If you're exploring Yardi software or trying to get more from an existing implementation, you've probably encountered the term "Yardi consultant." But what exactly does a Yardi consultant do, and when does it make sense to work with one?
The Role Defined
A Yardi consultant is an independent specialist who helps organizations implement, optimize, and support Yardi property management software. Unlike Yardi employees who work for the software company, consultants work for you—bringing an outside perspective focused entirely on your success.
Consultants typically have deep experience with Yardi gained through years of implementations across multiple organizations. This breadth of experience is their key advantage: they've seen what works, what doesn't, and how to solve problems you might encounter.
What Yardi Consultants Do
Implementation
New Yardi implementations involve configuring the system to match your business processes, migrating data from legacy systems, integrating with other applications, and training users. Consultants guide this process, applying lessons from previous implementations to avoid common pitfalls.
Optimization
Many organizations underutilize their Yardi investment. Consultants help identify capabilities you're not using, streamline workflows, and configure features that improve efficiency. Sometimes a few targeted optimizations can transform how your team works.
Custom Development
Standard Yardi functionality doesn't fit every need. Consultants build custom reports, interfaces, integrations, and automations that extend the platform to match your specific requirements.
Training and Support
Ongoing training helps staff stay current with Yardi capabilities, and support services provide expert help when problems arise. Many organizations don't have the internal expertise to fully support Yardi on their own.
Independent vs. Yardi-Employed Consultants
Yardi employs consultants for implementations, but independent consultants offer a different value proposition: they work exclusively for you, have no conflicts of interest, and bring perspective from working across many different organizations.
When to Work with a Consultant
Consider engaging a Yardi consultant when:
- Implementing Yardi for the first time: Expert guidance reduces risk and accelerates time-to-value
- Upgrading major versions: Migrations require planning and expertise to execute smoothly
- Expanding functionality: Adding new modules or capabilities benefits from experienced guidance
- Solving persistent problems: If you've been struggling with issues your team can't resolve
- Needing custom solutions: Reports, integrations, or workflows that standard features don't provide
- Lacking internal expertise: When you don't have staff with deep Yardi knowledge
What to Look for in a Consultant
Not all consultants are equal. Key qualities to evaluate include:
- Experience depth: How many implementations have they completed? Across what property types?
- Technical capability: Can they handle complex customizations and integrations?
- Industry knowledge: Do they understand property management, not just software?
- Communication skills: Can they explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
- References: Can they provide contacts at organizations similar to yours?
- Yardi relationship: Are they part of Yardi's Independent Consultants Network?
"The best Yardi consultants don't just know the software—they understand property management. They translate business needs into technical solutions."
The Independent Consultant Advantage
Independent consultants like BC Solutions offer several distinct advantages:
- Your advocate: We work for you, not for Yardi. Our recommendations are based solely on what's best for your organization.
- Diverse experience: Working across many organizations exposes us to varied approaches and solutions.
- Long-term relationships: We're invested in your ongoing success, not just completing a project.
- Flexible engagement: We can provide exactly the support you need, when you need it.
Getting Started
If you're considering working with a Yardi consultant, start by clearly defining your goals. What problems are you trying to solve? What outcomes would success look like? The clearer your objectives, the better a consultant can help you achieve them.
We're happy to have a no-obligation conversation about your Yardi needs and how we might help. Our team has been implementing and supporting Yardi since 2007, and we bring that experience to every engagement.