ACI Sky™ Workbench: A Modern Solution for Appraisal Efficiency and Compliance
Key Takeaways
- Workbench Modernizes Appraisals – ACI’s cloud-based ACI Sky™ Workbench streamlines appraisal workflows, integrating tools and data sources to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Seamless Compliance with UAD 3.6 – The platform is designed to align with upcoming UAD and URAR updates, ensuring appraisers stay ahead of evolving industry standards.
- Enhanced Efficiency Through Automation – Features like automated compliance checks, data population, and dynamic workflows reduce manual tasks and revisions.
- Built for Appraisers, by Appraisers – Developed with industry input, Workbench offers a user-friendly, future-ready solution tailored to real-world appraisal needs.
The real estate appraisal industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by evolving standards and rapid technological advancements. Change isn’t just about adapting—it’s about innovating. When approached with the right mindset and tools, change becomes an opportunity to work smarter, improve efficiencies and improve the quality and transparency of valuations.
ACI is leading this shift with Workbench, a cloud-based solution designed to revolutionize the appraisal process. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Workbench enables appraisers to work more effectively, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing data accuracy. Built to meet the latest industry requirements—including the updated Uniform Appraisal Dataset (UAD) and Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR)—this platform streamlines workflows, integrates essential tools and empowers appraisers to focus on what they do best: delivering accurate, insightful property valuations.
Today, appraisals are completed on standardized forms, such as the Fannie Mae Form 1004 and Freddie Mac Form 70. The UAD and Form Redesign initiative, led by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, aims to enhance appraisal data quality and consistency by replacing multiple appraisal forms with a single, dynamic Uniform Residential Appraisal Report (URAR) and aligning with industry-standard data formats (UAD 3.6). This initiative focuses on improving data accuracy, simplifying reporting, and increasing efficiency through automation. The dynamic URAR is designed to be flexible and adaptable to various property types and loan scenarios, aligning with current mortgage industry data standards. The rollout of UAD 3.6, including the redesigned URAR, will begin with a limited production phase in September of this year, expand in January 2026, and become mandatory on November 2, 2026.
Addressing Industry Challenges with Tech-Enabled Solutions
With these new requirements coming down the pike, as well as the shift toward a more tech-forward appraisal industry, the need for an integrated and seamless workflow has never been greater. The new Workbench is specifically designed to address these challenges by offering a unified, cloud-based environment that consolidates essential appraisal tools and data sources in one place. The intuitive platform allows appraisers to deliver faster, more accurate reports that require fewer revisions. Importantly, the automation of key compliance checks reduces manual data entry, allowing appraisers to focus more on property value analysis rather than administrative tasks that can eat up time. Key features of Workbench include:
- Dynamic Workflow Flexibility:
Unlike traditional appraisal software that requires users to follow a rigid sequence, Workbench offers a fully dynamic workflow. Appraisers can begin their tasks at any stage of the URAR lifecycle—whether it’s starting with a property’s floor plan, inputting property details or reviewing comps. The system also adapts to different property types, automatically displaying the correct fields for single-family homes, condos or other classifications. - Compliance API Integration:
Workbench is designed to streamline the appraisal process by incorporating Compliance API checks directly into the platform. These checks align with the field-level requirements set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, allowing appraisers to verify compliance as they work. This integration ensures that reports meet the necessary compliance standards from the outset, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing errors. By embedding these compliance checks within the workflow, Workbench enhances data accuracy and readiness, ultimately improving the efficiency and reliability of the appraisal process. - Access to Multiple Data Sources:
Workbench integrates MLS listing data, public records and other critical data sources directly within the platform. By consolidating these resources, appraisers no longer need to rely on multiple providers or pay for additional subscriptions, significantly reducing time spent gathering information while ensuring reports are comprehensive and accurate. - Centralized Tools and Image Viewer:
Appraisers frequently manage multiple property images, maps and documentation. Workbench includes a built-in image viewer that integrates with mapping tools, allowing for seamless access and review of property images, floor plans and neighborhood insights—all in one place.
Looking Ahead: A Future-Ready Appraisal Solution
ACI’s approach to developing Workbench is rooted in feedback from customers and industry professionals. The solution was built from the ground up with extensive input on workflows and preferences from ACI’s Appraiser Innovation Council. This ensures that the platform aligns with real-world appraisal workflows, making it not just a compliance and efficiency tool, but a transformative solution for valuation professionals. With an emphasis on streamlining processes, enhancing compliance and improving efficiency, Workbench is set to redefine the way appraisers approach their work, making it an essential tool for the future of real estate valuation.
Email workbench@aciweb.com today to get started