How Fencing Contractors Use AI for Project Planning and Execution

Like most blue-collar jobs, fencing jobs have many moving parts, from planning to execution and follow-up repair and maintenance checks. Then there’s the little things in-between: the client changes his mind regarding the measurements, or wants different materials, a different layout, or wants to postpone or speed up the job.

All these factors make fencing unpredictable, many times forcing contractors to adapt on the fly and improvise. The planning part requires the most precision, because it sets the tone for the rest of the project.

There are plenty of CRM tools and field service software that can help with that, but none have the flexibility of AI-powered software.

The Power of AI in Project Planning for Fencing Jobs

When it comes to fencing jobs, the planning process requires the most attention, precision, and time investment, because even the smallest errors can sometimes devolve into project-wide problems.

Standard field service tools can do a good job at tracking macro elements like the total linear surface, fencing radius and curvature sections, and materials required for the job. AI takes it one step further by performing:

• Precise fence runs – The individual fence sections, corner locations, and gate openings, all based on the terrain layout, access roads, and the client’s preferences.
• In-depth site plan analysis – The AI can review PDF files, photos, architectural plans, videos, and even satellite images to verify elements like property boundaries, building layout, utility corridors, trees, and landscaping elements. This allows the technician to build a more accurate fencing layout plan.
• Accurate material use – AI can recommend the exact materials needed (screws, panels, rails, posts, fasteners, hinges, etc.) based on the fencing style, on-site layout information, and the client’s desires. 
• Optimized layout analysis – An AI tool can identify any elements that may potentially make the installation process more difficult. These include uneven terrain, unusual angles, tree roots, pre-existent constructions or concrete patches, and utility easements. Based on that, the AI can suggest ways to reduce material waste, execute more efficient panel spacing and gate installation, and perform better fence alignment.

The AI can also forecast more accurate project costs based on the materials used, projected labor hours, manpower involved, and numerous other factors. Custom tools can perform risk assessment tasks as well, highlighting potential issues like conflicting project notes, unrealistic schedules, projected delays, material shortages, and unusual fencing geometry.

Real Use Case for AI – Fencing Contractor Builds Custom CRM to Handle Planning

Paulo Montenegro is the CEO of Hawk Fences, a fencing company that started as a 3-men crew and eventually grew into a multi-state business, with AI playing a major role in its expansion.

The company was doing good overall, so it wasn’t until Hawk Fences started securing government contracts that the problems became visible. 

The most glaring one was the lack of proper planning logistics – the type and quantity of materials to use, the costs, the fencing layout, all these required precise planning. The problem was that the CRM software Paulo was using wasn’t made specifically for fencing, which means it couldn’t do what he wanted it to do.

So, he used AI to create his own CRM tool, FenceWorks, designed specifically to assist with the planning process. FenceWorks did everything for him: track materials needed for the job, estimate costs, and even allow him to draw the fencing layout, with accurate measurements and materials necessary.

Paulo could then export the file and send it directly to the client for approval. This also allowed him to create faster and more accurate estimates, which saved valuable time during the planning phase. 

This is just an example of the many use cases for AI in the fencing industry and the blue-collar sector more widely.

Why AI is Better for Project Planning Than CRM Software

AI is better for project planning thanks to its customizability. CRM models are usually standard tools adapted to the trades, rather than each business in particular. In Paulo’s case, he couldn’t even find a CRM tool for fencing specifically.

The problem is that even businesses operating within the same trade often have very different operational needs. For instance, a fencing business in Florida may need to comply with local wind-load requirements and account for hurricane risks, while one in California has to deal with dangers like wildfires and seismic activity.

CRM tools don’t allow for this degree of customizability, which is why AI is gaining more grounds within the blue-collar industry.

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Dalton Mills – AI-Powered Platform for Custom-Made CRM and Field-Service Software

Dalton Mills gives fencing contractors all the freedom they need to build their own CRM tools, tailored to their business’s needs specifically. Contractors can now interact with the AI agent to discuss their operational problems and create custom-made software to handle their project planning.

With Dalton Mills, you can use the AI to diagnose the problems, discuss potential solutions, and implement them in the form of a custom software in a matter of minutes. No coding and no software engineering knowledge necessary – the AI takes care of everything.

Dalton Mills isn’t public yet, but you can still test our services if the CRM and field-service software you’re using now don’t quite hit the mark. Go to the official Dalton Mills page, apply for early access, and we’ll contact you soon to confirm your access.

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