Archer Blog

Archer Introduces "BYOM": Bring Your Own Model

Written by Archer | Sep 23, 2024 3:20:27 PM

Archer, the leading platform in real estate intelligence, is excited to announce the upcoming launch of our newest feature, BYOM (Bring Your Own Model).

Take a look at a demo walkthrough video here (turn on the sound):

 

This groundbreaking feature seamlessly integrates CRE firms’ proprietary underwriting models into Archer’s AI/ML driven Real Estate Intelligence platform, allowing for data-rich underwriting in under 5 minutes.

We at Archer decided to build this feature due to an ever growing need we have heard in our community. 

We know that CRE investing is more competitive than ever, but real estate investment firms are stuck operating in the same way they were a few decades ago. Taking days for every underwrite. Using models in a silo. Hopping between tools, Excel, and email, repeating the same tasks over and over. 

We saw our customers address this in a few different ways:

  1. Building DIY Excel based parsing templates in your own model
  2. Using parsing tools with copy + paste features 
  3. External offshore resources that are prone to errors and have slow turnarounds

All of these solutions take a lot of manual effort, have questionable accuracy, and don’t benefit from continuously updated data, comps, and analytics.

The result? Most firms keep their models separate from their data and comps, have to do the same analysis over and over, and don’t save their data in one place. All together, this greatly reduces their efficiency and analysis potential.  

With Archer BYOM, you never have to choose between your own proprietary model and the latest data, analytics, and comps.

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"We are thrilled to offer our users the ability to combine the power of their own models with Archer’s continuously updated data, comps, analytics and AI. BYOM provides the best of both worlds, and we believe this will revolutionize the underwriting experience for CRE firms." 

Thomas Foley, CEO of Archer.

How Archer BYOM Works

  1. Upload your custom model to Archer's secure cloud environment.
  2. Archer's Client Services team maps Archer's data, parsing and inputs into your model.
  3. Launch underwrites with one click, directly from deal sourcing or search. Your model runs instantly, filled with a combination of Archer’s + your own proprietary data. 
  4. When you upload a Rent Roll or T12, the results are instantaneously parsed, mapped and incorporated into your model automatically.
  5. Archer’s system automatically stores each underwrite when the first pass is complete and again when the user clicks “save”, seamlessly creating a history of underwriting, financial results, Rent Comps and Expense comps from your data as you work. 

Archer BYOM FAQs

Q: Does Archer BYOM compromise the security of my proprietary model?

A: We understand the sensitivity of your financial models and take data security very seriously. Your model is encrypted both in transit and at rest, stored on our secure cloud servers with strict access controls. Only you have access to your model template as well as any underwrites that are generated on the Archer platform.

Q: Can I maintain the custom functionality within my existing model?

A: Absolutely! Archer BYOM is designed to work seamlessly with the unique logic, calculations, and even your custom outputs that you've built into your model. This means no compromises on the way you analyze deals and no need to tinker with important outputs that your stakeholders already recognize.

Q: Will my LPs or Partners be affected/will my model break because of the Archer BYOM integration?

A: Your partners, or anyone receiving the model, even if they are not an Archer user, are unaffected by this change.  They can use the model just like they normally would.  Those outside partners cannot "refresh comps" or upload new documents to be parsed - that is reserved for only customers of Archer with the Archer Add-in for Excel, but the rest of the model functionality is unaffected by the BYOM approach.

Q: Is there a limit to how complex my model can be?

A: We've designed Archer BYOM to accommodate a wide range of model complexity. Our team will work closely with you to assess your model and ensure a smooth, optimized integration with the Archer platform.

Q: How can Archer BYOM save my team time?

A: By eliminating manual data entry, automating workflows, and providing a centralized model repository, Archer BYOM can significantly streamline your team's underwriting process. We anticipate time savings of up to 10x, similar to those achieved with Archer's standard model. This frees up your analysts to focus on high-value analysis rather than tedious data wrangling.

Q: My team is constantly updating our model. Will we be able to easily make changes?

A: Yes! Archer BYOM simplifies model maintenance. You and Archer will share access to the centrally hosted model.  Simply make your updates in the template stored on Archer’s secure servers, and leave the rest to us – your model will be functional and maintain its integration with Archer, and Archer’s Customer Success team will ensure any updates to the Archer system are integrated into your model as well.  Archer’s system also maintains version history and control so you can quickly see what changes were made, when they were completed and who made the changes.

Q: How does this affect my team's ability to customize underwriting analyses?

A: Archer BYOM gives you the best of both worlds: the power of your in-house model combined with Archer's data and analytics. You retain full control over underwriting assumptions, preferences, and output formatting, ensuring your analyses perfectly align with your investment criteria.

Q: Does Archer Archer BYOM compromise ownership of my custom model?

A: Absolutely not! You retain full ownership and control over your model's intellectual property. Archer's secure cloud platform simply acts as a technologically optimized environment to run and enhance your model, ensuring it remains protected.

Q: Will my team members still be able to understand and adjust our model if it's hosted on Archer?

A: Yes! Archer BYOM is designed to work intuitively with your model's existing structure. Analysts familiar with your model will experience a seamless transition, and may even find that Archer's platform simplifies collaboration and knowledge sharing around your unique process.

Q: How long does it take to get started with Archer BYOM?

A: We've designed the setup process to be remarkably quick. Archer's automated platform handles the bulk of the integration work, allowing you to launch underwrites using Archer BYOM with minimal delay and effort.  Most models can be mapped within a few hours by Archer’s experienced Customer Success team, and most new customers are up and running within a few days of starting to collaborate with Archer.

Q: Does Archer provide support if my team needs help with our model integration?

A: Archer's Customer Success team is dedicated to your smooth onboarding and ongoing success. We provide expert guidance throughout the integration process and offer proactive support to ensure your model continues to function optimally within the Archer environment.

 

Q: Can Archer BYOM handle the scale I need for large market analyses? 

A: Absolutely! Our platform is designed to handle the computational load of bulk running multiple underwrites simultaneously, ensuring seamless performance even with extensive datasets.

 

Q: Do I lose control over the analysis when using Archer BYOM? 

A: Quite the opposite. Archer gives you granular control over preset underwriting assumptions, allowing the same flexibility you have in your own model, but now at a scale that was previously impractical.

Q: Does my underwriting data get stored when I use BYOM?

A: Yes - the Archer BYOM approach connects your model so you get the same seamless Excel - Cloud connection that you know and love with the Archer Model, but now this is within your proprietary and unique underwriting model

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Say goodbye to repetitive, manual, mind numbing data entry. Produce underwrites in less than 5 minutes using your own custom model; all in Archer.

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