b'Five Key Technologies for Roofing ContractorsHeidi J. Ellsworth hje@ellsworth.usHJE Consulting Group In todays world where efficiency and precision take precedence,manage customers and often are connected to project management technology is a key component when it comes to doing businessand/or accounting software.within the contracting community. Technology comes in manyQuestions to ask when looking for a CRM system include shapes and sizes but leading contractors are realizing that if theyhow the program works for residential vs. commercial business are not progressive in their use of technology they are going to beor ideally will it handle both.There are companies that are very left behind. focused on residential projects and tracking canvassing and sales Technology is not just software, it is using services andprocesses or overall leads.That is very important but if you are software that help increase productivity for the company andlooking for something that also tracks customers data along with employees.Looking at several types of technology is importantproject management that may be a different system.but whether you are a small or large roofing contractor, residentialThere are programs that offer customer portals where you can or commercial, it is essential to incorporate technology into yourshare data, photos, job progress, inspections and invoices with processes and culture.In fact, contractors are finding that they cancustomers at their convenience.This type of CRM can be used for get more done, faster by using technology. initial customer contact and sales with the scalability to store all of New technologies are introduced literally every day. the customers projects as they grow with the company.This type Understanding what is beneficial for your business and moreof program is usually used more with commercial business. It is importantly the best technology for the size of your business isalso a great tool to use if you are focused HOA work.critical.Here are five technologies that can make a difference inWhichever CRM you use, the key is to maintain a strong, up-keeping your business profitable, agile and the right size. to-date customer database that becomes not only a historical view Smart Devices of our customers and projects but also a strong database for future It does not seem possible to survive in todays worldsales and marketing.By using a CRM software instead of Excel without a smart device and that is especially true when itor a Rolodex, customer contact can be automated including notes, comes to business.Smart phones allow contractors to be in touchpast correspondence, property data, material preferences and/or immediately with their customers giving them the edge when itpotential future projects.comes to customer service.The agility of utilizing smart phonesAerial measurement technologymakes sense for communication with your team and the overallThis technology has been in place since 2008 and it benefit of informed customers. just keeps getting better.Gathering roof measurements It is important to use phones in a way that works withtraditionally was a time-consuming process prone to mistakes customers, so knowing their preferences concerning email, text orsuch as mathematical errors or simple human error but has now phone is beneficial for creating enhanced communications.Partbecome a quick, easy and reliable technology.Many contractors of utilizing technology is understanding how customers want tonow rely on the service for accurate measurements, professional interact with the technology. presentations and efficient production planning.Smart phones and or tablets can also make day-to-day businessSales and marketing efforts have benefited greatly from aerial easier to do on the road, hopefully eliminating some of the lateimagery and measurements.In fact, many sales processes have night work.Asking vendors about their technology offeringschanged substantially as contractors can now share with home and especially finding out the apps that make working with themand building owners aerial photos, drawings and measurements of easier.To be able to order materials, reports or services throughalmost any structure.the phone or tablet makes for efficiency and time savings. Consumers see thisThe quicker you can In deciding which smart device to use, take the time toas a differentiator. deliver an estimate coordinate your phone, tablet and computer system withWhen they can see cloud based software in a way that all devices can speak to eachtheir property andfor a roof repair or other creating an easy, efficient means of transferring data anduse the drawings andreplacement project, documents while also documenting customer discussions. measurements for reference, it bringsthe more likely you Customer Relations Management a whole new level of professionalism to theare to win that job.There are several CRM systems with many of them integrated with project management software.But firstsales call.you may be asking what is a CRM?It is a Customer RelationshipAdvancements in this technology are leading to even more Management System and it could be Microsoft Outlook, an Excelsolutions for contractors in ordering materials and production.In file or a higher level software such as Salesforce.In the roofingtodays climate of instant information, customers are looking for world, there are many contractor CRM software systems that helpanswers fast.The quicker you can deliver an estimate for a roof 14 www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer'