Insights into the forces shaping our industry.

Let’s be clear first on what AI is.   AI is everything from chatbots like Siri and Alexa to self-driving cars,  facial and voice activated systems, to robotic process automation.  The focus of AI on hiring in the industry has been somewhat minimal.  I have not had anyone include on a job description that the candidate needs to be familiar with AI. 

What we are seeing in the industry is the use of AI software to help with data analysis for supply chain.   People are using AI to help focus on inventory controls, trends in product usage with clients and market trends.    We are seeing a need to have candidates understand those software products.  For example, Epicor and Infor are incorporating AI and machine learning to enhance productivity and decision making.

We also have seen an increase in the use of AI at the distribution level with quotations.  Where they are using AI to source a Billing of Materials and come up with parts and components and price that out.   Candidates who are comfortable with using these tools are going to have added value to their employers.

When it comes to the manufacturing floor, we see an increase in AI helping with coding  on robotic automation.  Where more robotics are being used on the manufacturing floor due to labor shortage, time off to work and productivity.  Robots don’t take vacations, get sick or get paid overtime.   Therefore, the increase in automation has increased the need for candidates who can work on the controls of those robotics and make sure they are running at top capacity.

We have all seen the Amazon warehouses where all the picking for an order is done by machines.  Small wire & cable companies are going to have to adapt to some automation to help with productivity and allow the human workforce to focus on skills and responsibilities that robotics can’t do.

We are also seeing candidates using ChatGPT to write resumes and cover letters.   I even had a candidate use ChatGPT to find out what kind of interview question a hiring manager might ask based on his LinkedIn profile.  

Whether it is ChatGPT or robotics automation on the plant floor, candidates who are comfortable learning new skills and gaining new knowledge will still be sought after. 

How AI Is Affecting Recruiting

Let’s start with a clear understanding of what AI is. AI encompasses a wide range of technologies—from chatbots like Siri and Alexa, to self-driving cars, facial and voice recognition systems, and robotic process automation.

AI in Hiring: Limited Direct Impact So Far

When it comes to recruiting in our industry, the direct impact of AI has been relatively minimal. I have yet to encounter a hiring manager who has listed AI proficiency as a required qualification on a job description.

However, AI is beginning to influence the peripheral technologies and software systems candidates interact with, which indirectly affects hiring.

AI in Supply Chain and Operations

In our industry, AI is increasingly being used for data analysis within the supply chain. Companies are leveraging AI to:

• Improve inventory control
• Track client product usage trends
• Analyze broader market patterns

As a result, there’s a growing need for candidates who are familiar with ERP software solutions like Epicor and Infor, which are now incorporating AI and machine learning features to boost productivity and enhance decision-making.

AI in Distribution: Quotations and BOM Automation

We’re also seeing AI being used in the distribution phase, particularly in handling quotations. AI systems are being employed to:

• Analyze Bill of Materials (BOMs)
• Source components
• Generate part lists and pricing

Candidates comfortable with these tools provide added value to employers by speeding up quoting processes and improving accuracy.

AI on the Manufacturing Floor

On the manufacturing side, there’s an increased reliance on robotic automation due to:

• Labor shortages
• Rising demand for efficiency
• Cost control (robots don’t require PTO or overtime pay)

AI is enhancing automation by supporting robotic programming and coding. This shift has created a growing demand for candidates who can manage and optimize these automated systems, ensuring they run at full capacity.

Future Outlook for Small Manufacturers

Just as Amazon warehouses rely heavily on robotics for order fulfillment, smaller wire & cable companies are starting to explore automation to:

• Boost productivity
• Free up human workers for tasks requiring critical thinking or manual dexterity

Adaptation will be key for smaller players in the industry.

AI for Job Seekers: Resume Writing & Interview Prep

Interestingly, candidates themselves are now turning to AI tools like ChatGPT to:

• Write resumes and cover letters
• Prepare for interviews by generating personalized questions based on hiring managers’ LinkedIn profiles

This shows that AI is not just influencing employers—it’s also empowering job seekers to present themselves more effectively.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s AI in ERP software, robotic automation on the plant floor, or ChatGPT helping candidates land interviews, one thing is clear: Candidates who are willing to learn new skills and adapt to evolving technology will remain in high demand. AI isn’t replacing human talent—it’s reshaping the landscape, and those who evolve with it will thrive.