Technology is an ever-changing landscape that may seem daunting to try to keep up with, but, when done successfully, can make everything you do so much easier.

To help you focus on tools that yield big results with little effort, we’ve compiled a list of tech that can help specific parts of your business, like managing large project loads, increasing efficiencies and communicating with clients.

As a bonus, some of these tools are offered at ABC Supply, so if you have questions or need help using them successfully, you can give us a call or stop in a branch.

Streamline Project Management

One initial payoff of working with technology is paperless project management, which can decrease costs and increase efficiency. Online project management also allows contractors to conduct all facets of their business—from lead generation to customer estimates—anytime, anywhere.

• Ordering and Estimates: You don’t have traditional 9-to-5 workdays, so you need to be
  able to run your business when and where it’s convenient for you. Start with expediting how you build estimates by using myABCsupply or ABC Connect. The online solutions allow you to easily create quotes and order materials from ABC Supply outside of business hours.
• Communication With Your Team: Mobile apps and devices help teams stay connected and informed around the clock, increasing overall work production and efficiency. By embracing mobile technology, crews can stay updated on projects no matter where they are. Whether in the truck, on a jobsite or at the office, your team will be able to retrieve project status updates, and communicate with key players and suppliers from anywhere.
• Knowledge Hubs: Project management software also creates centralized knowledge hubs for all your project files. Housing every document, photo and/or video pertaining to a job in one location makes information readily available to your entire crew, 24/7. Making files electronic and more accessible will keep you and your team on the same page while removing the need to take up space by storing paper files in the office.

Improve Jobsite Efficiency

Did we mention efficiency? Not only does technology carry project enhancements from inside the office directly out into the field, it helps crews complete jobs safely and on time.

• Deliveries: Through delivery notification systems from your suppliers, you can rest assured that your crew is receiving the correct products for a job before it kicks off, helping you meet project deadlines and appropriately manage customer expectations.
• Aerial Imaging: Drones and visual mapping systems allow you to get accurate dimensions and specs of customer homes prior to arriving at the jobsite. Not only are aerial imagery tools great for increasing efficiency, they can also improve workplace safety.
• Infrared Cameras: Know what’s in front of you with thermal imaging that identifies building vulnerabilities and potential problems before your team even enters a structure. This may save you and your customers from any financial (and logistical) surprises along the way, too.

Close the Sale Faster

Boost your lead generation success and overall bottom line by leveraging tools that help you bid fast and see digital models of finished projects before they even start.

• Quick Bids:With online visibility of products and pricing through tools such as myABCsupply, you can quickly respond to potential customers by sending accurate information electronically. What’s more, the ABC Connect program’s partnership with common software platforms allows you to distribute bids and reports with your company’s customized branding. This helps you establish a professional image from the start without a lot of back-end design work on your end.
• Building Information Modeling: Using this type of modeling, you can amplify sales pitches by showing prospective customers what their finished project will look like with stunning accuracy before you even start a job. ABC Connect’s integration with Pictureit provides pre-mapped stock imagery, which includes over 80 popular North American home styles—or you can upload an image of your customer’s home. You’ll also be able to train new employees or market recent projects, as most BIM presentations can be saved, emailed and shared on social media channels.

Want more tips for successfully using technology in your business? Read our online reputation management infographic about managing online reviews to build your company’s reputation and beat out the competition.

Be sure to keep coming back to our blog for more advice on how you can improve your business and professional image.