Where AI fits into your tech stack

By Jesse Sanchez.

Artificial intelligence is changing the way contractors work, but getting the most from AI starts with understanding where it belongs within the technology and processes businesses already rely on. 

In an upcoming CoatingsTalk™, on September 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT, Megan Ellsworth meets with Mark Zeleznock from Dataforma to discuss where artificial intelligence (AI) fits into a contractor’s technology stack and how contractors can use it to support, rather than replace, the systems and people that keep their businesses moving. 

As AI tools become more accessible, contractors have more opportunities to automate administrative work, quickly access company information and gain useful insights from their data. But adopting AI simply for the sake of having the latest technology is unlikely to deliver lasting value. Megan and Mark will explore why contractors should start with a specific business challenge and look for practical applications where AI can strengthen existing workflows. From drafting emails and summarizing meetings to analyzing project information and improving communication, some of the biggest gains can come from relatively simple uses of AI. 

Dataforma brings an important perspective to this conversation because of its experience helping contractors organize and manage the information at the center of their businesses. A strong Customer Relationship Management software (CRM) remains the source of truth for company and project data, even as AI becomes a larger part of daily operations. Mark will explain why contractors should evaluate software based not only on what it can do today, but also on its ability to integrate with existing systems, support future AI applications and continue evolving alongside the business. 

Contractors will also learn why clean, organized data is essential to getting reliable results from AI. Standardized processes and a well-maintained CRM give intelligent tools better information to work with, while human oversight remains critical. AI is not a replacement for experienced employees or sound decision-making. Instead, it can help those employees spend less time searching for information and completing repetitive tasks and more time applying their expertise where it matters most. 

Looking ahead, Mark will discuss emerging capabilities including intelligent assistants embedded directly into business platforms, workflow automation that reduces administrative burdens and personalized insights based on a contractor’s own data. For contractors ready to begin, the message is straightforward: identify one recurring problem, test AI on a small scale, measure the results and expand from there once the value has been proven. 

Join Megan Ellsworth and Mark Zeleznock from Dataforma on September 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. PT, to learn more about where AI fits into your technology stack and how it can help your team work smarter and more efficiently. 

Register for this CoatingsTalk™ and start exploring practical ways to put AI to work in your business!