10/2/25 10:30 AM | Data Analytics Fairfield’s Budgeting Transformation: Embracing Change and Driving Efficiency with REBA Budget

Transitioning to REBA Budget required overcoming change management challenges, particularly in shifting VP mindsets and standardizing processes. By leveraging case studies, real-time scenario modeling, and built-in guidance tools, Fairfield successfully optimized its budgeting strategy. 

For Fairfield, transitioning to REBA Budget wasn’t just about adopting a new tool—it was about rethinking how they approached budgeting altogether. 

Their biggest challenge? Change management. VPs, accustomed to legacy processes, initially struggled with the shift. In training sessions, many questioned why budget outputs didn’t align exactly with their expectations. 

Instead of forcing adjustments, the REBA team introduced case studies—real scenarios demonstrating how different budget inputs influenced outcomes. By showing the direct impact of each decision, they helped leadership understand that precise forecasting wasn’t about forcing the numbers—it was about aligning them with real historical trends. 

"We had VPs asking, ‘I want to see 95% occupancy flat for the year—why isn’t that the result I’m getting?’ The case studies were a turning point. By visually showing different scenarios and why certain adjustments were needed, it changed their perspective." 

Beyond leadership buy-in, Fairfield also had to resist the urge to overly customize REBA Budget to fit old habits. 

"We caught ourselves trying to change the software to match how we used to do things—just because it was familiar. But once we let go of those old habits and trusted the system, we realized how much more accurate and efficient it was." 

To streamline workflows even further, Fairfield introduced Rent Engine Review Calls, where asset managers, regional managers, and VPs align on revenue goals together in real time—eliminating unnecessary back-and-forth. 

Additionally, they leveraged REBA Budget’s standard cost feature to save time. Instead of manually entering expenses, regional managers now access pre-loaded costs within the system, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. 

With REBA Budget, Fairfield not only improved accuracy but also freed up time for teams to focus on strategic planning instead of manual data entry.