Last month, I attended a seminar that sparked my interest in the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) in business. The event was held at an arts-focused hotel in Louisville, KY, during a company retreat my wife, an executive at the local hospital, was attending. One of the sessions discussed how AI is evolving, emphasizing that while AI won’t replace people, those who learn to work with it will have an advantage over those who don’t. The takeaway was clear — AI is here and its capabilities are growing — and I left motivated to explore how to use it effectively in my work.
As I thought about the seminar, I started to consider how AI could benefit us in the truss industry, even at a basic level. I’m no AI expert, but some practical uses quickly came to mind. For instance, AI can improve everyday tasks like writing emails. Whether it’s a quick message or a formal letter, AI can streamline the process. I’m using speech-to-text AI to write this document, which accurately transcribes my words while ensuring correct spelling and punctuation. It’s a small change, but it improves my efficiency when performing this task.
AI is already integrated into many tools we use daily. For instance, I’m writing this in Microsoft Word using its dictation feature, and Grammarly is checking for grammar in real time. These tools are simple and accessible. Then there’s ChatGPT, which can create templates for tasks like quotes, estimates, or change orders. You can set up a basic template, such as “Template #1,” and customize it for clients. For example, you can create a “Bill Smith” template with his address, project details, and terms. From there, ChatGPT can generate quotes or documents by filling in specific details. It may sound complicated, but once you set it up, AI can make routine tasks faster and more consistent.
The bottom line is that AI is a tool — so like any tool, it’s only as useful as your understanding of how to leverage it. The more we learn, the more we stand to gain in efficiency and productivity.
Are you using AI now? I am and will strive to find additional ways for it to be relevant in my tasks. If you have embraced AI, I’d love to hear your feedback at twm@thejobline.com.