth training session, we were able to ask practical questions. That was the decisive factor.

The software offers solutions to questions we deal with on a daily basis. The presentation and analysis tools come in handy when we are advising the management team and the board. Combining the hold/sell model with the social scores in the radar chart provides us immediate insight in the performance of a particular a complex. The product works conveniently and swiftly calculates alternative scenarios.

Our first impression is great. The package offers an enormous amount of possibilities and options, through which we will have to find our way. We have implemented SBI, AM and WALS just this year, yet we hope to be able to report on this year’s budget using these packages. That is the challenge at this moment. Furthermore, we see a challenge in further improving our data quality in order to make even accurate analyses.

"Previously we used external knowledge; now we bring complex performance into view by ourselves."

For instance, previously we used external knowledge to compile a hold/sell analysis. Now we can bring complex performance into view on our own. This way we can benchmark both the financial and social performances of our complexes. This also allows us to make decisions based on principles of asset management. At this stage of the year we are busy writing up the complex policies and strategies to finally create the 2020 budget.'

30 years of support for housing corporations

Ortec Finance is a world-leading supplier of asset management solutions for wealth managers, banks and housing corporations. For over 30 years, we have been providing housing associations with software, advice and training. We excel in vision, expertise, market knowledge, high-quality service and flexibility. In the Netherlands, 300 housing corporations with approximately 2.1 million objects use our services.

Are you interested in AM? Learn more about this product here.