TACA Conveyor
AI is a major buzzword across all industries. The Texas Aggregates and Concrete Association’s (TACA) Annual Meeting hosted a panel discussion moderated by BCMI Vice President of Business Development and Outreach Shelby Mitchell on how this technology is evolving and can impact the aggregate, concrete and cement industry. The panel included Dean Marris, chief data scientist and EVP of construction, EROAD/Coretex; Erica Flukinger, digital director, Heidelberg Materials; Sarah McGuire, AVP, business development, Giatec Scientific Inc.; Matt Jetmore, manager, Lauren Concrete; and Stephanie Hampton, director of technical sales and customer success, AIcrete.
The panel discussion highlighted how AI can revolutionize the industry through production and its broader impact on the workforce. The key message the panelists hammered was the benefits of AI, which include automation, enhanced efficiency and improved decision-making. In addition, they emphasized the importance of embracing AI and doing as much research as possible on how to use the technology.
“Technology is evolving so quickly that it’s challenging to keep up with the latest solutions and discern which tools are ready for prime time,” said Shelby Mitchell. “As we all get accustomed to AI-assisted solutions, we should expect our business processes to change drastically.”
The panel’s bottom line was this: AI is coming, and companies should start considering the technology today. They say it’s not an option but essential to keep up with how fast technology is evolving in the market. Companies that hesitate to adopt AI risk falling behind their more agile competitors who leverage this technology to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences and drive innovation.
“Producers who don’t take advantage of AI tools that can keep their businesses running efficiently will eventually fall behind,” Mitchell said. “AI-powered technology is going to be so widespread that it’s not so much a competitive advantage but a competitive necessity.”