Roofing, siding and flooring are just three of the components requiring replacement in a major loss. Sometimes only a portion of the roof or siding needs to be replaced, like when a fire only impacts one side of the house or a tree catches a corner of the roof. Matching the siding or roof shingles can be a challenge. Then there is the issue of finding a special order floor or shingles. Maybe the siding has been discontinued or is only available from a regional supplier. All of these scenarios take time and effort to locate the right product.

ITEL has a new app that makes identifying and matching the products much easier. Adjusters can submit photos, product samples and measurements to the ITEL lab, where analysts can perform a nationwide product search to provide unbiased pricing information and the best recommendations for matching replacement materials in approximately one day.

2. Bio-Reveal – rapid bio-contamination system

When it comes to detecting and testing for mold, bacteria and water damage, a quick and easily administered test with instant results can provide the information a contractor needs to begin an assessment and protect the workers. The Bio-Reveal system can detect the presence of mold, bacteria and other biological contaminants (e.g., trauma scenes, sewage, etc.) in just a few seconds with a simple swab process and placing the material into the Luminometer with results in 15 seconds. It can be used on building materials to determine the effectiveness of cleaning, restoration or remediation activities or in water to determine contamination.

3. Social Intelligence – social media search and report building platform

As more and more insurers are using social media to market their products and manage their image, they are also find it invaluable when researching insureds to identify possible fraudulent claims and high risk customers. With so many social media sites available, identifying the information and verifying it takes time and money. Social Intelligence has created a new way to collect that information and use predictive analytics to categorize claims and identify the ones more likely to be fraudulent or abusive. While the software doesn't allow access to social media information that is private, analysts use public information and links on the Web to identify and research an individual. The company's proprietary technology searches literally millions of websites for information.

4. SPLICE – Human voice messaging system

Insurers know that customers prefer to receive their information in a variety of formats, everything from text messages and emails, to actual human interaction. Good customer service is critical and effective communication is vital. SPLICE Software has created a personalized voice experience using a company's information and seamless “voice merge” technology to create personalized messages that make it sound like a client actually called a customer. The calls can be used for renewal reminders, claim status updates, fraud alerts and a host of other notifications. The SPLICE system helps to reduce call center traffic, and messages reach over 90% of those contacted.

5. Esporta Wash System

Cleaning soft contents has always been a challenge, especially if there is biological contamination. The Esporta Wash System provides a new option for cleaning and restoring soft contents – everything from leather goods, clothing and furnishings to stuffed animals and collectibles. It can clean items damaged by smoke and soot, as well as category 2 and 3 water. Its patented technology can remove 99% of contaminants and restore close to 90% of the contents in a home to food grade clean.

The smoke damaged leather boots pictured here were cashed out by a restoration dry cleaner and put into storage, where they become moldy and dried to the texture of tree bark. They were restored through the Esporta wash process.

6. Voiance – Interpreter App

Today's adjuster is likely to encounter clients for whom English is their second or third language. This makes conversation tricky and increases the margin of error for misunderstandings on both sides. Voiance has an application that can be used for both traditional telephone interpretation as well as video interpretation. And in this constantly changing business environment, there are over 200 languages available 24/7 for the telephone interpretation portion of the app and 20 languages available for the video. American Sign Language and Spanish are available 24/7 for the video app and the other languages are available during regular business areas. (Check for your time zone.) Adjusters can turn their iPad, tablet or smart phone into a mobile interpreter in about 25 seconds or less.

7. OdorKlenz – Air cartridge

We've all been in buildings where there is a distinct odor from a fire, sewage, trauma scene or some other disaster-related event. Timilon has a new product, the OdorKlenz-Air cartridge that helps restore an odor-compromised property into a more livable environment until restoration can begin. The cartridge can be installed into portable air scrubbers and does not use or release chemicals or masking agents. It removes and absorbs airborne odor-causing molecules, works immediately, and does not compromise the living environment.