The Concrete Voice podcast helps CRE professionals take concrete steps towards technological advancements.

The following article touches on some of the key points that Wes Snow CEO of Ascendix Technologies covered when he spoke on ‘The Concrete Voice podcast’, are you a subscriber?  

Wes Snow, CEO, Ascendix, 

‘Commercial real estate is entering a new era driven by artificial intelligence, automation, data intelligence, and user-focused digital experiences. For years, the industry relied heavily on manual processes, spreadsheets, and fragmented systems. Now, technology is becoming central to how brokers, investors, and property firms operate, compete, and scale.

A growing number of commercial real estate leaders are adopting AI-powered workflows, CRM automation, predictive analytics, and integrated platforms to improve operational efficiency and client engagement. According to insights shared by technology leaders at Ascendix Technologies, the sector is rapidly moving away from isolated software tools toward connected ecosystems that streamline everything from prospecting to transaction management.

One of the biggest trends shaping the market is the rise of AI-assisted workflows. Rather than replacing brokers, AI is increasingly being used to eliminate repetitive administrative tasks. Commercial real estate firms are deploying tools capable of extracting information from documents, drafting emails automatically, scheduling tasks, and enabling voice-powered CRM updates. These technologies reduce the time agents spend on manual data entry and allow them to focus more on relationship building and deal-making.

Industry experts believe AI adoption is no longer optional. Firms that fail to modernise risk losing competitiveness as clients demand faster response times, better data visibility, and more personalised service. However, the implementation process remains challenging for many organisations.

Todd Terry, co-founder of Ascendix Technologies, argues that companies often struggle because they attempt to pursue too many AI initiatives simultaneously instead of focusing on a few practical business problems first.

This shift toward practical AI implementation reflects a wider change across commercial real estate technology. Rather than investing in “hype-driven” innovation, firms are now prioritising tools that produce measurable business outcomes. Technologies that improve prospecting efficiency, automate reporting, or centralise customer data are gaining far more traction than experimental systems with unclear ROI.

Another major trend is the increasing importance of CRM platforms tailored specifically for commercial real estate. Generic CRM systems have historically struggled to meet the needs of brokers and investment teams because they lacked property-specific workflows and intuitive search capabilities. Today, firms are demanding software that mirrors the simplicity of consumer applications while still delivering enterprise-grade functionality.

This focus on user experience is becoming a defining theme within proptech. Commercial real estate professionals are no longer willing to tolerate clunky systems that require extensive training. Technology providers are now designing platforms with simplified interfaces, intelligent search tools, and automation features that reduce friction for users.

According to Ascendix executives, one of the industry’s biggest lessons has been understanding that successful technology adoption depends less on technical complexity and more on delivering immediate value to brokers.

Data accessibility is also evolving rapidly. Modern CRE platforms are integrating search technology and AI-driven insights directly into CRM environments, enabling brokers to retrieve property records, contact information, deal history, and market intelligence far more efficiently than before. This trend is particularly important in an industry where speed and access to accurate information can directly influence deal outcomes.

At the same time, automation is transforming marketing and reporting processes. Tasks that previously required hours of manual work — such as generating brochures, lease comps, offering memorandums, and investor reports — are increasingly being automated through integrated software tools. This not only improves efficiency but also creates greater consistency in branding and client communication.

The rapid pace of AI development presents another challenge for commercial real estate firms: technology obsolescence. AI models and automation tools are evolving so quickly that systems built today may become outdated within months. As a result, many technology leaders are advising firms to focus on flexible, scalable infrastructure rather than overcommitting to highly specialised solutions too early.

Talent acquisition is also emerging as a critical issue. There remains a shortage of professionals who understand both commercial real estate operations and AI-driven software development. Many firms are therefore investing internally in AI education, staff training, and digital transformation programmes to prepare teams for increasingly technology-centric workflows.

Importantly, despite concerns about automation, most industry experts agree that AI will enhance rather than replace commercial real estate professionals. Human relationships, negotiation skills, local market expertise, and strategic thinking remain essential components of brokerage and investment management. Technology is instead becoming a support layer that improves productivity and decision-making.

The broader proptech landscape reflects this evolution. Podcasts such as The Concrete Voice are increasingly focusing on practical discussions around AI adoption, workflow automation, and technology integration across CRE businesses. The industry conversation has shifted from whether digital transformation will happen to how firms can implement it effectively and sustainably.

Looking ahead, the commercial real estate companies most likely to succeed will be those that balance innovation with usability. AI, automation, and integrated CRM ecosystems are becoming essential competitive tools, but adoption strategies must remain aligned with real operational challenges and user needs.

Ultimately, commercial real estate technology in 2025 is no longer about experimenting with futuristic concepts. It is about building smarter, faster, and more connected businesses capable of adapting to a rapidly changing market.’

If you want to learn even more about this topic, just tune in to ‘The Concrete Voice’ podcast which is a commercial real estate and technology podcast that helps CRE professionals take concrete steps towards technological advancements.

The concrete voice podcast is hosted by Arthur Ambartsumyan, MD & Technology Director at Ascendix (pictured above), who is the lead of a global team specializing in CRM implementation, automation, and AI-powered insights for commercial real estate firms.

As Arthur puts it, ‘I believe, technology should be a growth enabler, not a roadblock. That is why I’ve started this commercial real estate technology podcast to spread awareness about possibilities proptech innovations can unlock.’

Here is the free podcast  LINK.