Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks

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: 5 (29%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 11 (65%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 1 (6%)

• Distribute production schedules or work orders to departments.AI can speed this up on its own · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Review documents, such as production schedules, work orders, or staffing tables, to determine personnel or materials requirements or material priorities.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• Calculate figures, such as required amounts of labor or materials, manufacturing costs, or wages, using pricing schedules, adding machines, calculators, or computers.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Maintain files, such as maintenance records, bills of lading, or cost reports.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Provide documentation and information to account for delays, difficulties, or changes to cost estimates.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
• Revise production schedules when required due to design changes, labor or material shortages, backlogs, or other interruptions, collaborating with management, marketing, sales, production, or engineering.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Arrange for delivery, assembly, or distribution of supplies or parts to expedite flow of materials and meet production schedules.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Confer with establishment personnel, vendors, or customers to coordinate production or shipping activities and to resolve complaints or eliminate delays.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Requisition and maintain inventories of materials or supplies necessary to meet production demands.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Plan production commitments or timetables for business units, specific programs, or jobs, using sales forecasts.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Compile information, such as production rates and progress, materials inventories, materials used, or customer information, so that status reports can be completed.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Examine documents, materials, or products and monitor work processes to assess completeness, accuracy, and conformance to standards and specifications.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Compile and prepare documentation related to production sequences, transportation, personnel schedules, or purchase, maintenance, or repair orders.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Contact suppliers to verify shipment details.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Record production data, including volume produced, consumption of raw materials, or quality control measures.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Establish and prepare product construction directions and locations and information on required tools, materials, equipment, numbers of workers needed, and cost projections.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Confer with department supervisors or other personnel to assess progress and discuss needed changes.Little or no AI speed-up · core task · Seen in real AI use