Putting roofing data to work with AI

By Jesse Sanchez. 

New artificial intelligence tools and an updated home screen are designed to help contractors access information, improve efficiency and strengthen customer relationships. 

Technology continues to reshape how roofing contractors manage information, communicate with customers and keep projects moving. During this interview on the sound stage at the Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) Expo, Dataforma Sales Executive Brad McCulla shared how the company is incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into its platform while giving users greater visibility into upcoming product developments. 

Dataforma has already introduced AI capabilities within its mobile app. When contractors take photos in the field, the technology can analyze those images in real time and provide descriptions based on what it identifies. Brad explained that this photo functionality was the company’s first step into AI and is now being followed by additional tools designed to help users work with the information already in their system. 

The company is also updating its home screen and introducing an AI assistant designed to help individual users access information without manually searching through the database. Users will be able to request the information they want to see and create report widgets pulling from different parts of the platform. Describing the flexibility of the new assistant, Brad said, “You can tell that thing to do pretty much whatever you want and it's going to start building what you want to see.” 

The redesigned home page will also provide announcements and greater visibility into upcoming features. Dataforma has added its product roadmap to the help center, where users can see descriptions and photos of planned functionality. Brad noted that these updates come as more contractors become comfortable incorporating technology into their operations, saying, “A lot of more people are open to the idea of technology and it makes the conversation a lot easier with everybody at these shows.” 

Beyond improving everyday workflows, Brad emphasized that contractors can use information already stored in their customer relationship management (CRM) system to pursue opportunities during slower economic periods. Rather than waiting for new business to come to them, contractors can review customer information, reconnect with existing clients and identify additional services they can provide. Encouraging contractors to take a more proactive approach, Brad said, “Let's get the phone ringing for our customers.” 

Service and maintenance can also help contractors build long-term customer relationships and create additional opportunities. By combining those relationships with better access to business data, contractors can use technology as a tool to support productivity, sales and customer engagement. 

Watch the full interview to learn more about how AI, data and service-focused strategies can help roofing contractors strengthen productivity and customer relationships!