Paloma Apartments, located on Chalmers Street in Surry Hills, Sydney, boasts a rich history. Originally constructed as a factory serving various purposes—from King Gee clothing manufacturing to post-World War I soldier accommodation—the building was converted into residential apartments in 1996. Today, Paloma comprises 70 residential lots and 3 commercial lots. In 2012, the building underwent a significant refurbishment and rebranding, sparking a need for more effective management systems to support its growing community of residents and businesses.
As operational demands increased, Paloma’s Strata Committee recognized that traditional methods—largely dependent on scattered emails, Excel spreadsheets, and informal communications—were no longer sufficient to manage the building effectively. This realization set the stage for the search for a purpose-built strata management solution.
Choosing MYBOS: A Solution Tailored for Australian Strata Needs
When exploring available software solutions, Paloma’s Committee evaluated several SaaS platforms but found many lacking critical local features and flexibility. According to Greg Warrilow, Chairman of the Strata Committee:
“MYBOS stood out because it was designed with the Australian strata industry in mind. It offered an intuitive resident app and a support team based locally, which made communication seamless and reliable.”
This local presence was a significant factor, as it ensured rapid support and easy collaboration. Furthermore, MYBOS’s tailored functionalities matched Paloma’s specific needs, including streamlined communication tools and easy-to-use management dashboards.
Smoothing the Software Transition: From Chaos to Consolidation
Implementing new software in a community-managed building can be daunting, but Paloma’s transition to MYBOS was smooth, aided by an engaged Strata Committee and supportive residents. The key to success was the opportunity to consolidate previously fragmented information into one centralised platform. This shift replaced the cumbersome reliance on email chains, spreadsheets, and verbal instructions with an organised and accessible system.
The changeover empowered the building management team to regain control and confidence in their daily operations.
Operational Improvements: Streamlining Processes and Enhancing Transparency
MYBOS brought significant enhancements to Paloma’s day-to-day building management:
- Centralised Case and Work Order Management: All maintenance cases and work orders were consolidated in one platform, accessible remotely by authorised personnel. This streamlined reporting, tracking, and follow-ups. Greg noted the benefit of being able to produce holistic reports, saying it helped the management team stay proactive and well-informed.
- Transparency and Accountability: Residents and management gained visibility over ongoing tasks and communications. The Building Manager could easily send updates via SMS, app notifications, or the digital noticeboard, ensuring that stakeholders were always in the loop.
- Improved Productivity: Financial oversight improved with easier management of contractor invoices, repair costs, and recurring issues. This efficiency meant that expenses were better controlled and contractors held accountable.
Enhanced Resident Experience: Building Trust and Value
The introduction of MYBOS positively influenced residents’ perceptions of the building’s management. With improved communication and swift responses to maintenance requests, trust in management soared. Greg Warrilow shared:
“Our residents appreciate the transparency and responsiveness, which has not only made living here more pleasant but also helped increase the property’s overall value.”
This direct correlation between effective strata management and increased property value highlighted the tangible benefits of investing in a modern building management system.
Seamless Integration and Reliable Support
One of the standout features of MYBOS was its compatibility with Paloma’s existing infrastructure and Australian regulatory requirements. Minimal challenges arose during integration due to the software’s thoughtful design and adaptability.
Paloma’s staff benefited from comprehensive training sessions, enabling a quick ramp-up and confident use of the platform. Furthermore, MYBOS’s support team provided ongoing assistance, ensuring any questions or technical issues were promptly resolved, which was crucial in maintaining uninterrupted operations.
Return on Investment: Tangible Benefits Beyond Cost Savings
The annual cost of MYBOS has yielded considerable returns for Paloma Apartments. The software not only streamlined workflows and reduced administrative overheads but also contributed to increased rental income and enhanced property values.
“The investment in MYBOS has been unquestionably worthwhile. It rationalised our costs and boosted operational efficiency, delivering significant value back to our community.”
Customer Recommendation: A Strong Endorsement for MYBOS
Reflecting on their experience, Paloma Apartments offers a wholehearted recommendation for MYBOS to other strata communities and property managers. Greg advises prospective users to integrate the software with their existing processes carefully, to fully leverage its features, and to actively involve both staff and residents in the transition:
“To maximise the benefits of MYBOS, it’s important to align it with your current operations and engage everyone involved. This approach ensures improved efficiency and a better living environment for residents.”
Paloma Apartments’ journey with MYBOS illustrates how purpose-built, locally supported strata management software can transform a community’s operational effectiveness.
From replacing fragmented communication with a centralised system to fostering transparency, accountability, and resident satisfaction, MYBOS has played a pivotal role in modernising Paloma’s building management. The positive impact on operational workflows, resident experience, and property value serves as a compelling example for other strata schemes seeking to elevate their management practices.
Looking to digitise your strata management? Book a free MYBOS product demo to find out how your building can benefit.
