First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 3 (15%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 10 (50%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 7 (35%)

• Keep records of employees' attendance and hours worked.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Interpret specifications, blueprints, job orders, and company policies and procedures for workers.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Calculate labor and equipment requirements and production specifications, using standard formulas.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Read and analyze charts, work orders, production schedules, and other records and reports to determine production requirements and to evaluate current production estimates and outputs.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and establish work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to meet production goals.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with other supervisors to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Evaluate employee performance.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Determine standards, budgets, production goals, and rates, based on company policies, equipment and labor availability, and workloads.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Recommend or implement measures to motivate employees and to improve production methods, equipment performance, product quality, or efficiency.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Maintain operations data, such as time, production, and cost records, and prepare management reports of production results.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Requisition materials, supplies, equipment parts, or repair services.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Recommend or execute personnel actions, such as hirings, evaluations, or promotions.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan and develop new products and production processes.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Enforce safety and sanitation regulations.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Inspect materials, products, or equipment to detect defects or malfunctions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Observe work and monitor gauges, dials, and other indicators to ensure that operators conform to production or processing standards.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct and coordinate the activities of employees engaged in the production or processing of goods, such as inspectors, machine setters, or fabricators.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Conduct employee training in equipment operations or work and safety procedures, or assign employee training to experienced workers.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Confer with management or subordinates to resolve worker problems, complaints, or grievances.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up and adjust machines and equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

Questions about first-line supervisors of production and operating workers and AI