Have these construction tools at the ready to optimize your time while on the job

There are only so many hours in the day, and it’s no secret that technology can help modernize processes and help contractors get some time back on the jobsite. But with so many tech products on the market, it’s not always easy determining which ones will be most beneficial to your business.

Though each contractor will need to make decisions that are right for their business, there are some clear front-runners that should be on everyone’s short list. From safety and accuracy to project management and communication, here are seven tech tools that are already making a big impact on the industry — and could be doing the same for you.

1. Mobile Apps Can Help to Maintain Safe Jobsites

You don’t have to look any further than your pocket to find one of the most useful tools for managing a safe worksite. There are plenty of free safety apps, like the one offered by OSHA, that you can download. They can perform all kinds of crucial functions, ranging from testing worksite conditions (e.g., decibel levels) to providing first-aid reference guides to helping record information for OSHA incidents.

2. Drone Technology Increases Efficiency by Providing Real-Time Images

Using drones for aerial imaging increases efficiency on a jobsite by getting accurate specs of the work and allowing you to provide more proactive updates to your customers. In addition to providing real-time images of a jobsite, drones also make it possible to get an accurate visual inspection of a roof remotely. This removes the risk of injury on the jobsite and additional damage that could come with you or your crew climbing on roofs.

3. Infrared Cameras Identify Potential Problems and Prevent Theft

High-powered infrared cameras enable you to see the thermal levels of structures. This construction technology lets you locate faulty or vulnerable areas that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see — with a high degree of accuracy. Using this tool can also save you headaches and your customers money by identifying specific issues like punctures or gaps in roofs. Additionally, their use on commercial jobsites assists with theft protection of high-value equipment. Since these cameras detect heat emissions, they’re able to alert security personnel of potential threats at sites that are not lit at night.

4. Storm-Tracking Programs Ensure Storm Readiness

Your readiness to handle storm remediation projects that follow severe weather can significantly impact your bottom line. That’s why it’s important to use storm-tracking programs that predict, track and alert you to severe weather events with a high degree of accuracy. By getting ahead of storms, you can make sure that your business is stocked with the materials needed to assist customers with the damage that follows severe weather.

5. Not-So-Basic Tools at the Jobsite Boost Productivity and Gain Efficiency

While these may not be considered traditional tech-forward devices, don’t underestimate the power of having the right tools for the job to gain efficiency. These types of tools have the ability to boost productivity and help keep pace with the demands of the job.

• Cordless roofing nailer: Free yourself from cords so you can easily work across the entire roof
• Cap nail gun: Opt for cap fasteners for a more secure hold on the underlayment — and to more quickly prepare the roof to be covered
• Pneumatic shingle remover: Remove shingles more quickly and accurately while reducing the physical strain on contractors
• Powered metal shears: Produce cleaner and more precise cuts to help improve the quality and accuracy of roof installation
• Magnetic nail sweeper: Protect tires, equipment and contractors with quicker, more efficient jobsite cleanup

If you don’t already use these tools, put them on your shopping list. And if you already do have them in your toolkit, consider investing in some newer models.

6. MyABCsupply Eases the Ordering and Delivery Process

Your customers and crew are counting on you to know the status of each and every project. But when you’re constantly moving from one job to the next, keeping up with all your orders and deliveries can be a challenge. That’s why we created a tool called myABCsupply that helps you:

• Order materials online or through the ABC Supply app
• Request measurement reports and turn them into orders through integration with key industry programs
• Turn blueprints into scaled 3D models with measurements in 24 hours or less
• Confirm order details
• Get detailed delivery information, including the status of your deliveries and proof of delivery photos
• View statements and pay invoices

7. Construction Technology Streamlines Business Operations

Incorporating online construction technology lets you get out of the office and in front of your customers, where you can make the biggest impact for your business. Here are some tools that integrate with ABC Supply — and can save you time and money as part of your contractor toolbox:

• AccuLynx Quick Order
  • AccuLynx connectivity gives you access to ABC Supply’s products and pricing 24/7, allowing you to create estimates with accurate prices and place orders anytime, anywhere. That way, you can keep your process streamlined and even update your customers in real time.
• GAF QuickMeasure™
  • This aerial roof measurement software lets you show customers a fully interactive 3D rendering. You can get a report in under one hour for single-family homes and in less than 24 hours for multifamily and commercial properties.
• EagleView
  • This program makes it possible for you to integrate aerial imagery and wall measurement reports with real-time pricing. It allows you to create materials lists and proposals when it’s convenient for you. By removing the need to interpret handwritten information or hand sketches, you’ll experience greater efficiency and a reduced number of ordering errors that come from misinterpreting information.
• HOVER
  • This program generates accurate measurement reports using 3D property data, powering a simpler, more transparent process.
• Pictureit
  • Pictureit allows you to create photo renderings of projects using ABC Supply’s extensive collection of roofing, siding and windows. This makes it easier to help your customer visualize projects and make confident decisions and may help prevent miscommunication.

These tools vary in scope and function, but they share one common thread: They have the potential to make a positive impact on your business, both today and tomorrow.

While you are learning more about the tech tools you can use on the job, your customers are also using technology to learn more about the construction process. Read more about how contractors can guide today’s more-informed customer.