AI is everywhere. For better or for worse, it is invading the consumer and business landscape on all fronts. A study by ServiceTitan, AI in the Skilled Trades, demonstrates clearly that AI usage is widespread among skilled trades. It is changing the way contractors and job shops run and grow their businesses. As well as HVAC, electrical, power, plumbing, garage door, roofing, pest control, and commercial landscaping firms, this phenomenon extends to welding, forming & fabricating, manufacturing and finishing professionals.
According to the survey, 46% are already using or experimenting with AI. 72% believe AI is relevant to their work and 66% believe it can meaningfully transform their jobs. One small business implemented it and grew its revenue by 53%. It all boils down to improved efficiency. 74% noted how AI could boost efficiency and productivity. Another 51% felt it would enhance decision-making, and 48% said it could reduce operational costs.
Organizational Barriers
But AI won’t transform every job shop or manufacturing plant. The greatest barriers are organizational. 44% of those wanting to implement AI cited lack of training/skilled staff and integration challenges as the top barriers. 38% said their biggest problem was difficulty in understanding how to use AI tools and 37% said a lack of clear return on investment or well-defined use cases stood in their way.
How about employee resistance? Surprisingly it only came out at 18%. As so many workers are using AI in everyday life, they are open to seeing its benefits extended to the work place. However, 59% of small businesses and contractors don’t want to implement AI themselves. They would prefer to have it built into software they are already using. Only 8% opted for custom-built AI systems tailored to their businesses.
59% of companies begin their AI efforts on the administrative front. This gets their foot in the door without having to trust AI to deal with more complex production tasks or scheduled maintenance actions. Next, 51% use AI in marketing and sales. If successful, they typically extend its use into field operations.
AI and FABTECH
AI will be woven into many of the conference tracks at this year’s FABTECH. Those attending the show will hear from industry leaders and small job shops alike on how they have harnessed AI to bring greater success to their businesses. You will discover the best ways to introduce it, best practices on how to implement it, and have a chance to meet those who are making a success of AI in the real world. Register today.