There has been lots of conversation regarding AI in the electrical channel over the past few years. It started with the launch of ChatGPT and has gained topical steam since then. Many conversations, articles, seminars. Some have taken the next step to subscribing to ChatGPT, Perplexity and Claude as well as using these, and CoPilot, for research (and some for writing, even if for drafts only). Others are using functional tools that are subscription-based for design, grammar, transcription and more (and many distributors and manufacturers are using these tools within their company … frequently unbeknownst to management.)
And over the past year there have been a number of purpose-built tools being offered by companies for specific applications and that are industry specific. “ERP” systems tout functionality to improve pricing, inventory management, warehousing and more. There are tools ranging from dispatching to CRM enhancement to quotations and submittals and more. Some companies are utilizing / experimenting with improved search, website product descriptions, and customer-support tools.
Lots of ideas, some movement, lots of opportunities.
Channel Marketing Group and ElectricalTrends are sponsoring a multi-industry survey being conducted by FlowRMS to gain greater insights into manufacturer, distributor, and rep interest, and utilization, of AI. According to Curtis Seare, CEO of Flow RMS, 2025 will be the Year of AI.
Curtis shares his thoughts and how you can participate in the survey. (Aside from getting an advance copy of the report, if there are enough responses from the electrical industry, Curtis and I will commit to a webinar for survey respondents.)
2025: The Year of AI for Reps, Distributors, and Manufacturers
In the electrical industry, 2025 will mark the defining moment when artificial intelligence (AI) stops being optional and becomes a defining force for reps, distributors, and manufacturers.
As CEO of Flow RMS, I’ve watched AI evolve rapidly, moving from a curious experiment to a core business asset. Those who ignore it risk falling behind. To help guide you, we’re launching the 2025 Manufacturing Industry Survey on AI in association with electricaltrends.com. By participating, you’ll gain early access to a practical report designed to position you for an AI-driven future.
Why 2025 Matters
If you’ve wondered when AI will truly start affecting your daily operations, that time has arrived. In 2025, it won’t just influence your work—it will shape the difference between thriving and struggling. AI tools, once costly and complex, are now more accessible, integrated, and user-friendly. They’re already transforming data entry, quoting, marketing, order tracking, and more. The opportunity isn’t subtle—it’s a large-scale shift in how our industry functions.
For reps, embracing AI is urgent. Reps are the nexus of supply chains, customer relationships, and market intelligence. With the right AI tools, you can cut costly and unproductive busywork, reconcile commissions seamlessly, and glean insights into customer behaviors that were previously hidden. This isn’t just about keeping pace—it’s about setting yourself apart in a market where speed, accuracy, and foresight are everything.
About the Survey
The 2025 Manufacturing Industry Survey on AI targets everyone in the electrical ecosystem, from reps to distributors to manufacturers. Flow RMS has spent years testing AI, tracking trends, and helping clients harness emerging technologies. Now we want to share those insights and foster a broader industry conversation. By participating, you’ll help shape a resource that offers real-world guidance for everyone.
What the Survey Explores
Our survey goes deep into current AI adoption. How often are you using AI tools—daily, occasionally, or never? Which areas benefit most—CRM optimization, competitor research, content creation, digital marketing, video strategies, quoting, or analytics? By pinpointing where AI delivers tangible value, we can suggest where to invest time and resources.
We’ll also tackle the roadblocks. Is cost an issue? Are you concerned about security, technical expertise, or internal resistance? Understanding these barriers helps us create practical frameworks to overcome them.
The survey also looks ahead, asking how you expect AI to shape the industry over the next three to five years. Will it simply boost efficiency, or will it redefine entire business models? Your answers will help us chart a roadmap so you can move proactively, not reactively.
Early Access to the Final Report
After we gather and analyze the data, we’ll deliver a report that’s more than just numbers. Participants get early access to expert insights, case studies, and actionable recommendations. We’ll highlight success stories, show how to break through adoption barriers, and offer concrete steps for newcomers. For reps especially, the report will reveal which AI strategies peers find most effective and how they’ve integrated them to achieve measurable results.
How This Knowledge Shapes Strategy
The report’s insights will guide your strategy. Instead of guessing where to invest in AI, you’ll know where it’s making a proven impact. You’ll see which barriers are worth tackling first—whether it’s training teams, reinforcing data security, or choosing the right platforms. Armed with these benchmarks and best practices, you can move forward confidently as the AI era unfolds.
Don’t Get Left Behind—Take the 5-minute Survey
As 2025 approaches, the industry will undergo dramatic changes. Reps who understand, implement, and optimize AI will lead, while others struggle to catch up.
Don’t wait for the future to leave you behind. Taking the survey (maybe the best 5 minutes you’ll spend today) secures your early access to the 2025 Report, ensuring you stay ahead of the curve. Your participation not only enriches the final resource—it gives you a critical edge.
Conclusion
The future is already here. By 2025, AI will sit at the heart of every successful rep’s strategy. At Flow RMS, we’re committed to helping you navigate this transition. Take the survey, gain insights, and put yourself at the forefront of an industry reinventing itself through AI. The year of AI for reps is upon us—don’t miss the chance to lead.
And if you are interested in step-by-step approach to exploring AI within your organization, give us a call.
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