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


The Devastating Cost of Payroll Errors
Payroll errors are far more expensive than you may think—and could even cost employees their jobs.
Feb 183 min read


AI for the Skilled Trades: Hype or Hope?
Business is booming. That’s good. But it’s stretching your people to the limit. That’s a problem. And it’s the same story across all of the skilled trades.
Feb 182 min read


From Going by Your Gut to Data-Driven Decision-Making (Even for a Small Shop)
Anyone who told you that “you need data-driven decisions” has probably never tried to run dispatch while answering the phone at the same time.
Feb 184 min read


The $10,000 Question: What’s Wasting the Most Time in Your Skilled Trades Business?
Most trades businesses know where they’re losing money—parts, callbacks, slow payments, long jobs. But the bigger leak is time.
Feb 184 min read


Who’s using AI in the Skilled Trades? And What For?
There’s been lots of talk about AI in the skilled trades, but who’s using it? And how has it worked for them? A recent report digs into the numbers.
Feb 182 min read


Autos, Apparel, and Skilled Workers
A Big 3 auto maker and a well-known clothing company are joining forces to train the next generation of skilled workers.
Feb 161 min read


Trades 2030: What Does the Future Look Like?
Gaze into our crystal ball as we learn what the future holds for the skilled trades with regard to AI and automation.
Feb 165 min read


From TikTok to Tool Belts
The skilled trades are getting a Gen Z boost with help from some rather unexpected allies— social media influencers.
Feb 162 min read


Give your Online Reviews the Attention they Deserve—Automatically.
Reviews are like yard signs. They pop up in every search, and have a powerful influence on homeowners who are looking for your service.
Feb 105 min read


Boosting Technician Productivity with Smarter Scheduling
Better scheduling and dispatch improve technician efficiency. Automation reduces gaps, balances workloads, and increases the number of jobs per day.
Jan 224 min read


Cutting Cancellations by 5%: AI’s Role in Customer Retention
Cancellations aren’t inevitable. In fact, many of them are preventable. AI automations can help keep customers engaged and satisfied.
Jan 225 min read


Why Data-Driven Reporting is the Secret to Growing Smarter
Automated reporting helps owners make better decisions. Growth without visibility quickly disintegrates into chaos. That's why data reporting matters.
Jan 225 min read


How to Compete with PE-Backed Aggregators as an Independent
Independence is an unfair advantage. AI and automation can give you speed, trust, and execution without burning out your team.
Jan 224 min read


The Future of Trades Tech: AI as the New Crew Member
AI is not a replacement for your people, but an invisible assistant that works across your entire organization and quietly handles the tasks that steal time.
Jan 224 min read


From Chaos to Calm: How One Aggregator Streamlined 5 Companies
This aggregator did was a lot of smart operators do. They bought five great businesses— but soon realized they were wrangling five separate tornadoes.
Jan 226 min read


Payroll Made Easy: Automating Time Sheets and Paychecks
The week was already a grind. The schedule changed three times. Unlike everyone else in your business, your payroll staff dreads Friday.
Jan 224 min read


5 ServiceTitan Gaps We’ve Solved with Automation
ServiceTitan is a great tool for skilled trades businesses, but we've identified (and plugged) common gaps in workflows that frustrate companies just like yours.
Jan 224 min read


The Building Bricks of Business: Why Modular Tech Wins in the Trades
Modular tech helps grow a business by handing you the tools to customize your workflows, like using building blocks to create your own models.
Jan 224 min read


Prebuilt vs. Custom Assemblies: Which One Fits Your Business?
If you've ever done a job with the wrong part or tool, you know you can make it work. But you know you're going to pay for it later. It's the same when you're making tech decisions.
Jan 225 min read


The Horseless Carriage Problem: Why Most Trades Software Feels Outdated
Off-the-shelf software often fails skilled trades businesses. That's because they're building horseless carriages in the age of cars.
Jan 136 min read
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