Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been touted as the transformational pivot point for nearly every industry, revolutionizing everything around us. From how we do our taxes to the ways we order goods and services, AI is already operating with ubiquity behind the scenes.
For businesses, the future of AI is in the hands of leaders who must decide how the technology can drive impact. Then comes the idea of properly monetizing the value. Is it really about the technology or software? Or is it about defining the business value and outlining parameters for how the data will be applied? The short answer is a bit of both.
Will AI provide that revolutionary transformation for building service contractors (BSCs)? We asked BSCAI members and partners to weigh in. This week we catch up with BSCAI member Olon Hyde, Director of Operations at Office Pride. He is excited about what AI holds for this industry. In fact, his company is actively exploring the technology for playing a role in the hiring process, and looks to a bright future.
In your opinion, why should BSCs pay close attention to AI?
As with all technology, it is important to pay close attention to how it can help us deliver service with better efficiency or quality. Take smart technology for the bathroom. I see AI playing a key role in maximizing this technology through the monitoring and predicting of peak times and usage. The technology will be intelligent enough to alert staff to refill supplies ahead of time, rather than waiting until it has run out.
Today, AI is pervasive across many businesses, with well-known brands and even service organizations embracing the technology in strategic ways. What lessons can we learn from this trend and apply to the industry?
I think AI could possibly become the tool to help change our society’s view of commercial cleaning. To some, the profession of building service contractor is not held in high regard, yet it is integral to the health and cleanliness of our society. The millennial and subsequent generations will place a premium on technology, and if we are an industry that avoids or “doesn’t require” technology, our profession will continue to be viewed as outdated or one best suited for those who are not intelligent enough to work in a field that requires technological skills.
What are some immediate moves that BSCAI members can make to incorporate AI into their business today?
The easiest step to take toward incorporating AI today would be to research chat bots for the sales or hiring process. This is a great way to automate the first conversation to gather information and make the prospect feel as though we are highly responsive.
In what ways do you see AI playing a role in the future of this industry?
I see it playing a key role in the sales process as a first touch point with a customer. For example, a customer on our website can chat with an AI bot and ask for a quote before they leave the site. I see AI working with new employees; quizzing them on key training lessons to help increase retention, as well as “wellness” checkups with employees to see how they are doing and if they are satisfied. I see AI being a tool for customers to voice complaints or special requests; the technology would gather all pertinent information and forward that along to the appropriate staff member. AI is going to be a part of everyday life and it will be a part of every aspect of the most successful building service contractors of the future.
Read the first part of this series here, where we speak with Robert Hurd, Director of Sales at Kärcher North America, a BSCAI partner.