PropTech for innovative digitalization solutions

In 2018, Wincasa acquired streamnow, a PropTech company, making it the only real estate service provider in Switzerland to have this type of digitalization expertise in-house. streamnow CEO Maurizio Mancinone and Wincasa CEO Oliver Hofmann explain why PropTechs are becoming increasingly important in the real estate sector and which solutions are in demand in the market for the digitalization of real estate.

Why did Wincasa decide to buy streamnow in 2018?

Oliver Hofmann: We were convinced and have so far been confirmed in this assumption that streamnow's services will enable us to resolve tenants' concerns more quickly and easily and serve them in a more needs-based way. More than 35,000 tenants are already using the "Wincasa Home" app, which is based on streamnow technology. At the same time, it was important for us to continue to offer streamnow as an independent platform on the market in order to appeal to users who are not served by Wincasa.

"With solutions from streamnow, we can resolve tenants' concerns more quickly and easily."

Oliver Hofmann, CEO Wincasa

Streamnow is very successful, as evidenced by the acquisition of new customers, sales growth and the break-even point in terms of profitability. We still see a lot of potential for everyone involved in the PropTech sector. Having such expertise in-house is therefore very valuable.

Maurizio, take us into the world of PropTech: what products do you offer?

Maurizio Mancinone: In a nutshell: We plan, design, implement and operate digital solutions for the real estate industry. We combine web technologies, app technologies and digital signage solutions - including hardware.

All relevant information at a glance: The digitized "bulletin board" in this residential building can be used digitally in a targeted manner

In residential areas, for example, our solutions ensure that tenants can open their apartments, check the energy consumption in their rooms or reserve drying and co-working spaces via their cell phone. They are also kept up to date with news and important information via the Areal app. Parcels are delivered to fully digitalized parcel boxes and are therefore protected against theft: As soon as a parcel arrives, the tenant is informed via the app and can also use it to open the parcel box. Nowadays, this is almost mandatory for large residential complexes. Name tags are also available digitally. This means that no new tags need to be ordered when tenants change and property management is relieved. We have also completely digitized the "notice board" for residential buildings. Here we offer the hardware, the software and even the content. The whole thing comes as a white label solution and can be displayed in the look and feel of the respective property management company.

Digital reception in the TORO 1 Oerlikon commercial property

Digital signage solutions provide information, news and push messages via digital touchpoints, such as on this screen at the Lokwerk Winterthur.

And what does the offer for commercial properties look like?

Maurizio Mancinone: In commercial properties, we digitize the customer journey according to the requirements of our clients. This includes digital receptions that provide visitors with access badges by scanning a QR code. This digital access management enables individually defined access to be granted automatically inside and outside buildings. Booking meeting rooms or services is also child's play via the customized booking platform.

Our digital signage solutions are another product in our range: Information, news and push messages are communicated via digital touchpoints such as screens, panels or display boards. In addition, digital signposts and signage ensure that visitors can find their way around an area or building.

That sounds like a comprehensive portfolio. Do you also design internal solutions?

Maurizio Mancinone: Yes, we support the marketing of both residential and commercial properties with landing pages and marketing websites. Once the marketing has been completed, we transfer the website to "operating mode" and connect it to the ERP system of the property management company. When the ERP reports that an apartment becomes available, we automatically update the website with this information, inform prospective tenants and then also provide an online application process.

"Thanks to cross-system processes, we can offer services that function with very low operating costs."

Maurizio Mancinone, CEO streamnow

In the case of commercial premises, these websites can also be somewhat more complex. For example, if meeting rooms that can be booked online are made available to the public, they can be reserved and paid for via a web-based platform. The system then generates a PIN code that is valid for the booked time and can be entered at a PIN code reader of an access management system. This PIN provides access to the building, parking garage or meeting rooms. Of course, the important information is automatically synchronized with all peripheral systems of the management, the access management provider, the FM provider and - if available - the catering. Thanks to such cross-system processes, we can offer attractive services on the market with very low operating costs.

And you provide all these services yourselves?

Maurizio Mancinone: Almost, but not quite. Our solutions are based on interfaces with over 20 partners and solution providers. Our products are the result of professional and solution-oriented collaboration - both internally and externally.

Oliver, streamnow has already achieved a lot. What's next?

Oliver Hofmann: streamnow has successfully completed the "inception phase" and is now a mature, well-structured company that has also been financially successful since 2023 - two years earlier than envisaged in the business plan. Because it is embedded in Implenia and Wincasa governance, it can also meet the highest compliance and IT security requirements. Implenia's acquisition of Wincasa and streamnow now opens up further opportunities to scale streamnow technologies in construction projects, Group-internal processes or with new customers.

Streamnow

With streamnow as a subsidiary, Wincasa has an in-house PropTech company. streamnow digitizes properties, plans, designs, implements and operates digital solutions for the real estate industry. It combines web and app technologies as well as digital signage solutions - including hardware. This applies to existing properties as well as new construction projects in all areas of use: from residential and commercial to mixed-use buildings and sites.

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