Oh, the Places Roofing Software Will Take You

Roofing software is so much more than a spreadsheet program. Read on to find out how to make the transition from paper to power.

So much new technology has been developed in recent years that it can be overwhelming making the transition from running your business using spreadsheet programs and pencil and paper to implementing a new software program. At RoofersCoffeeShop, we love the power of technology and want to help our contractors see how it can make a big difference in their business.

We talked with Brad Hodson of JobNimbus, a provider or CRM software for roofing contractors, and he told us that at least 20% of everyone that calls or emails his company is still doing business the old fashioned way. Most others that he talks to have only moderately entered the digital waters.

Brad offers these tips for making the transition from paper to power:

There are several principle steps contractor should take in order to make the transition from paper to the power of roofing software:

First, examine what you’re doing already, see what’s working, what isn’t working, and look at your process as a whole. Knowing all of your problems specifically will make it easier to find the right solutions.

1. Search for roofing software that meet your needs. Don’t just look at features, though. Also look at when the system was last updated. When you contact the company do you get a personal reply from someone who can help you find the answer? Is their content on their website up-to-date? Is there a mobile app? Can the mobile app do more than just allow you to look at stuff?
2. Try, try, try. Shop around and make the right decision that meets your needs. Sign up for free trials where possible and dedicate some time to take the system for a spin. Request help from support, use training and setup resources to make sure you’re understanding properly.
3. Dedicate some time. You’re busy, but you really need to invest the time to understand what the technology is capable of helping you do better. If you invest properly, your return on investment will be immense.
4. Decide. Of course, once you’ve found the right one, pull the trigger and get started.
5. Set up and train. No matter which software you choose, if you don’t set it up right and customize it for your business, you’ll just be lost in a dead end tool. Then your team needs to learn how to use it. JobNimbus is one tool that provides a vast library of resources for contractors, as well as full email and phone support to help make sure you and your team are set up for success.
6. Use it. It’s not magic, it’s a proven formula that works. Use it day in and day out, in the office and out in the field, and you’ll be so much further ahead you won’t even believe it was possible.

Hodson told us it’s also important to bring your entire team along for the adventure into implementing technology. “We see time and time again companies just trying to run their 20-man business with only the office person and company owner accessing the software,” he said. “Sure, it can be done, but these contractors are selling themselves short by missing out on all of the features that will help them realize their company’s full potential.”

Today’s software programs offer mobility to stay connected to job information while in the field, tools to take photos, access forms, contracts and emails; real-time collaboration to keep jobs moving forward and inter-team communications to ensure that everyone on the team is in the loop on every job.

Hodson said that these are the kinds of benefits, among many more, that make having roofing software in the field and in the office a must-have. “The tools you choose could make or break your business,” said Hodson. “When you keep doing what you’re doing, you’re leaving your fate up to chance. When you take hold of your tools by the reigns, you step into the driver seat and have more control than ever.”

For more information on JobNimbus visit www.jobnimbus.com/roofing-software