Dispatch

Dispatch is the process of assigning and sending the right maintenance technician or vendor to handle a service request or work order. In multifamily operations, it usually considers the issue type, urgency, technician skills, location, availability, travel time, and needed parts. Dispatch may be handled on site or through a centralized team that coordinates work across multiple properties.

A resident reports that their apartment has no heat. The dispatch team reviews the work order, confirms it is urgent, checks which technician is qualified for HVAC work and closest to the property, assigns the job, and tracks status updates until the repair is complete.

Effective dispatch helps maintenance teams respond faster, reduce wasted travel time, and keep work moving with clearer ownership. For operations leaders, it supports better resident communication, higher team efficiency, and centralized visibility into maintenance activity across a portfolio.