12 May 2008
Colin Yeates takes a look at the new technologies, including podcasts which are taking the roofing industry by storm.
Technological advancements in wireless internet, Blackberry and mobile communications have made the web and other tools more accessible for the construction industry. Traditionally seen as non-PC users, contractors are increasingly moving to be more frequent web users as these developments make access from the building site quicker and easier.
Manufacturers have also been quick to react to this changing landscape to communicate more effectively with the end-user and also to provide cost-effective and efficient solutions to their customers throughout the supply chain.
This new technological era is being driven, on the one hand, by contractors and specifiers using the power of search engines to source not only products, but also corresponding installation guidance. Equally, the growing pressure for cost efficiencies throughout the supply chain has been met by simple innovations such as SMS text messaging to confirm time of deliveries.
Skills support
These days all roofing and cladding has got to perform to a far higher standard, and that means the way it’s installed as well as how the different materials work. Yes, you need ever increasing thicknesses of insulation for built up and composite panels, but their performance is devalued if they are not installed to the same high standard as they were manufactured and engineered.
So there is technical pressure on the roofer and cladder to perform, and a tremendous commercial pressure to meet tighter contract margins. The emphasis has to be on speed of work with lean teams of installers who need to be aware of all the technical aspects of the systems they are installing. As this cannot always be anticipated in advance, new technologies for onsite support have been developed, bringing the training and technical support direct to the contractor onsite through e-solutions.
We know that installers’ skills onsite are under the spotlight more than ever due to increasing regulation standards and tougher air tightness requirements as highlighted by the 2007 independent market survey ‘Not Just Hot Air*’ (commissioned by SFS intec).
The need to maintain the flow of information and training opportunities for the roofing contractor has never been more crucial as the demands on time and quality are not going to go away. At the same time, the commercial pressures on the other parts of the contracting firms - procurement and supply, design and work flow etc. - also need support, so they can perform with efficiency and economy.
Luckily, a new solution is at hand, or should we say on the lap or in the pocket.
Roof-top surfing
The potential for internet-based solutions have been available for a few years, and our recent experience has shown that there is a sudden upsurge in realisation of what is available and possible.
The latest innovation in technology to be leveraged by leading manufacturers is the podcast. The need for immediate and accessible training and technical information whilst on site has led to the production of website-based podcasts. Links through laptops and wifi mobiles is transforming the Monday morning site briefing as contractors and installers can instantly view/download the latest training tutorial or demo for the products they are about to use. Customers no longer need to be in the training room or face to face to provide on-hand support.
Website-based podcasts giving guidance and visual demonstrations of specific fixing techniques mean that delays in starting on something new or waiting for a rep to turn up on site for a demo could be relegated to the past.
e-logistical
And the technologoical developments don’t stop there. The same level of e-support is available for the rest of the contracting firm, as well. From on-site delivery notification to automatic order digitisation, core stock control and barcode generated low stock replacement, you can concentrate on revenue generating parts of your business with the logistics side efficiently managed.
For example, when you are waiting on site for a parts delivery, SMS texting can warn you of the delivery time in advance, or tell you where it was made and who accepted it. This means no more delays to a job while wandering round a large site trying to locate a parcel that has been misdirected.
E-controlled stock management solutions have been proven in real-life, real-time situations to deliver efficiency, time and cost savings for contractors. They allow the manufacturer to make up packages of fasteners and accessories to be delivered to site with roofing sheets, cladding or insulation, instead of holding stock and picking and packing each order separately.
Another clever solution is instant digital inputting of orders whether they have been faxed, phoned or mailed in. Through e-solutions, high procurement costs, inefficient warehouse processes and supply chain delays can be eliminated and replaced with tailored solutions and order tracking.
The power of the internet and web-enabled technologies has not only been recognised but is being implemented more and more through every level of the supply chain. Contractors and installers are reaping the benefits of these new e-solutions, which are not only making their jobs more efficient but are generating a more cost-effective supply chain.
To explore some of the growing possibilities for e-support for the roofing and cladding contractor, visit www.sfsintec.biz/UK
*The Spring 2007 market survey (‘Not Just Hot Air’) was commissioned by SFS intec to unveil the current thinking of roofing and cladding contractors and architects about the Building Regulations Part L2 (2006), in association with BSRIA, the Metal Cladding and Roofing Manufacturer’s Association (MCRMA) and the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC).