Q7: What Does the Industry Say about the Software?

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

Reading reviews and talking to other contractors about the software is key.

Our friends at the Estimating Edge know software and they know roofing companies. They recently developed an e-book that helps roofing contractors ask the right questions when it is time to choose software for their businesses. Over the next few months, we are answering one of the questions from their e-book that should help you when deciding what software is right for your business.

With all the options that are on the market, not every product is going to be the right fit for your roofing business. The seventh question to ask is, “What does the industry say about the software?” Read on for why this is an important question.  

Most construction industries including roofing are somewhat small and well connected. Contractors need to take advantage of those networks and ask for reviews on the software and how it is working to solve pain points. It should go beyond online reviews. Too often they can be manufactured to make the companies look better than they are. Pick up the phone or drop an email to roofing industry friends and ask about the software’s effectiveness and the company’s commitment to the industry.

In fact, go beyond your friendly network and look at your competitors to see what they are successfully using. Is their ability to use software including the software you are currently reviewing, helping them to close more business, win more bids and be overall more profitable. It is important to understand what is making competitors successful and often it is turning out to be the use of technology.

If you’re curious about the other questions you should be asking and don’t want to wait for the next article, download the full e-book here.  

About Estimating Edge
Designed by experienced construction industry professionals, The EDGE is the most effective takeoff to estimate solutions in the industry. Not only is The EDGE completely customized to your trade, but it’s also customized to your business so that your takeoff sources the exact materials and manufacturers that your business utilizes.