Generative AI is making significant strides, promising to revolutionize how people interact with digital tools and services. OpenAI recently introduced GPT-4o, a cutting-edge iteration of its generative AI models. Google unveiled a generative AI Overview search feature, which invites users to “Let Google do the searching for you.” Apple has announced Apple Intelligence, an AI platform to enhance Apple devices and Siri, which Apple describes as “AI for the rest of us.”

The integration of generative AI into such widely used devices and tools means AI will soon become part of daily life for almost all of us. Even those who weren’t active AI users will quickly rely on it as much as they depend on their smartphones. 

Of course, there’s a tradeoff for the convenience of accurate, personalized AI responses: user data. When Amazon upgraded Echo and Alexa with generative AI capable of continuing conversations, it raised concerns about the extent to which Amazon was “listening.” Meta’s plan to train its AI models with users’ content also raised eyebrows and caused the company to delay its AI rollout in the EU. Recognizing AI’s inherent data security concerns, Apple emphasized that Apple Intelligence was built with privacy at the core, giving it a significant market advantage, according to some analysts.

What does this all mean for community associations and management companies? They should start embracing generative AI technology not only because of the massive efficiencies they stand to gain, but also because homeowners will soon expect instant, accurate responses at their fingertips. And because their personal data is needed to provide the most relevant responses, community associations will need to ensure any AI technology they implement is fully vetted and secure.

Fortunately, that technology is already available. It’s called Cephai, the CAM industry’s first generative AI solution. Cephai answers association-specific questions that other solutions like Google or Siri can’t because it captures and analyzes any documents or data the association provides—from CC&Rs and other legal documents to homeowner account and payment data.

Like Apple Intelligence, CINC Systems’ Cephai was built with a security-first approach to keep homeowner information locktight. Our generative AI platform processes data from the sources a management company provides into contained and segregated environments with restricted access defined by user roles. CINC’s entire platform has security woven into its DNA, with Soc II Type 2 compliance that safeguards sensitive data with state-of-the-art encryption technology and access controls.

Cephai is customizable and free to all CINC Systems customers. Check it out in the CINC Homeowner app, or take a tour here.