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The Graphite Lab Blog
Actionable insights on automation, AI, and smart workflows for the trades


What Is CRM Automation (And Why Should Service Businesses Care)?
Running a service business means wearing a lot of hats. You're answering calls, writing up estimates, scheduling jobs, following up with...
Vic Ikeda-Wood
1 day ago2 min read
1


The 2025 Guide to AI for the Trades: What’s Real, What’s Hype
AI is everywhere in 2025 — but what actually helps a service business? From flashy chatbots to “smart” scheduling tools, AI is being sold...
Vic Ikeda-Wood
1 day ago2 min read
1


5 Time-Saving Automations Every Home Service Business Should Set Up
Running a service business means managing the chaos. From missed calls to forgotten quotes to customers ghosting you — it’s hard to stay...
Vic Ikeda-Wood
1 day ago2 min read
0


Top 5 Reasons HVAC Owners Get Bad Reviews (And How to Avoid Them)
As the owner of an HVAC business, you know your reputation is everything. In today’s digital-first world, even a single negative review...
jacobnolley7
1 day ago3 min read
0
Understanding Payment Processing Fees: What You Need to Know for Your Service Trades Business
The rise of digital payment solutions has made understanding payment processing fees vital for success in the service trades industry....
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
12
Mastering Airtable: Advanced Techniques for Service Trades
This article explores the advanced features of Airtable, a modernized database tool, and how they can be beneficial for service trades....
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
2
Optimizing Inventory for Profit: Strategies for Service Trades
In the service trades business, inventory management is critical for achieving success as it promotes a stable supply flow and improves...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
3
Ensuring Secure Payment Processing: Best Practices for Service Trades
The dynamic growth of service trades has brought about various threats to digital payment processing such as errors, payment fraud, and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20242 min read
2
Is Airtable Right for Your Service Trades Business? A Complete Guide
The service trades industry often grapples with project management issues, scheduling conflicts, and customer relationship complexities....
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
4
Efficient Inventory Management: Tips for Service Trades
Service trades rely heavily on their inventory, from tools to parts, for daily operations. However, ineffective inventory management can...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
1
How Can You Simplify Payment Processing for Your Service Trades Business?
Streamlining payment processing is crucial in today's digital marketplaces, especially for service trades businesses. Efficient and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
3
Customer Connections: Enhancing Service Experience Through AI-driven Chatbots and Virtual Assistants
AI-driven customer service solutions are essential for business success, particularly in the trades sector where a personalized and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20242 min read
2
Data-driven Decisions: Leveraging Analytics to Optimize Operations in Carpentry and Flooring
Data analytics has revolutionized modern carpentry and flooring operations, playing a pivotal role in decision-making processes and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
0
Efficient Estimates: AI-driven Solutions for Accurate Cost Projections in Trades Services
In the trade services industry, accurate cost estimates are vital, as they not only provide competitive quotes but also build trust and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
5
Tools of Tomorrow: How Quantum Computing Will Impact Trades Business Operations
Quantum computing holds the potential to drastically transform business operations and enhance efficiency. This article examines the role...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
1
Safety First: Cybersecurity Measures for Trades Businesses Embracing Automation
The trades sector is not immune to cyber threats, especially as businesses increasingly adopt automation and digitalization processes....
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
0
Plumbing Precision: Utilizing AI for Efficient Drain Cleaning and Repairs
The article discusses the challenges in achieving plumbing precision, a critical aspect of building maintenance that consistently demands...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
9
Flooring Futures: Predictive Analytics and Data-driven Insights for Flooring Contractors
The flooring industry faces challenges due to unpredictable costs, waste, and inefficiency; however, solutions may be found within the...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
0
From Pixels to Paint: The Role of AI in Enhancing Exterior Painting Services
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been identified as a revolutionary solution to significant challenges in exterior painting, such as...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
1
Roofing Resilience: Harnessing AI for Efficient Roof Repair and Maintenance
The field of roofing repair and maintenance presents a myriad of challenges including identifying weak spots, predicting damage, and...
jacobnolley7
Sep 22, 20243 min read
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