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Finding documents in seconds, not days: OBOS simplifies with Findable

Industry
Housing association

Key Product/Service
Findable Document Platform

Challenge

  • Managing building documentation across SharePoint, Teams, email, and physical folders made finding files frustrating and time-consuming
  • Manual documentation retrieval increased chances of using outdated or duplicate files, creating inefficiencies and errors
  • As part of their digitalization efforts, OBOS required a centralized solution to streamline document management and modernize their operations
Results
  • Documents sorted according to Norwegian building standards (bygningsdelstabellen), creating a clear and accessible structure
  • Drastically reduced search time with simplified document retrieval
  • Missing documentation flagged automatically by Findable for documentation completeness
99%

Time saved searching for documents

142

Missing document types identified

23,868

Documents sorted and labelled

We've saved time and costs while ensuring our documentation is accurate and accessible
Krasimira Landsverk Head of Operations, OBOS

About OBOS

OBOS is a leading housing developer and cooperative housing association based in Norway, primarily focused on providing high-quality housing for its members. Established in 1929, OBOS has grown to become one of the largest homebuilders in the Nordic region, with a membership base of over half a million people. The organization’s main goal is to make homeownership accessible and affordable, offering a wide range of residential projects and services.

In addition to building homes, OBOS is dedicated to creating sustainable, innovative, and community-oriented living spaces that enhance the quality of life for its members. practices playing a central role in its operations. This commitment is reflected in its continuous efforts to modernise and improve the management of its building portfolio.

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The Challenge

OBOS faced significant challenges with their building documentation. Management, operation, and maintenance (O&M) files were scattered across multiple platforms—SharePoint, Teams, email, and even physical folders. This not only made finding the right documentation frustrating, but also a time-consuming and resource-intensive task.

"It's imperative that we keep up with the digitalization and modernization of our properties"

–Geir Graff-Kallevåg, Director of Development, Projects and Operations at OBOS

As OBOS sought to digitalize and modernize their operations, it became clear that they needed a solution to centralize and stay on top of their documentation. 

Krasimira Landsverk, Head of Operations at OBOS, shared that searching for just two documents could take up to a staggering three days. The lack of a centralized system also increased the risk of using outdated or duplicate files, adding inefficiency and the potential for errors.

Oslo Picture from Unsplash (2)

The Solution

To address these challenges, OBOS partnered with Findable, entering a pilot program to use its AI-powered document platform. Findable helped OBOS modernize their documentation processes by:

  • Automatic sorting: Findable automatically sorted documents according to the Norwegian building standards (bygningsdelstabellen), creating a clear and accessible structure for all files
  • Simplifying document retrieval: With Findable Search, documents are instantly accessible, delivering results that match search terms to both document titles and content.
  • Instant answers from building documentation: Findable's own ChatGPT-like tool allows OBOS users to ask questions about their documentation in plain language, e.g. "where are all the fire exits in building A?"
  • Ensuring accuracy: Findable flags missing documentation and minimizes the risk of errors caused by outdated or duplicate files

“All we need to do is upload [the documents], and Findable will do the rest” 

–Krasimira Landsverk, Head of Operations at OBOS

Findable also played a crucial role in OBOS’s work on Hammersborg Torg, a redevelopment project aimed at reusing building materials. By centralising and structuring documentation with Findable, OBOS was able to assess what materials could be reused, supporting their commitment to sustainability and circularity.

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The Results

OBOS partnered with Findable to transform the way they handled their building documentation. Using Findable’s AI-powered platform, they were able to:

  • From three days to two minutes: Property managers can now find the documents they need in seconds, freeing them to focus on other priorities
  • A clearer picture of their portfolio: With all building documentation centralized, OBOS has a complete and accurate view of their property assets
  • Ready for scale: After a successful pilot, OBOS is rolling out Findable to additional buildings across their portfolio, from older properties to brand-new developments

"The alternative would have been to spend three days finding two documents. This allows us to save on both time and costs"

–Krasimira Landsverk, Head of Operations at OBOS

For OBOS, this is more than just a tech upgrade—it’s about keeping up with the rapid evolution of the industry, driven by technologies like AI.

By implementing Findable, OBOS has transformed a labor-intensive challenge into an efficient, seamless process, equipping their teams with the much-needed tools necessary to improve productivity and efficiency on the daily.

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