What is Artificial Intelligence – and what is not?

Hardly any topic is currently being discussed as hotly as Artificial Intelligence. Even in property management, opinions are very divided.

Some see a great opportunity. Others fear that machines will soon take over their jobs. Much uncertainty arises between these poles.

At the same time, many administrations have long been planning or working with AI - often without knowing it.

What is actually behind AI?

Artificial Intelligence describes systems that learn from data. They recognise patterns, make decisions, or suggest actions. Unlike classical software, AI does not follow a rigid "If A, then B" scheme.

It searches for ways to achieve a goal on its own. Thus, AI is no magic trick. It is mathematics, combined with experience – only machine-learned.

AI is already part of our everyday lives

Many encounter AI every day without realising it. Music apps suggest suitable songs. Streaming services recommend films that suit our tastes. Online shops know which products might interest us.

All these systems analyse what we have listened to, watched, or bought so far. Then they calculate what might fit next. This is nothing other than Artificial Intelligence.

With the advent of tools like ChatGPT, AI has suddenly become tangible. You can write with it, ask it questions, plan – in natural language. This gives the topic a face and takes away its fright.

Why property managers are still hesitant

In property management, AI has so far rarely arrived in everyday life. Many use digital solutions - but mostly classical automation. The old logic still applies there: If A happens, then do B. These rules work well as long as processes always run the same.

But this is rarely the case in management. Every request is a bit different. Every property has its peculiarities. Here, classical automation reaches its limits.

Ask yourself: How often has a supposedly simple neighbourhood dispute gone according to plan F. Far too often we try to impose a pattern on something that does not follow a simple pattern.

This is exactly where AI comes in. AI can react flexibly. It does not require rigid patterns but learns from the past just like you and I. It understands content, draws connections, and suggests solutions. This creates a new form of support - not a replacement, but real relief.

A look ahead

The future belongs to those who learn to work with AI. Not to those who ignore it. Those who understand early how these systems think and how to use them correctly gain a clear advantage.

AI is not an end in itself.

But it can significantly simplify everyday life in property management - if integrated correctly. This does not require major projects, but openness, curiosity, and entrepreneurial thinking.

It can often be overwhelming to address the subject. With so much new, one often does not know how or where to best start. That's why we have launched this blog. Here, we will guide you in small sections and reading units on the topic and help you take the next step.