Post by Real Estate Certificate (REC-HSG)

The next case study, titled “Digitalization, Big Data, and AI in Corporate and Real Estate Investment Management”, explores how large volumes of data scattered across PDFs, emails, and Excel files can be handled more efficiently in processes such as valuation and due diligence.   The practical challenge – the focus of this case study – arose from the everyday work of investment managers at Julius Baer Real Estate and the need to reduce inefficiencies in data retrieval and handling. Nowadays, many workflows remain heavily document-based and still rely on manual data transfer across Excel, PowerPoint, emails, CRM systems, and data rooms.   The student group – Zelia Culiat, Patrick G., and Simon Schaller – researched which processes in the real estate transaction lifecycle have already been digitized, where significant gaps remain, and which processes are the most promising candidates for pragmatic future digitalization without requiring comprehensive system overhauls.   To answer this question, the students conducted eight interviews with Swiss real estate professionals across transaction advisory, investment, and property management roles. They then explored possible approaches to reduce manual effort and improve data reuse without replacing core systems.   Overall, the study suggests that while digital tools are already widely used, digitalization remains structurally fragmented. The proposed solution is twofold: improving existing processes through modular digital interventions that reduce friction and preserve confidentiality, and building small tools within already available systems and workflows.   Thanks to Tim Baumgartner, Head Investment Brokerage at Julius Baer Real Estate, for his guidance and valuable support throughout the project, and to the student group for their creative solution to this practical challenge in real estate investment management! School of Finance (SOF-HSG) Universität St.Gallen University of St. Gallen - HSG #REC #RealEstateCertificate #RealEstatePractitionerSeminar #RealEstateDigitalization