Electrification of parking lots and real estate is a challenge for many managers. How do you keep an overview, avoid endless emails and phone calls, and ensure that all stakeholders take action at the right time? EVTools offers a solution with its new product 'Buildings & Grounds'. We speak to Chief Product Officer Jeroen Schutte about the added value of this system.
Why was "Buildings & Grounds" developed?
"Electrification has become a necessity for property and site managers. From office parking lots to shopping malls and logistics hubs, charging infrastructure must be rolled out everywhere. But without a structured process, this often runs chaotically: loose requests, cluttered mail exchanges and delays. We saw that property managers, contractors, installers and operators all work with their own systems and that managing these takes a lot of time. With EVTools we digitize the entire process and bring all parties together in one workflow. No more loose Excel lists, but a streamlined, transparent collaboration."
How does it work in practice?
"It starts with identifying the stakeholders: who needs to be involved? These can be property managers, installers, charging station operators and facility managers. From EVTools, they are automatically assigned notifications and tasks, so nothing gets left behind. Then users can easily register their parking lots and buildings, including relevant features such as energy supply and accessibility.
Requests for charging infrastructure can come in a variety of ways. It can be through a request form on the intranet, a CRM or case system or based on a strategic vision. Think, for example, of companies adding standard EVs to their leasing policies or regulations requiring them to electrify a percentage of parking spaces. EVTools supports both ad hoc requests and large-scale strategic plans."
What happens after the inventory?
"Unlike public charging infrastructure, private sites often require an inspection. An installer assesses the meter box, available capacity and any grid reinforcements. This is all recorded centrally in EVTools. The system then automatically generates the appropriate next steps: does a grid reinforcement need to be requested? Are quotations needed? What installation work needs to be scheduled?
Our software ensures that all parties involved know exactly what to do and when. Thanks to a dynamic workflow, the system moves with the situation. Small adjustments lead to a different approach than large-scale infrastructure renovations. This prevents delays and inefficiencies."
What are the advantages of EVTools over other systems?
"EVTools was developed specifically for charging infrastructure. Unlike generic property management or project management systems, all processes, roles and integrations are tailored to the charging infrastructure market.
In addition, EVTools offers integration capabilities with existing systems such as property management platforms, case systems and operator back offices. This means that you do not have to record data twice and that contracts and KPIs are automatically secured.
Our GIS module also provides additional value. You can see on a map exactly where charging points are located, how much capacity is available and how occupancy rates are developing. This is valuable for companies with multiple locations that want to know where additional charging points are needed."
What role does contract management play in this process?
"Within EVTools, all contractual agreements and KPIs are recorded and automatically monitored. This provides certainty: who has agreed what, what deadlines have been set and what are the delivery conditions?
In addition, we make lead times measurable. How long does an installation process take? What is an operator's response time? Dashboards and reports allow companies to proactively manage efficiency and performance of contract partners.
This means not only cost savings, but also a more reliable process in which everyone involved knows exactly what their responsibilities are and can make adjustments in time."
What does this mean for the future of charging infrastructure on properties and sites?
"The combination of a streamlined workflow, central data management and GIS analysis makes EVTools the solution for property owners and site managers who are serious about electrification. In addition, we are preparing for further integrations, such as 'power pooling' where companies smartly share their own charging infrastructure within a community.
We believe property managers, parking lot operators and mobility managers will increasingly move toward a data-driven approach. With EVTools, they can plan smarter, act faster and work more cost-effectively based on real-time insights."
Finally, why should property owners and land managers get in NOW?
"The obligations around charging infrastructure are increasing and the demand for electric charging infrastructure is growing exponentially. Waiting is no longer an option. Those who invest in a streamlined process now will avoid future problems and take a step forward in sustainable mobility.
EVTools offers a proven solution that saves time, cost and complexity. We help property owners and site managers get a grip on their electrification process, without administrative hassle and with maximum efficiency. Interested? Get in touch and find out how we can support your organization!"Want to discover how EVTools 'Buildings & Grounds' can accelerate your property management? Contact our team and schedule a demo!
