In the contracting world, efficiency and precision are critical to success. Suppliers understand this. That’s why more suppliers are equipping contractors with innovative tools and platforms to enhance productivity.

Take aerial roof measurements, for example. This technology has revolutionized how contractors approach the estimation and sales process. Traditionally, contractors had to physically measure a roof, calculate the materials needed and manually prepare a proposal — a time-consuming process that could delay project starts. However, with aerial roof measurement reports, contractors can obtain precise measurements from the comfort of their office. They can then integrate this data directly into their estimating software.

"Now, thanks to technology, all of this can be done almost automatically and within just 30 to 45 minutes of actual work,” says Kris Kieffer, director of business platforms and customer enablement at ABC Supply.

Measurement automation not only speeds up the estimation process but also ensures accuracy, allowing contractors to present homeowners with fully vetted proposals, backed by quality measurements, during the initial consultation.

Faster and More Accurate With AI

Another technology playing a larger role in a contractor’s daily workflow is AI. Suppliers are at the forefront of this movement, leveraging AI in their existing tools to provide their contractors with a competitive edge and simplifying job complexities. For example, ABC Supply is working to integrate artificial intelligence into their systems to analyze contractor purchasing patterns and recommend products based on historical data. The tool helps contractors quickly find the right products, allowing them to focus on what matters most.

"ABC Supply’s analytics and data science teams go beyond analyzing a contractor’s purchase history; they also examine what others with similar shopping habits have purchased,” Kieffer says. “That way, we can proactively recommend products that may be needed to finish a job, helping to reduce errors and additional trips to pick up material."

Seamless Integration with Existing Workflows

For technology to be truly effective, it must easily integrate into a contractor’s workflow. That’s why suppliers are developing solutions that give contractors real-time access to their material lists and order statuses through the platforms they’re currently using, such as an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or a customer relationship management (CRM) tool.

"We're not trying to push our contractors in any given direction but rather meet them where they're at," Kieffer says. "The system allows you to integrate our tools as you see fit within your business."

These tools also utilize GPS functionality, allowing contractors to manage short orders or schedule material returns with just a few clicks while standing on-site. This level of integration not only simplifies logistics but also ensures that contractors can stay focused on their teams and the job at hand rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

Looking Ahead

Kieffer sees even greater potential for technology to transform the contractor-supplier relationship. "It's really about helping contractors close deals with a greater success rate, and I think this is where we could definitely see some near-term gains,” he says.

The next frontier could involve the use of AI to improve bidding processes and success rates by analyzing data from previous projects and offering data-driven suggestions. As suppliers continue to make more data available to contractors, the ability to anticipate market trends and customer needs will become increasingly accessible.

Learn more about how suppliers like ABC Supply are equipping contractors with advantageous technology to stay competitive and apps that make managing business easier.