What are the alternatives if a contractor isn't using one of these machines? Is it all manual labor, or are there other options?

You can screed by hand with a vibratory screed, among a few other options. However, those don't offer the same quality as a laser screed. Many big warehouses now require a laser screed to even qualify for a bid. For example, Amazon. Amazon was constructing many warehouses in 2020, 2021, and 2022. Without a laser screed, you wouldn't be awarded the job.

And what about the cost savings? You mentioned with one pour, it could take four days without labor. How do contractors view the return on investment for these machines? Do the machines allow you to reduce labor?

Yes. When I was working with Somero, one of my sales tactics was during a demo, I'd say, "Hey, get your crew out there for what you'd usually use for that size pour, and I'll bring the machine." Once everyone got familiar with the machine, you'd see about seven or eight guys just standing around with nothing to do because the machine does most of the work. You really only need someone raking the concrete out front and someone to go beside it and use a pan to finish it. So you only need three people per machine.

What's the difference if you don't have the machine? Can you give an example of a project to help me understand the comparison? For instance, how many people and days does it take without the machine versus with it?

Let's use a job site I mentioned earlier. A 900-yard pour, which is about the size of a large Walmart or Home Depot warehouse. A crew of four people can complete that in one day. You need someone to operate the screed, someone to rake in front of the machine to fill in any tire gaps, and someone to pan and finish the concrete behind the machine. Without the machine, you'd probably need eight or nine guys using wood boards or vibratory screeds, plus a finishing crew, taking about two to three days instead of one day with the machine.