Why Technology is Key to Recovery
As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the roofing industry and contractors want to ensure they emerge successfully once it subsides.
At the end of 2019, Deloitte released an engineering and construction outlook that predicted market growth would continue into 2020 despite cost pressures, and the labor shortage would continue. When COVID-19 entered the picture, things changed dramatically. Project timelines were upended, and in some cases stopped altogether. Nearly a million construction jobs were lost in April alone.
When the company released its midyear outlook, exploring challenges for this year, they noted how contractors could remain competitive and emerge stronger when the pandemic ends.
The short-term challenges
The outlook reports that, “the E&C industry is likely to face several other short-term challenges amid the pandemic, such as delays or projects being put on hold, difficulty obtaining permits for projects, a rise in project cancellations, an increase in claims and litigation, and difficulty in procuring materials and equipment such as structural steel and glass from Asia."
Project timelines have been affected and contracts are being closely examined and even renegotiated to address the coronavirus, with companies hoping to protect themselves in these uncertain times. Job sites have changed as well, with the need for enhanced safety procedures and sanitization practices. The report predicts that this could possibly accelerate the shift to off-site construction and modular practices.
Digital solutions deliver hope
Construction firms are finding that technology could play an important role in their ability to be more efficient, work remotely and enhance the safety of their jobsites. Many of the larger contractors are actually using artificial intelligence-based technologies that help track workers' behavior, ensure social distancing and prevent accidents.
Robots have been developed that can lay bricks, and tools like automatic welders and machines that install rolls of modified bitumen, could improve safety and efficiency.
Deloitte estimates that the extent to which contractors adopt technology will determine how well they are able to recover from the pandemic and even thrive. Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) member Cotney Consulting Group (CCG) agrees that technology is key to recovery. “Technology helps a business understand its market, determine its most profitable projects, predict future sales, and learn how to match the best estimator/sales/operations or service tech team for maximum profit and customer satisfaction."
Thriving on technology
Some contractors have been early adopters of technology which paid off when working remotely became the norm. Rackley Roofing (winner of the 2019 RT3 Innovator of the Year Award), for example, found success using virtual reality for safety training, Slack for more purposeful communications, remote assistance through the Microsoft HoloLens, and understanding their jobs better by capturing field data through technology. Their fleet of vehicles are enabled with GPS and video systems for improved safety and tracking company vehicles.
Implementing technology
Members of RT3 have shared advice for implementing technologies into roofing businesses. They recommend starting small and taking advantage of the support and assistance offered by technology vendors.
Additionally, distributors and manufacturers can provide support. Many of them offer apps and online tools that can assist, and typically there is little to no charge.
To learn more, go to Roofing Technology Think Tank (RT3) HERE.
At Wayne’s Roofing we do our best to stay up-to-date on the latest news and technology in the roofing industry. Providing the best in customer service and results for our clients.