HICKSVILLE, N.Y.—A new revolution is under way: Apps. Those handy, clever programs that allow people to find and do virtually everything via their smartphones. The flooring industry is no different as manufacturers have jumped on the app wagon, launching their own versions to help customers and/or consumers have a better overall experience with their products and services, ( FCNews, March 8/15).

A few examples of the latest phone apps to hit the market include Shaw Industries, which launched an iPhone application called Carpet Stain Center; Mannington, whose Choices that Work app was launched by its commercial division, and Laticrete, which unveiled a product app.

Shaw’s Carpet Stain Center provides stain removal procedures for most common household stains. Step-by-step cleaning instructions from the mill are free for download from the iPhone app store and is compatible with the new iPad.

The Carpet Stain Center system houses almost 1,000 stains with cleaning solutions, said Dani Brock, Shaw’s Anso nylon marketing manager, who noted the application is unique to the flooring industry because it offers real-time solutions “as life happens. From leaking sippy cups full of orange juice, to monstrous disasters such as food fights, the consumer will be equipped to handle life’s messes with the application.”

When it comes to Mannington Commercial’s smartphone application, Angie Carter, manager of commercial marketing, said it is the industry’s first mobile application designed to serve designers’ process. Using a smartphone’s camera and scanning technology, the app integrates sample books to show coordinating collections and enable sample orders. By scanning the bar code printed on a Mannington sample book, a designer can immediately see coordinating patterns and colors across Mannington’s carpet and hard surface collections. Technology is compatible with iPhone, Android and Blackberry smart mobile phones.

“Mobile apps have potential to add real value beyond simply promoting brands,” she said. “Today’s users understand the value of brand building, but are much more interested in tools that serve their own processes. [Phone apps] allow us to create more meaningful interactions.”

Laticrete’s free product information app is a full-service, jobsite reference, tool kit that offers quick and easy retrieval of the company’s product information from any iPhone, iPad or iPod, explained Henry Rothberg, co-owner.

“Innovation is the fundamental principle that drives Laticrete,” he said. “It’s part of our culture, part of our history, and what drives us to stay on the leading edge of our industry. This is another service we provide at no cost to benefit the contractor, to benefit the end user: Information at your fingertips, right there on your iPhone—right now.”