1. Define operating requirements before configuration
Translate the implementation into business processes, reporting needs and role responsibilities before detailed configuration decisions are made.
The platform should support the operating model rather than define it by default.
- Finance workflows
- Property operations
- Reporting
- Security
- Documents
- Integrations
2. Establish data ownership
Separate data into domains and assign business owners who can validate correctness. Technical teams can load data, but business users determine whether it is usable.
Create measurable readiness criteria.
- Properties and units
- Leases and occupants
- Vendors
- Accounting
- Documents
- Open operational items
3. Design reporting early
Management reporting requirements should influence coding, structures and business rules before implementation is too far along.
Identify the questions leadership expects MRI to answer.
- Financial reporting
- Portfolio reporting
- Property reporting
- Exception reporting
- Operational visibility
4. Test full business processes
Test end-to-end workflows rather than isolated screens. Include downstream accounting and reporting impacts.
Use realistic exceptions and reversals.
- Invoice to payment
- Lease changes
- Move-in and move-out
- Maintenance workflow
- Month-end reporting
5. Train by role
Users need to understand what they own and how the process works, not only where to click.
Train with realistic property and accounting scenarios.
- Role responsibilities
- Approvals
- Exceptions
- Reporting
- Escalation
6. Stabilize after go-live
Plan for a structured stabilization period with issue severity, owners and decision rights.
Review whether the implementation is actually reducing manual work and improving information quality.
- Issue log
- Data corrections
- Workflow changes
- Reporting adjustments
- Training gaps