How Does scDataCom Use AI as a Force Multiplier Across Engineering and Operations?
We’ve long bragged that scDataCom is a product of our team’s collective genius. A phrase we use humbly, of course. We’re the most humble.
Jokes aside, we do truly believe we have an exceptional group of humans on our team. And when we harness the unique strengths of each person the whole becomes stronger than the sum of its parts.
None of us are as smart as all of us and that “teamwork makes the dreamwork” ethos has carried us far. But as we’ve grown, so has the mountain of technical and administrative tasks vying for our attention and we knew we needed to evolve.
Enter artificial intelligence.
We’ve started leaning on AI in practical, everyday ways like helping us write cleaner emails, speeding through repetitive tasks and occasionally reminding us how to spell “definitely.” (Which we definitely, definitely know how to spell now.)
To show what this looks like in real life, we asked three of our early AI adopters, Jake, Seraj and Mac, to share how they’re using these tools as force multipliers in their work.
Their insights offer a look into a future where technical work is faster, sharper, and just a bit more delightful… assuming the robots remain on our side.
Feature: Jake Spaiches — Pre-Sales Engineer
Jake works on the Pre-Sales Engineering team, designing integrated systems and supporting the technical sales process.
1. What’s one way you’re using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Notion AI, etc.) to support your pre-sales engineering work?
I use ChatGPT when trying to find compatible part numbers for systems I am not very familiar with. I also like it for power equations to find the correct battery backs up based on specifications or customer requirements. One of the biggest ways I use it is for Excel formatting and extracting data.
2. Can you give an example of a task AI helps you complete faster or more accurately?
The power supply equations definitely speed up my process out of the rest. It shows the steps and calculations it took to get the answer, so you can understand why it came up with that part number.
3. How do you balance AI-generated content or code with your own technical judgment?
I always double check part numbers and spec sheets to see compatibility. It gives examples of part numbers related to your question a lot faster than google.
4. Any specific tools, prompts or workflows you’ve developed that others might find helpful?
I only use ChatGPT like google but instead of articles I'm getting answers to a question. I also use Bluebeam, which is a PDF editor like Adobe, but they use a pixel search function that speeds up takeoffs. I wouldn’t consider it true AI, but it does point out locations based off of your defined search.
5. What advice would you give to other technical salespeople thinking about experimenting with AI?
Ask ChatGPT a question and expand on it as a conversation. You would be impressed by what information you could pull from it. It saves you a lot of time from surfing google for your answers.
Feature: Seraj Issa — Pre-Sales Engineer
Seraj works on the Pre-Sales Engineering team, designing integrated systems and supporting the technical sales process.
1. What’s one way you’re using AI tools in your day-to-day role as a pre-sales engineer?
I use AI every day to help me break down RFPs and scope documents into clear, actionable tasks. It’s like having a second brain that helps me translate complex technical and contractual language into practical next steps, especially when I’m building out system designs, labor estimates, and assumptions.
2. Can you share an example where AI helped you solve a problem faster or helped refine a solution for a customer?
One that stands out is a large camera system upgrade project where the specs were scattered across multiple documents. I used AI to cross-reference the equipment list, existing conditions, and scope requirements. It helped me quickly spot where new network switches were needed versus where we could use existing infrastructure. It probably saved me a day of back-and-forth digging through documents and helped us submit a much tighter proposal.
Another example is when I was designing a Lenel access control solution for the for a federal customer’s access control upgrade. I used AI to help verify system compatibility and recommend the correct mix of controllers (LNL-4420, 1320 and 1100), which helped finalize the BOM with confidence and accuracy. That saved a ton of time and reduced the risk of errors in the proposal stage.
3. Are there particular AI tools or integrations you rely on regularly?
I’ve been using ChatGPT extensively. Sometimes in real time while I’m on calls or reviewing scopes. It’s part of my toolkit for drafting technical narratives, RFI questions, project assumptions and email communications. I also use Google NotebookLM to extract and summarize key information from solicitation documents, which helps me get up to speed faster and focus on design decisions instead of just reading.
4. How do you ensure the results or content from AI tools still meet our quality standards?
I treat AI like a smart assistant. Not a final decision maker. I always review and validate the output against project specs, code requirements, and our internal best practices. If I’m generating technical content, I double-check part numbers, system compatibility and how it aligns with the customer’s needs before anything goes out the door.
Feature: Mac Smitherman — Operations Manager
Mac oversees day-to-day operations at scDataCom, from project logistics to technician support and resource planning.
1. In what ways are you using AI to improve efficiency in your role?
I use AI to help write clear instructions, summarize project updates and draft responses faster. It saves time and keeps communication sharp across the team.
2. Have you found AI useful for documentation, scheduling, troubleshooting, or technician communication?
Yes, all the above. It helps me organize notes, suggest schedules and draft quick, accurate messages for techs in the field.
3. Can you share a specific moment where AI helped you solve a problem more quickly than you otherwise could?
A tech ran into a system issue with little documentation. I used AI to pull together a step-by-step fix and got it over to him fast. Problem solved, no delay.
4. Are there any tools or tips you’ve shared with others on the team?
I’ve shown techs how to use AI to draft emails or reports and encouraged them to lean on it for admin tasks so they can focus on fieldwork.
5. What do you think is the biggest misconception about using AI in the operations world?
That it replaces people. It doesn’t, it helps us move faster, stay clear, and free up brainpower for more important decisions.
From Jake, Seraj, and Mac’s experiences, one thing is clear.
AI isn’t here to replace human talent. Period.
It’s here to enhance it by freeing up time, boosting accuracy and preserving our collective sanity. We use it as a force multiplier that enables a team of very smart people do more without burning themselves out.
We’d Love to Hear From You:
How are you integrating AI into your workflows?
Whether you’re in sales, operations or engineering, there’s real opportunity to innovate and to share what you’re learning along the way.
We’re all navigating this shift together and the more we exchange ideas, the more we all stand to gain.
Let us know how you're using AI to support the work that definitely matters.