GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, announced that it has formed a strategic alliance with Verisk Climate, a division of Verisk Analytics (Nasdaq:VRSK), to develop weather-based forecasting algorithms that will more accurately estimate its nationwide roofing demand.
The new demand forecasting analytics capability is designed to estimate shingle demand at the county level within 24 hours after a storm through weather analytics. The solution is even able to provide forecasted shingle demand that could result from Tropical Storm force winds three days in advance of landfall. Having this data allows GAF to nimbly service its customers’ needs after weather events.
Randy Bargfrede, vice president of Logistics & Transportation for GAF, wanted a solution that was customized to his business, offering insight into more than just weather statistics. “Other tools may provide a broad risk score based on the severity of a storm or the population density of an area, but you really have to guess at how that will impact sales. We chose Verisk Climate’s demand forecasting solution because it is not just another weather map — it's a demand chain tool that translates the impact of weather into a tangible estimate of the resulting demand for shingles via predictive analytics.”
Verisk Climate’s strong baseline knowledge of roof data, census block information, and historical claims were all key components in developing a predictive algorithm that correlates hail related statistics such as hail size and probability of hail contact to shingle demand. With the demand planning solution, GAF has been able to receive reports each morning, outlining by county where storms took place. More important, the impact of those storms is translated directly into shingle demand estimates customized for GAF’s markets.
Verisk Climate continues to work closely with GAF to refine the demand forecasting solution through GAF’s feedback. “We value our collaboration with GAF, and we’re committed to working together to continually make this process better,” stated Kyle Beatty, president of Verisk Climate. “In the near future, we’ll also be looking at the distribution curves around demand, so GAF can better plan the timing of fulfillment.”
About GAF
Founded in 1886, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple for contractors, specifiers, and property owners alike. In 2011, GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles and, in 2012, it introduced the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF has developed Advanced Protection Shingle Technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of scarce natural resources. The company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.
GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.
For Press Inquiries:
Alyssa Hall, Corporate Communications
973-628-3301
ahall@gaf.com
The new demand forecasting analytics capability is designed to estimate shingle demand at the county level within 24 hours after a storm through weather analytics. The solution is even able to provide forecasted shingle demand that could result from Tropical Storm force winds three days in advance of landfall. Having this data allows GAF to nimbly service its customers’ needs after weather events.
Randy Bargfrede, vice president of Logistics & Transportation for GAF, wanted a solution that was customized to his business, offering insight into more than just weather statistics. “Other tools may provide a broad risk score based on the severity of a storm or the population density of an area, but you really have to guess at how that will impact sales. We chose Verisk Climate’s demand forecasting solution because it is not just another weather map — it's a demand chain tool that translates the impact of weather into a tangible estimate of the resulting demand for shingles via predictive analytics.”
Verisk Climate’s strong baseline knowledge of roof data, census block information, and historical claims were all key components in developing a predictive algorithm that correlates hail related statistics such as hail size and probability of hail contact to shingle demand. With the demand planning solution, GAF has been able to receive reports each morning, outlining by county where storms took place. More important, the impact of those storms is translated directly into shingle demand estimates customized for GAF’s markets.
Verisk Climate continues to work closely with GAF to refine the demand forecasting solution through GAF’s feedback. “We value our collaboration with GAF, and we’re committed to working together to continually make this process better,” stated Kyle Beatty, president of Verisk Climate. “In the near future, we’ll also be looking at the distribution curves around demand, so GAF can better plan the timing of fulfillment.”
About GAF
Founded in 1886, GAF has become the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The company’s products include a comprehensive portfolio of steep-slope and commercial roofing systems, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple for contractors, specifiers, and property owners alike. In 2011, GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles and, in 2012, it introduced the GAF Lifetime Roofing System.
With a focus on social responsibility, GAF has developed Advanced Protection Shingle Technology, which provides superior durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of scarce natural resources. The company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic membranes with superior durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.
GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence, which has provided education to over 125,000 professionals. CARE’s mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.
For Press Inquiries:
Alyssa Hall, Corporate Communications
973-628-3301
ahall@gaf.com