Why Connection Matters More Than You Think
Most owners assume their building systems are “integrated.” Vendors reassure them. Dashboards exist. Reports flow. But here’s the catch: if you don’t have a copy of the data, you’re not truly connected.
That’s why the second step in the 5C Framework for Peak Property Performance is Connect.
What Does “Connect” Mean?
On Episode 3 of the
Peak Property Performance Podcast, Bill Douglas framed it with a one-liner:
“Unify your building systems so data can flow and insights can grow.”
Connection isn’t just about hardware or power. It’s about making sure the data your building generates actually flows to you—not just between vendor platforms.
True connection means:
- You have ownership of the data.
- You can access it in real time.
- You can combine it with other building data to drive better outcomes.
Real-World Examples from the Field
Video Surveillance Systems:
Owners often assume their camera systems are “connected.” In reality, the data often flows only to the vendor’s cloud. You can view recordings, but do you own the metadata—the occupancy trends, motion tracking, and usage insights? That’s tenant experience gold left untapped if you don’t.
Smart Locks & Lease Platforms:
Your locks may integrate with your lease management software. Great. But if you’re not capturing the underlying data—door usage, malfunction alerts, or traffic patterns—you’re left waiting for tenant complaints instead of proactively managing.
As Drew Hall puts it:
“Clinically, you own your data. But where’s the data? Can you use it?”
The Pitfalls of Partial Connection
Many CRE owners face this pattern:
- Data is flowing—but only inside one system’s walled garden.
- Vendors provide outdated, incomplete exports (flat files, delayed reports).
- Contracts limit or block access to raw, real-time data.
- When that happens, the value of digital infrastructure is capped. Worse, owners end up paying for systems that primarily enrich the vendor—not the asset.
Bill Douglas highlights the risk:
“Sometimes it’s shockingly easy. Sometimes for the tiniest little systems, it’s incredibly hard. But you find out quickly if a vendor wants to play ball with you—or if they just want to collect your money.”
Why Connect Drives NOI
True connection isn’t an IT exercise—it’s an ownership and financial strategy.
- JLL research (2024) found that CRE portfolios with unified data infrastructure saw 19% higher NOI growth over 3 years compared to peers.
- Deloitte reports that connected buildings achieve 30% faster issue resolution, reducing OpEx and tenant churn.
- McKinsey notes that cross-system data integration boosts asset valuation multiples by up to 12% at recapitalization.
- These aren’t just operational wins. They directly impact valuation and tenant retention.
How to Prioritize Connection
Connection doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Bill and Drew recommend starting with plays that combine low friction and high impact.
- If a system is easy to connect to and produces valuable data, start there.
- If it’s complex or blocked by vendor contracts, weigh the ROI before committing.
- Use a scoring model (outlined in the Peak Property Performance book) to rank systems by difficulty and potential impact.
The key is momentum. Early wins build buy-in and confidence across your team
Key Takeaways
- Integration ≠ Connection. If you don’t have a copy of the data, you’re not connected.
- Not all vendors play fair. Some will cooperate easily, others won’t—plan accordingly.
- Prioritize smart. Start with systems that provide the highest NOI lift with the least friction.
Connection is where strategy becomes reality. Without it, Clarify remains theoretical. With it, Collect, Coordinate, and Control become possible.
Next Step: Dive Deeper
Ready to see how connection fuels NOI and future-proofs your portfolio? Get your copy of
Peak Property Performance and subscribe to the PPP Podcast for more stories, strategies, and practical frameworks.