b'Presidents MessageEver-evolvingBob Schenkel, MRCA PresidentT echnology in the Roofing Industry?The roofing industry is ever-evolving.Evolution on the low slope side includes built-up roofing to modified bitumen membranes, EPDM membranes to PVC and TPO membranes. On the high slope side evolution includes thatch to wood shingles and metal, tile and slate, along with todays various forms of asphalt shingles. The roofing industry, from a material and application side, has seen many changes over many years. Today, not only does our industry experience changes in application and roofing technologies, but we also experience technology changes from estimating and how we receive, transmit, gather and disseminate information. Estimating has changed dramatically as well.Most contractors have moved from pencil and paper, to lotus and Excel spreadsheets with contractors developing their own databases and onscreen take-offs and the various other forms of estimating database technologies.Today, service technicians can be tracked via GPS to provide better arrival times of the service crews to customers as well as consolidating and maximizing the number of service calls in specific geographical areas for service crews.When Service technicians are equipped with tablets and/or smartphones, service orders can be sent electronically via email or from a contractors service software program.Additionally, when smartphones and tablets are utilized, service technicians and foreman can easily transmit and document field conditions to the office on a real time basis. Service department managers and estimators are able to provide real time data to facility managers and/or building owners on roof inspections, replacement estimates and budget costs from tablets and smart phones even before leaving the rooftop or property. There is a wide range of service providers who offer these services in the form of programs or software.Some of this technology can be integrated into your firms accounting software for up to date billing as well. Drones are being utilized today to photograph and video-record roof conditions.But, I havent seen one yet that can take a roof core!Even though drones are somewhat new to the roofing industry, something tells me there are engineers out there working on the next generation! As you can see by the few examples mentioned here, technology has touched and can touch every part of your business.Only you can decide on the amount of time and money you wish expend to achieve and maximize the best return on investment for your company. It is never too early to start discussions on this years 2016 MRCA Conference which will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH, beginning October 31, 2016November 2, 2016.I invite you to visit the website at http://www.columbusconventions.com. The theme for this years MRCA Conference is technology, and the 1.7 million square feet of the Greater Columbus Convention Center will be an excellent showcase for technology along with educational seminars.Please start planning now to attend this years conference. I know the time you invest in attending will yield great dividends. There is always something new to learn! Bob SchenkelCL Schust Company, Fort Wayne, IN rschenkel@clschust.com4 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'