For most door, frame and hardware distributors, artificial intelligence (AI) is probably not on your radar; but it might be soon. Large companies now employ AI into many work processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
In terms of productivity, AI can drastically decrease the amount of interact with customers or process orders. AI helps to reduce any down-time unlike an actual employee who requires restroom and lunch breaks. For example, many companies use chat boxes on their website to converse with customers online. But when the customer service rep steps away from their desk the website visitor must then wait. However, AI enables a “chat bot” to handle the initial questions during a customer conversation before a human needs to intervene. This means immediate interaction and no waiting for the customer.
An article by Logistics Management stated that AI software can facilitate supply chain demands and adjustments. AI technology automatically monitors the demand and inventory levels across all products and makes appropriate adjustments more quickly and accurately than could a human. Technology Review states that due to COVID, many large distribution and manufacturing companies had to find ways to keep up with high demand but low supply and shortage of workers. Expect to see nearly every industry begin implementing AI technologies to increase productivity.
AI and robotics are already impacting commercial construction and the door, frame and hardware industry. For example, warehouses utilizing robots require different, and electronically controlled openings. For centuries we designed and constructed buildings for the use of humans. Today, that centuries old assumption has changed. Now, many we must design many buildings for our AI robot inhabitants as well.
Ian Oxman, Co-Owner, Software for Hardware LLC, based in Atlanta, GA. You can reach Ian at ian@softwareforhardware.com
