At the second education session of AHR Expo 2025 in Orlando, industry leaders gathered to discuss “How to Scale Your Talent with Tech.” The panel explored how technology can address the skilled labor shortage, boost efficiency, and drive innovation in the building automation and HVAC sectors.
The Talent Gap and the Role of Technology
The panelists unanimously agreed that the industry is facing a significant skilled labor shortage. Chip Dudley from Johnson Controls highlighted that the company currently has over 800 open requisitions for technical roles, from control technicians to chiller mechanics. This shortage is exacerbated by the retirement of experienced professionals, leaving a knowledge gap that’s hard to fill.
However, the panelists emphasized that technology can be a powerful tool to address this challenge. Lenny, an entrepreneur with a background in mechanical engineering and controls, pointed out that the industry is undergoing a shift similar to the advent of computers in the 1990s. Today, AI and cloud-based tools are transforming how businesses operate, offering opportunities to make existing teams more efficient and attract younger, tech-savvy talent.
“We’re no longer just an HVAC company—we’re a technology company. Changing how we market ourselves is essential to attracting the next generation of talent.”
Chip Dudley, BAS Chanel Account Manager, BAS and Controls, Global Products, Johnson Controls
The Importance of Modern Tools
One of the recurring themes was the need to modernize tools and processes. Lenny noted that many companies still rely on outdated tools like Excel spreadsheets, which are ill-suited for the expectations of younger workers who grew up with smartphones and apps. He shared an example of a company that revamped its user interface to resemble the tile-based design of mobile apps, making it more intuitive for the next generation of workers.
“The biggest hindrance to progress in our industry is the status quo. There’s a cost to doing nothing, and understanding that cost is the first step toward meaningful change.”
David Sciarrino, Director of Healthcare Solutions, InSite
AI: Augmenting, Not Replacing, Human Talent
The panelists were quick to dispel the myth that AI will replace human workers. Instead, they emphasized that AI is a tool to augment human capabilities, making workers more efficient and productive. Chip Dudley shared how Johnson Controls is integrating AI into its building automation systems, enabling technicians to troubleshoot issues faster and more accurately.
Lenny added that AI can help streamline repetitive tasks, such as sorting through emails or analyzing large datasets, freeing up employees to focus on higher-value work. However, he cautioned against over-reliance on AI, noting that human expertise and decision-making remain irreplaceable in fields like building automation and HVAC.
“AI is not going to replace human beings—it’s going to make them more efficient. The key is to adopt tools that match the expectations of the next generation while preserving the efficiencies of the past.”
Lenny Joseph, Chief Strategy & Commercialization Officer, Bidtracer
Practical Applications of Technology
The panelists shared several examples of how technology is being used to improve efficiency and scalability:
- Remote Commissioning: Chip Dudley discussed how Johnson Controls uses cellular-connected networks to allow technicians to commission building systems remotely during construction. This eliminates the need for physical access to every device, saving time and resources.
- Connected Workflow Dashboards: Instead of relying on paper checklists, technicians can now use mobile apps to record commissioning data, which is automatically uploaded to a cloud-based dashboard. This not only speeds up the process but also provides stakeholders with real-time progress updates.
- Fault Detection and Diagnostics: AI-powered fault detection tools can identify issues in building systems and provide technicians with actionable insights, reducing the time spent on troubleshooting.
Overcoming Resistance to Change
A major barrier to adopting new technology is resistance to change. David Sharino emphasized the importance of understanding the cost of not adopting new tools. He shared an example of a client whose technicians reported being only 20% efficient, spending 80% of their time figuring out what to do. By investing in the right tools and training, businesses can unlock significant productivity gains.
Lenny added that companies need to think long-term when evaluating technology investments. While the upfront cost may seem high, the long-term benefits—such as increased efficiency, improved employee satisfaction, and better scalability—often outweigh the initial expense.
Attracting the Next Generation of Talent
The panelists agreed that the industry needs to rebrand itself to attract younger workers. Chip Dudley noted that Johnson Controls now markets itself as a technology company rather than an HVAC manufacturer. This shift in perception, he argued, is crucial to appealing to Gen Z and Millennials who are drawn to innovative, tech-driven careers.
David Sharino emphasized the importance of meeting the expectations of younger workers, who are accustomed to using technology in every aspect of their lives. He urged businesses to provide modern tools and training to ensure that new hires feel empowered and engaged.
Final Thoughts
The panel concluded with a call to action for businesses to embrace technology as a way to scale their talent and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Whether it’s through AI-powered tools, mobile-friendly interfaces, or cloud-based platforms, the key is to invest in solutions that enhance efficiency, attract top talent, and future-proof your business.
As Kerri Sinclair aptly said, “The future of our industry lies in the intersection of technology and human expertise. By leveraging the right tools, we can not only bridge the talent gap but also unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Catch the full summary and other sessions from the AHR Expo on AutomatedBuildings.com. Stay tuned for more insights and updates from the industry’s leading experts!
Deepseek and Gemini and manual editing were used writing this article.
