Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing our everyday lives in ways no one could imagine just five or 10 years ago. There’s no question that it’s changing the way we all do business.

Here at Locksmith Ledger, our current project is updating the companies in our end-of-year print directory. Twenty years ago, we faxed and mailed paper packets and then made all the updates in an ancient database. It was incredibly labor-intensive and the printing and postage was a major expense. These days, we use targeted emails and online forms. Still, response rates are an issue and we needed a way to verify that companies are still in business and their contact information is correct. AI may turn out to be a game changer here.

One thing we have discovered is that the free versions of ChatGPT, Claude and others have limited power beyond information gathering and making cool locksmith action figures from our photos. If you are embracing AI, investigate the costs of more powerful versions.

Yesterday, we held our final Locksmith Ledger webinar of the year, “The Business of Locksmithing.” (Watch the replay if you missed it.) Business management is an area where AI is making a big difference, managing incoming phone calls, dispatch scheduling, inventory control and invoicing. It’s also built into the higher-end electronic access control and video surveillance products locksmiths are installing, generating automated alerts and audit trails. Apps like ideniKey use AI to identify keyways and AI can identify many products from photos of openings, both valuable for new locksmiths.

Wayne Winton, owner of Tri-County Locksmith and president of ALOA, noted that he is using AI to field calls when he’s not available, schedule jobs, notify customers when he’s on his way, bill customers and even text them post-work requests for Google / Yelp reviews. Chad Lingafelt, Loc Doc Security, also uses AI to generate business analytics, collecting data on most and least profitable products, the company’s top 100 customers, etc., and then crafting sales strategies.

However, there are some key things AI cannot and should not do. Every company needs policies and procedures to protect their data and their customers’ data. Customer service should include direct communication with the customer. And locksmiths certainly have job security because AI will never be installing locks and door operators and hinges.

The potential is staggering. We’re excited to see what happens in the next five to 10 years!

Emily Pike