By Mary Girsch-Bock

MRI has been a strong software contender in the property management software arena for years. Purchased by Intuit last year, MRI remains a strong contender with its web-based solutions that offer customized property management solutions designed for your company needs.

All you need to use MRI is an Internet connection and a web-browser. MRI will work with either Internet Explorer or Netscape, although there are special instructions that Netscape users will need to follow for proper system access. On MRI’s main screen, there is an abbreviated menu bar that offers complete system access. From the menu bar, you can do an inquiry into either residential or commercial tenants, a GL or AP inquiry, or a corporate AR inquiry.

To set up properties and units, click on utilities | view/edit data. Choose commercial or residential management to enter the appropriate information. Master tables stored in MRI allow you to customize over one hundred tables with information appropriate to your needs.

Navigating the system is easy. Simply choose the area you wish to access and click on the appropriate area. The residential management module has a grid listing all resident names. Clicking on the series of tabs to the left allows access to lease information, personal information and addresses for each resident. At the bottom of the screen are tabs to access prospects and applicants as well. The prospects screen has a phone log, guest information and an area to delete old prospects. The applicant information screen allows you to add or edit an applicant, delete old applicants, and maintain an applicant profile complete with credit report.

MRI’s commercial module also contains an area for prospects, applicants and residents. Building information is entered in this screen, including suite IDs if applicable and a list of rentable areas including square footage, leased square footage and type of space. Again, by simply clicking on the tabs on the screen, you can access or enter billing information, base rent, operating expenses and billable amounts. A retail tab will display detailed information for each retail lease, including automatic or manual billing options, breakpoint and percentage information for each lease.

A comprehensive GL module is center to MRI’s system integration. The GL seamlessly integrates with both the residential and commercial modules, which can be used simultaneously. What I really like about this system is its compact design. For instance, all GL functions and reports can be completed from the same screen. Even initial system setup, including chart of accounts information, is completed from the same screen.

One of MRI’s best features is its Distributive Processing feature. Management companies with multiple properties need a way to transmit system data back to their home office quickly and easily. MRI’s Distributive Processing feature makes preparing and transmitting information easy.

MRI also offers online solutions for properties such as personalized homepages and online resident services, including the ability to display apartment availability at a glance. MRI’s reporting module is as strong as ever, with a complete library of flexible reports that are easily customized. You can also use MRI’s Report Design for more complex reporting capabilities. MRI can also link directly to Microsoft Word from the prospect, applicant and resident screen, so tenant correspondence is a breeze.

MRI seems to only get better with age. With easy, common sense screens for data entry and access, this program would be an excellent fit for large companies who wish to utilize new technology to the maximum.