By Lauren White, RCS Editor. 

Tesla solar tile systems, model-based estimating and VR headsets had these industry professionals and thought leaders oohing and aahing. 

While in New Orleans for the 2022 International Roofing Expo (IRE), members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) gathered to learn how members are utilizing technology to advance the industry and help their companies innovate.  Discussions included Tesla solar tile systems and model-based estimating, and ended with these industry professionals experimenting with VR headsets to what the future of roofing holds. 

Tesla solar roof tiles 

Ken Kelly, CEO and owner of Kelly Roofing, shared the inside scoop of his work with the Tesla solar tile system.  While version 3 of the tiles is out now, Kelly Roofing is working directly with Tesla to create version 4.  After extensive training, Kelly’s crews are installing Tesla solar systems on residential roofs.  These systems are unique in that they’re not a solar system that’s installed over a pre-existing tile or asphalt roof, but instead they’re individual solar shingles.  Some panels are power generating, but not all, and you can’t tell the difference between the two.  Their sleek design and appearance are enough to enhance the curb appeal of anyone’s home.  

These tiles are designed to pick up any wavelength of light whether that’s moonlight, fluorescent light or sunlight. Another unique feature is that snow melts quickly off of Tesla roofs because of the amount of heat it generates, which means there’s less likelihood of ice dams.  Further, these tiles are self-cleaning.  It’s important that leaves, pollen and sea spray from coastal areas don’t cover the panels and inhibit power generation, so all it takes is a little rain to clean the roof.  

What really makes Tesla tiles different is the use of peel and stick direct to the deck underlayment.  Tesla tiles go through more rigid testing due to the electric components sitting directly on the roof deck as opposed to lifted on a stanchion.  They also have a Class A fire rating, which is the highest rating.  

While walking on any roof is dangerous, Tesla roofs are especially slippery.  Ken provided us with an insider tip, sharing that Skechers are the best shoes for contractors to wear when walking on the roof due to their gripping abilities! 

Model-based estimating 

Adam Oaks, CEO, and James Lee, business analyst, of Estimating Edge shared about their recent acquisition by Foundation Software and what it means for the advancement of technology in the industry.  Both companies have been around for 30 years and share similar company cultures, which made the integration seamless.  

Their newest program, Vector, hadn’t launched yet when they provided us with a demonstration, but contractors were already purchasing it!  This model-based estimating automates the takeoff process, allowing roofing contractors to spend more time estimating and less time measuring.  Some of the special features include adding notes to communicate directly with the team, and being able to log any activity throughout the process to keep everyone in the loop.  The diagrams and shapes provided in the program are the same ones that roofing contractors currently use, meaning there’s less of a learning curve for new users.   

Virtual reality headsets 

Prior to the meetup, John Kiesel, president of Division 7 Roofing and Imagine Technologies, sent four RT3 members Oculus VR headsets.  They also designed individual rooms for these members – RT3, RoofersCoffeeShop®, Imagine Technologies and Rackley Roofing.  These rooms demonstrated the ways virtual reality can be utilized by companies with various specialties, such as safety, service and sales and marketing.  

Members were encouraged to try the Oculus headsets and experience the VR rooms for themselves, exploring small building models, playing videos and “flying” on top of the building’s roof to check for cracks, flashings and other issues.  The room was filled with members excitedly saying “Woah!” “Look at that!” and “This is so cool!”  We discussed the value of this technology for training purposes, presentations when working remotely and inspecting the condition of the building and roof. 

These RT3 meetups provide thought leaders a platform to not only test out the latest and greatest technologies, but to also share how resources like these can be embraced in the industry and provide contractors with practical solutions. 

Learn more about RT3 in their RoofersCoffeeShop Directory or visit rt3thinktank.com. 

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.  

Here’s what’s trending on RoofersCoffeeShop®(RCS) this past month.  

In looking at our most popular articles for the month of February, we saw that technology and more specifically, apps for your business, was the topic that had the most interest from our readers. The article has a nice overview of apps used for measuring, estimating, photo management and customer relationship management. We are always looking for solutions that make running businesses easier and more efficient.  

Supply chain issues and material shortages are again in the most popular articles as the industry wonders when things will ease up and looks for ways to work around the issue. Because we are all about people at RCS, we weren’t surprised to see our 2022 Influencers announcement and the NRCA officers and directors announcement make the top 10.  

Featured projects are also a popular topic at RCS and two of our project profiles caught the interest of our readers with cool roofs and green roofs making the list.   

If you didn’t get a chance to see some of the most popular articles from February, follow the links below to catch up!  

Honorable Mention (#6-#10)  

10 - Cool Roofs Can Fight Climate Change 

9 - NRCA Announces 2022-23 Officers and Directors  

8 - Material Shortages Will Pass: Build a Workable Plan and Stay Patient  

7 - Recordable Injuries: Why Employees Should Care  

6 - How to Break into Commercial Roofing: The Importance of Training  

Read the Top 5 articles:  

5 - Supply Issues Won't Be Over Any Time Soon  

4 - RoofersCoffeeShop Announces 2022 Roofing Influencers 

3 - Avoiding Skin Cancer Caused by Sun Exposure 

2 - Green Roof Installed on Nonprofit Arts and Education Organization 

1 - Roofing Contractor Apps That Help You Manage Your Business 

Get the top news each week in your inbox when you sign up for the Week in Review email newsletter.   

Vector, the newly launched game-changing technology, and how it seamlessly works with The EDGE. 

Editor's note: The following is the transcript of an interview with Adam Oaks, the CEO of Estimating Edge. You can read the interview below or watch the recorded livestream. 

Karen Edwards: Hello everybody. This is Karen Edwards and I am joined today by Adam Oaks, the CEO of Estimating Edge. And we are at the International Roofing Expo, day one, live from the RoofersCoffeeShop Sound Stage. I'm going to talk to Adam a little bit. There's been some exciting things happening for your company, one of which you were recently acquired. 

Adam Oaks: That's right, yeah. And good morning. 

Karen Edwards: Oh, good morning. 

Adam Oaks: So yeah, we're real excited. In fact, we were acquired by Foundation Software, who is also owned by Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm. And Foundation Software provides accounting, project management, construction community. They really focus on the specialty trade contractors, just like we at the Edge do.  

So obviously roofing is our biggest market and we have roofers that use our service. Well, they have roofers that use their accounting. So we're really excited. The first thing we'll be doing is putting together a seamless integration with the Edge and Foundation so that data can move between accounting systems and our estimating system seamlessly, eliminating duplicate entry and errors. So it's a really great opportunity for our employees, for our customers, couldn't be more excited. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. One of the biggest pain points that contractors tell us they have is that seamless integration and getting your accounting system to talk to your other platforms. So that's going to be huge. 

Adam Oaks: Yeah. In fact, we'll do that through APIs. So it will truly be seamless. It won't be a download, uploads type scenario with Excel or anything, which can be very frustrating. So this will really be all in one system. 

Karen Edwards: Nice. Now you may not know this, but Adam and Estimating Edge are members of the Roofing Technology Think Tank and Adam spoke at our meetup yesterday and gave us a look at this new game changing technology that is kind of, it's live. 

Adam Oaks: It is. 

Karen Edwards: And ready to be used. And it's called Vector. 

Adam Oaks: That's right. So Vector is a new solution that has been in the works for literally years. I joined Estimating Edge about four years ago, and I had left the construction community for probably a decade prior to that. But in my early career, I worked for a company called CMD and we operated plan rooms where people would come in and do their takeoffs manually on blueprints with measuring wheel or tape and write those down on notes, eventually enter them to Excel. And so I watched how takeoff went.  

And so when I joined the Edge, I was blown away why they're estimating tool, the ability to tie all in one system would takeoff and estimate, but able to tie in the labor material in real time, right to the estimate. 

But what I didn't like is the fact that you still have to measure those lines, just like it's a regular blueprint. So you take a mouse and you literally just trace the lines. That's the technology that is everywhere today. And I realized there's more that can be done. So did some research. And we developed a tool that will extract data from a BIM model like Revit. And so if you have a new building that's designed in Revit, you can extract that data and allow that data to automatically create all the takeoff. 

If you're talking about a shopping mall, that could be days worth of work of flicking everything on the roof, tracing the perimeter, everything that you're going, and then you do the estimate. So if you can eliminate that part and just sign conditions or assemblies, then you'll probably eliminate somewhere between 40 to 60% of the work that you've already been doing. That's game changing, like you said.  

And we're taking that further. We're going to be looking at other smart data. A good example will be an EagleView file that comes through and we will be able to extract that same data rebuild the drawing so there's no tracing. And again, eliminate all that work. And it was funny at RT3, Division 7 Roofing was there, a customer of ours. And he came up and said, you've made my day. I'm so tired of tracing all the lines. And so we're excited. 

Karen Edwards: So that was Ryan. Ryan said, I can't wait. We are going to talk about this. And we got to see it. So I imagine that if somebody wants to take a look and see how this works, you've got that at your booth. 

Adam Oaks: Absolutely. We're ready to show it. 

Karen Edwards: So do you know your booth? 

Adam Oaks: Booth 3223. 

Karen Edwards: Oh, yeah, 3223. 

Adam Oaks: Thank you. 

Karen Edwards: You want to stop by and visit the Estimating Edge team and take a look at this Vector. 

Adam Oaks: Or Edge On Site or The EDGE, whatever fits best with you. And by the way, Vector seamlessly works with The EDGE. So after you automatically take off the data out of the smart file, it pushes to The EDGE and you finish your estimate there. 

Karen Edwards: Wow. It's the technology of the future, but it's here today, you guys did it. And it's going to be like we said, game changing and I just remember Ryan saying, I you're going to change my career basically. I don't have to click a mouse anymore. You guys are doing really cool things. We're excited to help you share the news. And really everybody booth 3223, stop by, tell them RoofersCoffeeShop sent you. And check it out. 

Adam Oaks: Or Adam sent you too. 

Karen Edwards: Or Adam, yeah. Adam sent you too. So thanks for joining us. And we're real excited to bring you more news the rest of the day. Follow along on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe, ring the bell so that you're notified when we go live. Thanks for joining us today, Adam. 

Adam Oaks: Thank you very much for having me. It was a pleasure. 

Learn more about Estimating Edge in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit estimatingedge.com.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

The North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) is set to host its 94th annual trade show.  

This year’s North / East Roofing Contractors Association (NERCA) Convention and Trade Show is expected to have a great turnout. The event is set to take place March 1 – 3 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Although the deadline for registration has passed, we are currently offering a free pass that contractors can use at the door to attend the event. 

With nearly 200 booths and quality educational seminars, this convention is great event for contractors in the northeastern United States to attend. RoofersCoffeeShop® will be there at booth 529, so swing by and say hi to Heidi Ellsworth, Karen Edwards and Tim Ellsworth. At the booth we’ll be giving out our special 20th anniversary celebratory swag! 

National Women in Roofing (NWIR) will also be there at booth 130 and they will be hosting a networking event on March 2 at 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Members from the NWIR board of directors and local councils will be attending and time will be devoted to discussing empowering women in the roofing industry. Register for the event today! 

Here are some other booths work checking out: 

• ABC Supply – Booth #411 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply – Booth #425 

• APOC – Booth #118 

• ATAS International – Booth #226 

• Beacon Building Products – Booth #401 

• CertainTeed – Booth #301 

• DECRA Metal Roofing – Booth #125 

• Duro-Last – Booth #233 

• Estimating Edge – Booth #606 

• Flascho – Booth #127 

• GCP – Booth #326 

• Hunter Panels – Booth #612 

• ICP Group – Booth #620 

• IKO – Booth #229 

• Johns Manville – Booth #417 

• Leap – Booth #531 

• Owens Corning – Booth #114 

• Polyglass – Booth #228 

• Sashco – Booth #624 

• Sika – Booth #325 

Learn more about NERCA in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.nerca.org.   

About NERCA 

NERCA is the founder of the NEREF scholarship. They are the regional association for roofing contractors covering the northeast part of the country.  Their territory includes: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Delaware.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Megan Ellsworth talks with Jackie Hart about using and incorporating new technology into your business. 

RCS Podcast Producer Megan Ellsworth recently sat down with Jackie Hart, regional sales manager at Estimating Edge, to discuss how companies can best approach the constantly changing world of technology. 

Jackie states that one of the most beneficial aspects of technology is that it helps commercial roofing companies work faster and more efficiently. But a hidden benefit companies might not know about is how using newer technology can attract a younger workforce. 

“Younger people were born with technology in their hands,” Jackie said. “They know if you're in the dinosaur ages of technology and they're not going to be as efficient as they could be, which means they're not going to be as successful as they could potentially be.” Which might mean, they won’t want to work for you without advanced technologies. 

The Estimating Edge software is a great example of technology that a commercial roofing business can incorporate into their entire organization largely in part because of its permission role-based system. This means that whoever in your company is using the software has certain software permissions tied to their role. The accounting team is not going to be able to have all the same accessibilities as the estimators, i.e. read only access. This can help roofing companies streamline their organizational processes and work more efficiently since they are all using the same software. 

Jackie recommends that companies closely examine how their hardware is holding up. Using the newest software is all fine and good, but if your hardware is old, then that software won’t work as well. It’s also worth looking at the specifications the software company posts so that you know you are using their products the correct way.  

If you are looking to integrate new technology into your business, Jackie suggests outlining your goals and objectives for using said new technology. She says, “You bring in any piece of technology, CRM, payroll time tracking, a scheduling program, an estimating program, new accounting software. It has an impact, a ripple effect on everyone.” 

Consider the needs of your employees and how any different software will impact them. If a little training is the only setback, then it’s worth taking a step into the future of new technology. 

Learn more about Estimating Edge in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.estimatingedge.com.

By Evelyn Witterholt, RCS Reporter. 

Megan Ellsworth talks with Roger Nixon about how training is a vital component in a successful company. 

RCS Podcast Producer Megan Ellsworth recently sat down with Roger Nixon, regional sales manager at Estimating Edge, to discuss how companies can set themselves up for success by training employees the right way. 

Roger states that a pitfall many companies fall into is believing that training is a one-and-done occurrence. Having spent nine years in the military, he believes that military organizations have a continuous training model worth following. He states that every few years, you would go away and train for something else for a few weeks.  

“You're going to go train on something that's going to elevate your leadership skills,” Roger said. “Ultimately you're going to get more knowledge, you're going to become more experienced, and you're going to be disciplined.” 

When you train employees, Roger stresses that you must communicate your company’s overall values and objectives from the start. You also have to make sure that each department understands their specific objectives and the tasks that fall under them.  

One training technique Roger divulges is after-action reviews. During the training process, when the lesson is over, you look at what went well, what didn’t and how the team can improve. “You take these lessons learned and you incorporate them back into your planning,” he said. “When leadership fosters a continuous improvement model when it comes to training, it can only catapult the organization and more importantly catapult the people.” 

When asked about what makes a good trainer, Roger says that it comes down to their energy and engagement with their trainees. “As I'm training somebody, I'm watching the room, I'm looking to see who's leaning in, I'm looking to see who's sitting back thinking they got it all figured out,” he said. “If I'm doing all the talking something's wrong.” 

Understanding that people have different learning styles and adapting to them is something Roger believes trainers need to understand. Even going so far as adapting to the questions younger generations have is something that needs to be considered. Roger states that millennials and gen Z want to know why they are doing something rather than just how to do it. 

“People at the highest level or lowest level of the organization, when they need to make a decision, they have to understand the intent of what it is they're doing,” Roger said. “So, in training, we have to do a better job of explaining why now and really helping them see the bigger picture.” 

Learn more about Estimating Edge in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.estimatingedge.com.

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor. 

Be strategic about implementing new technologies into your business. 

A new year is the time when we plan for all of the things we want to do differently in our businesses. That might be new processes, new people or even new technology solutions. For roofing companies who want to turn bids around faster with greater accuracy and set a repeatable estimating process, now is the perfect time to plan for implementing a new solution. 

Why now? 

January is traditionally a slower month for the roofing industry, especially if you’re serving a part of the country that experiences snowy winters. Tami Zimmel, vice president for Estimating Edge, shared, “Evaluating solutions now is the perfect time to ramp up your team before the bid season hits hard in spring.”  

Doing your research in January is perfect timing because the software providers will be exhibiting at the International Roofing Expo, February 1 – 3, 2022 in New Orleans. This is the perfect opportunity to see the solution in action, demonstrated by the experts. They can answer your questions, show you how the solution could work for your business and give you an understanding of what the onboarding and training experience will be like for your team. 

What questions to ask 

If you are taking time this month to evaluate solutions, it’s important to know what questions you should be asking as you look at the different solutions. Tami shared the following list with us:  

• How efficient is your estimating process today? 

• Can you scale your process as you onboard new estimators? 

• Can you control what everyone sees and does? 

• Is your estimating process repeatable? 

• Can you centralize your entire estimating process in one place, e.g., takeoff and estimate, pricing (vendor quotes), ordering, field project management/time management? 

• Is your estimating software working for you?  

• Does your current provider continue to improve? 

• Are you happy with your support? 

• Does your provider help you improve (consultative)? 

Getting the team on board 

As with any new technology, it’s important to have your team members on board with the decision to make a change. Be sure to involve them in the process and the evaluation. Being part of the process typically results in a much smoother implementation and adoption of the technology. 

If you can’t make it to the IRE this year, you can always learn more about Estimating Edge in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory. 

By Cass Jacoby, RCS Reporter.  

IRE promises to be one of the biggest events of the year, check out who will be at the expo! 

This year’s International Roofing Expo (IRE) promises many exciting events, products, classes and more. The expo will take place February 1-3 in New Orleans at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.  

RoofersCoffeeShop® will be on the beat, sharing information and broadcasting live on YouTube. Additionally, you will find President Heidi J. Ellsworth moderating a panel on how to work with young people who are interested in roofing. The session takes place Tuesday at 7:45 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. CT 

The Coffee Shop will join many great manufacturers, distributors and associations as they share new ideas with roofing contractors. Make sure you stop by our booth, number 249, and visit our RoofersCoffeeShop partners too:  

• ABC Supply Co., Inc. - Booth 1301 

• Angi - Booth 1455 

• A.C.T. Metal Deck Supply - Booth 3037 

• AccuLynx - Booth 637 

• Art Unlimited - Booth 3425 

• ATAS International, Inc. - Booth 3036 

• Beacon Building Products - Booth 231, 325 

• Bitec - Booth 2519 

• Breakthrough Academy - Booth 954 

• Castagra - Booth 2754 

• Cotney Attorneys & Consultants - Booth 2131 

• CertainTeed - Booth 2244 

• Chem Link, Inc. - Booth 2411 

• Duro-Last Roofing, Inc. - Booth 2837 

• DaVinci Roofscapes - Booth 1737 

• DECRA Metal Roofing - Booth 2019 

• Equipter - Booth 1801 

• Estimating Edge - Booth 3505 

• FlashCo - Booth 1845 

• Florida Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association (FRSA) - Booth 3429 

• FiberTite Roofing Systems - Booth 2001  

• GREEN LINK  - Booth 2954 

• Hunter Panels - Booth 1601 

• HOVER - Booth 2719 

• ICP Building Solutions Group / APOC - Booth 1627 

• IB Roof Systems, Inc. - Booth 1325 

• IKO Manufacturing  - Booth 1909 

• Ingage - Booth 755 

• Jobba Trade Technologies - Booth 719 

• JobNimbus - Booth 1319 

• Johns Manville - Booth 1119 

• Karnak - Booth 1113 

• Leister - Booth 1133 

• Leap - Booth 337 

• Malarkey Roofing Products - Booth 2319 

• Metal Roofing Alliance - Booth 3055 

• MARCO Industries - Booth 2647 

• Midwest Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1360 

• MFM Building Products - Booth 2613 

• National Roofing Contractors Association - Booth 1359, 2119 

• NRCA ROOFPAC - Booth 2119 

• National Women in Roofing - Booth 3523 

• New Tech Machinery - Booth 2901 

• Owens Corning® - Booth 1619 

• OneClick Code - Booth 848 

• PABCO Roofing Products - Booth 2031 

• Polyglass - Booth 1413, 1419 

• Podium - Booth 1655 

• Quarrix Building Products - Booth 1037 

• Roofmaster - Booth 1331 

• Roof Hugger - Booth TBD 

• Roofing Alliance - Booth 2119 

• SOPREMA - Booth 2209 

• SRS Distribution, Inc. - Booth 2437, 2761  

• SkyMeasure™ by CoreLogic® - Booth 636 

• S-5! - Booth 2527 

• SIKA Corporation  - Booth 2401 

• Sherwin-Williams -Booth 1831 

• Sales Transformation Group, Inc. - Booth 746 

• Sashco Inc. - Booth 850 

• TAMKO® Building Products - Booth 3129 

• Titebond/Franklin International - Booth 2748 

• Topps Products - Booth 3439 

• Watts Removal Products  - Booth 1831 

• 4C's Spray Equipment  - Booth 1260 

Don’t miss out, register today for IRE 2022!

This acquisition further enables Foundation to provide software and services that align and strengthen contractors back-office operations.

Foundation Software, LLC — provider of America’s #1 construction back-office solutions — has announced the acquisition of Estimating Edge, developer of The EDGE™ commercial construction estimating, project management tracking and takeoff software.

This acquisition further enables Foundation to serve the construction community by providing software and services that align and strengthen contractors back-office operations.

Estimating Edge creates a professional, all-in-one commercial construction estimating, project management tracking and takeoff software for acoustical, drywall, EIFS, fireproofing, flooring, painting, roofing, wall paneling and waterproofing contractors. By adding Estimating Edge to their family of products, Foundation now offers an even more complete solution for contractors to take control of their projects at every stage.

“It’s an exciting time right now,” said Adam Oaks, CEO of Estimating Edge. “We’ll continue to focus on takeoff, estimating and project management for specialty trade contractors, but now being part of Foundation Software, we’ll have more resources to provide even greater value for our customers.”

Foundation continues to grow its product offerings through both development and acquisitions. Mike Ode, CEO of Foundation Software, looks forward to what this latest addition will mean for the industry.

“We are excited to have Estimating Edge join the Foundation Software family of companies. The addition of their commercial construction estimating and takeoff products will allow us to move closer to the goal of becoming an all-in-one back-office solution for contractors,” Ode said. “We’re looking forward to working with the Edge team and learning from their years of expertise serving commercial specialty trade contractors. Together, we’ll be able to provide leading and proven software tools to both our clients and the industry as a whole.”

With their shared business and cultural alignment, Oaks knew the decision to join Foundation was the right one.

“It was the right choice to partner with Foundation Software,” said Oaks. “They are the best-of-breed accounting solution, and their customer focus and company culture is one that closely aligns with ours.”

Terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Raymond James served as financial advisor to Estimating Edge and Kirkland & Ellis served as legal advisor to Foundation Software.

Visit Estimating Edge or Foundation Software to learn more about their products.

About Foundation Software, LLC

Foundation Software delivers job cost accounting, project management and mobile applications, along with payroll services, to help contractors run the business side of construction. For information, call (800) 246-0800 or email info@foundationsoft.com.

About Estimating Edge

Estimating Edge is a team of tradesmen and software engineers working together to build “cutting-edge” software for the construction industry. For more than 30 years, Estimating Edge has been a trusted provider of commercial construction takeoff and estimating software. The company’s flagship product, The EDGE, is designed around the construction workflow, not the way the software companies believe the user should be estimating. The software is intuitively designed to help both new and seasoned professionals work smarter, bid sharper and build better. Supported trades include roofing, drywall, acoustical, fireproofing, flooring, exterior insulation, painting and wall panels. For more information, call 561-276-9100 or email marketing@estimatingedge.com.

By Colin Sheehan, RCS Reporter. 

Why automation technology is the solution to an unending, industry-wide labor shortage. 

Season 3, Episode 3 of Coffee Conversations was sponsored by Johns Manville and featured a star-studded panel of industry experts who provided an in-depth look at 2021’s third quarter. Included in this conversation was Estimating Edge CEO Adam Oaks, who discussed how automation could be the key to an ongoing labor shortage.  

Estimating Edge provides software solutions for the commercial roofing contractor. They are known for their stellar customer support and software that can calculate material and labor costs while users perform a takeoff. Reports generated by the EDGE software can assist with project management, accounting and communication with employees and customers.  

During the conversation, Adam pulled data tracking commercial roofing bids over the course of 2021. Similarly to the data he shared on a previous Coffee Conversations reviewing the first quarter of 2021, the number of bids continued to rise despite unprecedented economic fluctuations. 

"There's normal tracking with the summer months and so forth, but bids keep climbing. I guess the only real question for the team here is what's happening to all the biddings, right? Where are the starts? Where are the delays? And I think that's what we're going to talk about today is what is happening to us after we bid those jobs,” said Adam. 

Given the current labor shortage, which has no foreseeable end, Adam was asked to discuss the role of technological innovation as a solution for construction companies struggling to hire and retain a quality workforce. Adam explained that people are spending the most money on digital collaboration technology, which shows that people are adapting to meet the needs of their businesses in a post-Coronavirus world. This makes Adam feel optimistic about businesses being open to progressive technologies that could assist them in automating their processes – which would decrease a company’s need for new workers. 

"Automation is what we're thinking here at Estimating Edge,” said Adam. “On the preconstruction side, [we’re looking at] automating part of the estimating process, which would allow our contractor customers to do more with less people." 

In fact, Adam and Estimating Edge are looking to eliminate up to 80% of the time it takes to perform the takeoff and estimation components of a roofing project. This powerful automation enhancement is set to come out soon, with a more detailed announcement to be revealed in the coming weeks. 

"We're really excited about it,” said Adam. “We think that's the path that we can help." 

Read, Listen or Watch the entire Coffee Conversations to learn more about the 3rd quarter review or watch Adam’s highlights. 

Learn more about Estimating Edge in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.estimatingedge.com.