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


If You Need a Superhero CSR, Your Process Is Broken
If you have a superhero CSR, your workflow may be what needs rescuing.
5 days ago3 min read


Growing Without Burning Out Your Best People.
Your top performers may be on the brink of burnout. Here's what to know.
5 days ago4 min read


"When It Comes to AI, I Don't Know What I Don't Know."
Answering some FAQs about AI.
5 days ago1 min read


Where Should Tech Stop And People Step in?
There are places where AI can accelerate your business—and places where you shouldn't use it at all.
5 days ago4 min read


Senior techs are spread thin. Here's where AI can help.
How AI can help you deal with the shortage of senior techs.
Apr 201 min read


Build a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace.
How can you stand out from a crowd of businesses that do the same thing you do?
Apr 204 min read


How to Become the Employer of Choice in Your Local Market
Competition for skilled workers is fiercer than ever before. Here are some practical ways to make your company more attractive to potential hires, and to your current staff.
Apr 205 min read


How to avoid failed AI implementations in skilled trades companies.
Learn which mistakes can sabotage your AI efforts.
Apr 202 min read


From Technician to CEO: The Hardest Transition
You’ve literally built your skilled trades business with your own two hands. But at what point do you hand off some control?
Apr 205 min read


What if You Were Starting a Trades Business From Scratch Today?
Building a new skilled trades business requires good people and a solid AI platform.
Apr 154 min read


Our AI Won't Replace Your Staff. But It Will Make Their Lives Easier.
Our products won't replace your people. Period.
Apr 152 min read


"We're Not a Tech Company" Is No Longer an Excuse
You don't have to become a tech company to put AI to work for you.
Apr 104 min read


The Office Usually Gets Blamed for Problems It Inherited
In many cases, what's called an "office problem" ... isn't.
Apr 105 min read


Build a More Human Brand with AI
How do you differentiate yourself from a crowd of skilled tradespeople who do the same thing as you?
Apr 103 min read


Four Real-World Ways AI Can Help Trades Businesses Today
Most tradespeople regard AI as either magic or a threat. In reality, it’s like a new crew member for your office.
Apr 83 min read


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
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