In its first-annual industry report focusing on artificial intelligence in the skilled trades, ServiceTitan, a software platform for the trades based in Glendale, Calif., revealed that the trades are adopting A.I. at a rapid pace. Based on a survey conducted by Thrive Analytics of more than 1,000 contractors across multiple residential and commercial verticals, the report focuses on how A.I. is being adopted, the obstacles contractors face and where innovation is accelerating.

The data indicates that the trades are turning to A.I. for their most immediate operational challenges, focusing first on high-volume, repetitive tasks to streamline core processes and improve efficiency. 

According to the report, A.I. adoption is happening and is changing the industry. Nearly half of survey respondents (46%) are already using or experimenting with A.I. Primary factors driving adoption are the beliefs that A.I. is relevant (72%) and will meaningfully transform the industry within 1–3 years (66%). 

The report also found that A.I. delivers efficiency and productivity. Contractors consider A.I.’s greatest potential in improving efficiency and productivity (74%), enhancing decision-making (51%) and reducing operational costs (48%). The desire to improve efficiency is the dominant factor for adoption among enterprises (73%) and SMBs (74%). 

The main obstacles to widespread adoption center on human factors, such as the lack of training or skilled staff and integration challenges (44%), as well as difficulty understanding how to use the tools (38%) and a lack of clear ROI/use cases (37%). Conversely, employee resistance is low (18%).

When A.I. is built into the software contractors are using, rather than being standalone solutions, adoption is higher (59%), according to the report. A preference for embedded tools outpaces general-purpose tools (42%) and custom-built systems (8%).

A.I. is also making an impact in all areas of operation. The current highest use is in administration (59%), followed by marketing and sales (51%), customer service and communication, and field operations (39% each). Almost three-quarters (73%) of the contractors in the survey using A.I. report saving 1–6 hours of work per week.

“We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to modernize an industry that is essential to everyday life,” said Vahe Kuzoyan, president and co-founder of ServiceTitan. “We’re freeing contractors from administrative burdens so they can focus on craftsmanship, customer care and solving the important problems their businesses face. The companies that thrive will be those that treat A.I. not as a threat, but as a force multiplier that elevates both their people and their performance.”