Stonewater partners with AI specialist to strengthen property management
The SPOTR platform will help Stonewater carry out risk assessments faster and more regularly by analysing uploaded and open source images.
Stonewater has teamed up with artificial intelligence (AI) specialist SPOTR to improve property management using image analysis technology.
The SPOTR platform will help Stonewater carry out risk assessments faster and more regularly by analysing uploaded and open source images.
The software assesses photographs from in and around properties to spot damp, mould, cracks and other dangers, recommending action where needed.
Results from the analysis are collated on one platform to support repair and maintenance planning, taking away the need for multiple databases or spreadsheets.
Robert Panou (pictured), director of asset strategy, homes at Stonewater, said: “We have over 40,000 homes across the UK so keeping in touch on full assessments can be a huge challenge.
“While the existing model is working to keep our homes safe, the reality of the process means that – like most other housing providers – we don’t carry-out stock condition surveys to every home every year.
“This means that, while annual safety checks are happening much more regularly, it can sometimes be several years between full property assessments for each home.”
Panou added: “While this is the industry standard, we knew we could do better.
“The wider Stonewater team, contractors and partners visit customer’s homes on a regular basis, so we wanted to capitalise on this time.
“While it’s unfeasible to train everyone on identifying risks, they can snap a photo.”
He said: “When we heard about SPOTR’s AI image assessment tool we saw the opportunity to add an extra line of defence to act on potential risks faster.
“We’ve spent a year working with SPOTR to upload data, images and train the AI software specifically on UK homes, which have various idiosyncrasies and features.
“We’re now at a stage where it’s created a tool that is going to take our property management to the next level.”
Dirk Huibers, CEO and co-founder at SPOTR, said: “Most providers are heavily reliant on spreadsheets to manage their homes.
“With plans, schedules and records spread across multiple documents, it is a time consuming challenge to manage.
“Our software provides a single asset management system that uses AI to add an extra layer of support to operational capacity.”
Huibers added: “While our AI image assessment tool will never replace the need for human eyes and knowledge, it does create the opportunity to do more without increasing the time investment.
“It’s been a great learning experience working with Stonewater, for our AI and for our team.
“We’ve been able to understand the operational challenges faced by UK providers and been able to improve our processes to suit.”
Related
Stonewater partners with Plentific to strengthen repairs services
Sesame Bankhall Group accelerates OneView development with JammJar partnership
Lettie integrates with Apex27 to streamline maintenance for letting agents
Aziz Group partners with Alto to support growth
Prop247 launches platform to strengthen broker relationships with BTL clients
Stonewater secures fifth SHIFT Gold accreditation
iPlace Global rebrands as PinLocal and launches AI-first lead generation platform
Allisons Financial Planning adopts JammJar platform
Acaboom launches AI tool for estate agents
Target Group launches AI Champion programme to accelerate responsible AI adoption
Stonewater secures £350m funding allocation from Homes England
