The fear that AI might replace jobs is understandable, but history shows us something important: new tools don’t take jobs away—they transform them. Just like power tools, laser levels, and telescopic glass handlers revolutionised glazing work, AI is here to make your job easier, more efficient, and full of new possibilities. Far from being a threat, it’s an opportunity to elevate the industry and empower your team.
A Look Back: Tools That Changed the Game
Think about power tools. Before their invention, manual tools meant slower, more labour-intensive work. When power drills arrived, they didn’t make tradespeople redundant—they made them faster and more precise, enabling them to take on more complex projects. The same is true of laser levelling and measuring systems. These tools didn’t replace fitters; they eliminated guesswork, ensuring perfect installations and happier customers.
AI is just the next step in this journey. Like those tools, it doesn’t replace skilled professionals—it enhances their abilities.
How AI Fits Into Glazing Roles
AI is not only here to stay, it will touch every role in glazing. Remember though, it is just a tool. Here’s how AI acts like the latest must-have tool for glazing businesses:
✅ Fitters: AI-powered measuring tools work like the next evolution of laser technology. They process measurements with pinpoint accuracy, minimising errors and reducing waste. Just as telescopic glass handlers made it safer and easier to install heavy panes, AI lets fitters focus on their craftsmanship rather than troubleshooting miscalculations.
✅ Sales Teams: Think of AI as the ultimate assistant for lead management. Just as CRM systems transformed how teams track customers, AI can follow up on enquiries, create personalised quotes, and predict customer needs. This means sales teams can spend more time building relationships and closing deals rather than chasing paperwork.
✅ Office Teams: Remember the leap from handwritten records to software like Excel? AI takes this a step further, managing schedules, analysing data, and even helping with inventory. It handles admin tasks in the background, giving office staff more time to focus on customer satisfaction and business strategy.
New Tools, New Possibilities
Just like a power drill can build more intricate designs than a hammer ever could, AI opens doors to opportunities that weren’t possible before. Imagine:
✅ Customised Customer Experiences: AI can analyse customer preferences and suggest tailored solutions, making your business stand out from competitors.
✅ Faster Turnarounds: Automating routine tasks means you can deliver quotes, schedules, and even installations faster than ever.
✅ Data-Driven Decisions: With AI’s ability to process large datasets, you’ll have insights to refine your products and services like never before.
Embracing AI: The Human Touch Is Still Key
The tools may change, but one thing stays constant: your team is at the heart of your business. Just like power tools didn’t replace the skill of a seasoned professional, AI doesn’t replace people. It works alongside them, amplifying their strengths and taking the grunt work out of their day.
Redefining Roles with Confidence
As AI leaders like Microsoft and Google emphasise, AI is meant to complement human expertise, not replace it. The fitters, salespeople, and office staff of the future will be AI-enabled, combining cutting-edge tools with their craftsmanship, creativity, and customer care.
At Thinkivity, we help glazing businesses adopt AI tools that empower their teams. Whether it’s AI for quoting, scheduling, or precision fitting, we’ll show you how to stay ahead without losing what makes your business unique.
By embracing AI, you’re not replacing roles—you’re redefining what’s possible. Just as power tools and laser levels reimagined glazing work, AI is your next tool for thriving in an ever-changing industry. Let’s redefine the future together.
