Unlocking the Power of Yardi Data Connect: How to Transform Data into Actionable Insights

What is Yardi Data Connect (YDC)?

Yardi Data Connect (YDC) is a game-changer for Commercial Real Estate (CRE) and property management professionals. Seamlessly integrating Yardi Voyager with Microsoft Power BI, YDC transforms raw operational and financial data into clear, actionable insights. Automating data aggregation, visualization, and reporting empowers teams to make faster, smarter decisions—weather forecasting rent trends, optimizing CAM reconciliations, or predicting portfolio performance.

However, like any powerful tool, YDC’s value depends on how effectively it’s used. Without the right expertise, companies’ risk being overwhelmed by data instead of leveraging it to drive growth. In this article, we’ll explore how YDC works, its key benefits, the common challenges businesses face, and how Relay Human Cloud—Yardi’s exclusive staffing partner—helps companies maximize their YDC investment.

Key Features of Yardi Data Connect

• Seamless Integration:
  YDC creates a secure, automated pipeline between Yardi Voyager and Microsoft Power BI. This eliminates manual data exports and ensures real-time synchronization.

• Customizable Dashboards:
  Build interactive reports tailored to your needs—from AR/AP overviews to predictive rent forecasting models.

• Third-Party Data Blending:
  Combine Yardi data with external sources (e.g., IoT sensors, market trends) for a 360° view of your portfolio.

• AI/ML Readiness:
  Say goodbye to manual updates. YDC auto-refreshes data on schedules you set, ensuring reports are always current.

• Automated Refreshes:
  YDC creates a secure, automated pipeline between Yardi Voyager and Microsoft Power BI (or Tableau). This eliminates manual data exports and ensures real-time synchronization.

The Challenge: Even the Best Tools Need Skilled Hands

While YDC is revolutionary, many teams struggle to unlock its full potential due to:

• Complex SQL Scripting: Custom reports often require SQL expertise to extract and transform data.

• Dashboard Design Hurdles: Building intuitive Power BI visuals that align with business goals isn’t easy.

• Integration Headaches: Merging YDC with third-party tools (e.g., AI models) demands technical know-how.

• Training Gaps: Staff may lack familiarity with YDC’s advanced features, leading to underutilization.

Take Boxer Property, a CRE firm managing 15M+ square feet nationwide. They wanted to integrate YDC with AI for rent forecasting but hit roadblocks with SQL scripting and data blending. As President Justin Segal noted:
“We struggled with artificial intelligence until Data Connect. Without skilled talent, our models were just guesses.”

How Relay Human Cloud Solves YDC Challenges

As the only staffing provider in Yardi’s Independent Consultant Network, Relay Human Cloud specializes in connecting YDC users with pre-vetted experts who turn data into dollars. Here’s how we help:

1. Deploy YDC-Specialized Talent in 72 Hours

Relay’s bench of Yardi-certified professionals includes:

• SQL Developers: Fix data pipelines, automate reports, and troubleshoot scripting errors.

• Power BI Analysts: Design boardroom-ready dashboards that highlight KPIs like occupancy rates or cash flow trends.

• Data Engineers: Integrate YDC with AI/ML tools for predictive insights.

Example: A multifamily real estate client used Relay’s SQL developer to automate CAM reconciliations, cutting manual work by 20 hours/week.

2. Cost-Effective, Scalable Support

Hiring locally for niche YDC skills can cost $150K+/year. Relay provides the same expertise at 75% less, with no recruiting fees or long-term contracts.

3. Training & Upskilling

Relay’s experts don’t just do the work—they train your team on YDC best practices.

Case Study: Boxer Property’s YDC Success

Challenge:

Boxer needed to blend Yardi data with AI models for rent forecasting but lacked SQL/Power BI expertise.

Solution:
Relay deployed a data engineer and Power BI analyst to:

• Build custom SQL scripts for seamless YDC-Azure integration.

• Design a rent forecast dashboard updated in real time.

Result:

• 30% faster insights into portfolio performance.

• Predictive models improved lease renewal accuracy by 25%.

Why Partner with Relay Human Cloud?

1. Yardi-Certified Expertise: Our talent is trained in Voyager, YDC, and Power BI.

2. Risk-Free Flexibility: No long-term contracts. Pause or scale support as needed.

3. Speed: Pre-vetted experts deploy in 72 hours.

“Relay’s team made YDC feel like a natural extension of our workflow.”

– Justin Segal, President, Boxer Property

About Relay Human Cloud

As a member of Yardi’s Independent Consultant Network, Relay provides Yardi-certified talent for Voyager, YDC, and property accounting. With teams in India, Honduras, and Mexico, we help CRE firms cut costs by 75% while scaling data capabilities.

Let’s turn your YDC data into decisions.