Q8: Does the Software Company Have a History in the Industry?

By Karen L. Edwards, RCS Editor.

Be sure that the software company you choose has a proven track record.

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 eighth question to ask is, “Does the software company have a history in the industry?” Read on for why this is an important question.  

Contractors do not want to work with a company that is here today, gone tomorrow. Looking at the history of the company can shine light on their future in the industry and how they will continue to support roofing companies. Contractors should be asking how the company was started? Was it by contractors, software companies or individual developers? All of those scenarios can result in a good software solution provider if they have shown long-term commitment to their customers and industry.

For new companies, look to their senior management’s experience and commitment. Do they have a tech background? Do they have a construction background? There are several great technology companies that have provided industry changing solutions as a start-up business but there are also a large number of well-established software companies that have endured through start-up, tech changes and are still providing strong solutions that fit today’s needs in roofing. By looking at the history of the software company and its management, contractors can learn a lot about the company they may be working with.

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.