Getting swamped by data? New program shows how to manage real estate data for better analytics

by Brianna Crandall — May 26, 2017 — OSCRE International has stepped forward to address the data challenges faced by commercial real estate (CRE) professionals and their organizations, announcing the launch of the OSCRE Academy and its Data Governance Certificate Program.

OSCRE’s program is said to be the first of its kind in the industry and addresses critical areas of data governance, including data integration and aggregation, change leadership and the impact of emerging technologies. Effective data governance means better data for analytics and improved ability to meet industry compliance requirements such as the new FASB and IFRS reporting requirements. OSCRE’s Data Governance Program includes ten Web-based sessions presented by a faculty of industry experts who bring practical experience from multiple perspectives in CRE information management.

Some of the FM-related data OSCRE covers includes portfolio management, leasing and occupancy, property operations, building performance, outsourcing contracts, total occupancy costs, space management, and facilities management / service orders.

David Karpook, chairman of OSCRE, stated:

Real estate professionals are besieged by extraordinary amounts of data from many directions and they struggle with how best to manage it and use it. The real challenge is developing an effective approach to data governance that is implemented throughout the organization and with its business partners. It calls for specialized skills and commitment from everyone in every business unit, working together to optimize performance.

The OSCRE Data Governance Program was designed to address a skills gap in the industry, and provides participants with the tools and guidance to build new capabilities in their own organizations. Effective data governance starts with a standards-based approach to information management. Starting June 21, the program delivers sessions every three to four weeks for the next nine months. The program will equip participants with the knowledge base and a guide to put what they have learned into practice. Students enrolling in the OSCRE Academy have up to a year to complete the program and earn OSCRE’s Data Governance Certificate.

Lisa Stanley, OSCRE’s CEO, commented:

Information is the new currency. Data governance education is an investment with a strong ROI that prepares people to better manage the information that drives performance in their organization. There is an urgent need for this training, and we’re looking forward to the positive impact it will have on building skills for the participants, their organizations and the industry.

For more information and to register for the Data Governance Certificate Program, visit the OSCRE Academy Web site. OSCRE International’s mission is to guide and inform the commercial real estate community on how information standards and technology maximize value, today and tomorrow.