Embracing new technology is not always easy. You become set in your current way of doing things and learning something new takes you out of your comfort zone. But what if this new technology boosts your sales and productivity?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers numerous benefits that can revolutionize how plumbing contractors operate. While there might be concerns about AI replacing human workers, the reality is that AI technology can enhance the capabilities of your employees rather than replace them.

For instance, companies like ServiceTitan and Buck.ai offer AI-powered scheduling, which can optimize the allocation of resources and workforce, ensuring that the right person is assigned to the right job at the right time. This reduces downtime and increases the number of jobs completed in a day.

AI technology can assist in the training and skill development of plumbing professionals. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tools, powered by AI, can provide immersive training experiences, allowing new employees to practice and learn in a risk-free environment. Additionally, companies like Rilla offer virtual ridealongs on every call by recording conversations with the Rilla mobile app. Rilla’s AI automatically transcribes, analyzes and gives feedback to improve close rates and help managers save time for other important tasks.

AI can also play a crucial role in improving customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants can handle basic customer inquiries, schedule appointments and provide updates, freeing up human employees to focus on more complex tasks. AI can analyze customer feedback and behavior to provide personalized recommendations and solutions, leading to higher customer satisfaction and loyalty.

This doesn’t mean AI will replace your customer service or dispatch team. If someone with a plumbing emergency calls into your company and is greeted by a robot or AI chatbot, they’re going to hang up and call the next plumber. AI can handle mundane and repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This leads to a more efficient and productive workforce, where human creativity and problem-solving skills are complemented by AI's analytical power.

Consider this point: companies that fail to innovate don’t last. Look at Blockbuster vs. Netflix or Borders vs. Amazon and Kindle e-readers as examples. Two cautionary tales of companies that did not keep up as technology evolved their markets. Don’t be Blockbuster or Borders. Instead, identify areas where AI can help your business thrive and give them a try.

Embracing AI is not about replacing human workers; it is about empowering them to perform better and achieve more. Plumbing contractors who adopt AI technology sooner rather than later will be better positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven market.