"Your world frightens and confuses me." You may recognize that phrase from the late Phil Hartman's portrayal of "Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer," a character he portrayed from 1991 to 1996 on Saturday Night Live, who after 100,000 years of suspended animation, ended up as an articulate and successful courtroom attorney.

I chuckle to myself and think of this phrase often when I read or hear about the latest technological innovation powered by artificial intelligence. But whether you welcome change or, like me, you've been dragged kicking and screaming to embrace it, AI is here to stay.

And although like many I am uncertain of whose job is or isn't safe — and to what degree — a change in AI and increased automation may bring, I now use at least some form of AI almost daily, whether it's to transcribe an interview, summarize a meeting, organize notes, or for quick searches. I must also mention that our company, EndeavorB2B, has strict rules about the use of AI in actual reporting/writing or photo-editing, and we'll notate that when that happens.

Perhaps you're already using agentic AI, such as through Body Shop Booster, to serve as your first point of contact, especially after hours. Or maybe you're using a tool such as CCC's Jump Start to help triage the damage before you write a thorough repair plan. 

Just as Chat GPT or its large language model competitors can help with mundane tasks, innovators today are showing collision repairers how AI and other "smart" technologies can help with parts procurement, as shown by Tim Sramcik's article in this issue including CCC, OEC, and PartsTrader. In that same feature "package," my discussion with Partly's CEO shows how the company's AI-powered Interpreter can assist with everything from blueprinting and supplement creation to parts basket optimization, photo annotation, and insurer communications.

If you haven't checked it out yet, dip your toe in the water and see a demo for yourself. And I promise the future will be just a little less frightening and confusing.