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JOB REPORT / 41-4011 · 46 TASKS

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products.

Can AI do the work of Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products?

Mostly it works alongside you. Here is what shifts, task by task.

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How many tasks do you use AI to assist with at work?

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The mark shows what’s typical for this job.

The parts of your job AI can already do most of:

  • Prepare proposals, quotes, contracts, or presentations for potential solar…
  • Calculate potential solar resources or solar array production…
  • Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications

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A guided certificate program in AI-assisted Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products work. It covers the 45 AI-affected parts of your job and ends in a capstone a person reviews.

WHAT WE LOOKED AT

Your job, task by task.

45 of 46 tasks reviewed

This job has 46 core tasks. We went through 45 of them, one at a time.

Task by task, from the work Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products actually do. How we describe AI use in each task is our own read of it, not a measurement of whether AI can replace the job.

  1. TASK 01

    Prepare proposals, quotes, contracts, or presentations for potential solar customers.

    AI DOES

    Drafts proposal text, fills in quote templates, and builds presentation slides from customer data

    YOU DO

    Verify site details, build trust with the customer, and negotiate the final deal

  2. TASK 02

    Calculate potential solar resources or solar array production for a particular site considering issues such as climate, shading, and roof orientation.

    AI DOES

    Runs solar production models using location, weather, and roof data to estimate energy output

    YOU DO

    Verify real site conditions and explain results in a way customers trust

  3. TASK 03

    Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.

    AI DOES

    Pulls pricing data, calculates discounts, and drafts formatted quotes fast

    YOU DO

    Judge when to bend on credit terms or pricing to win the deal

  4. TASK 04

    Select solar energy products, systems, or services for customers based on electrical energy requirements, site conditions, price, or other factors.

    AI DOES

    Compares product specs, runs energy calculations, and filters options by price and site data

    YOU DO

    Visit the site, read the customer's needs, and build trust to finalize the right choice

  5. TASK 05

    Provide customers with information, such as quotes, orders, sales, shipping, warranties, credit, funding options, incentives, or tax rebates.

    AI DOES

    Generates quotes, looks up local incentives, summarizes funding options, and drafts customer-facing info sheets

    YOU DO

    Read the customer's hesitation, build trust, and tailor the pitch to their specific home and goals

  6. TASK 06

    Generate solar energy customer leads to develop new accounts.

    AI DOES

    Finds and ranks potential customers from public data, drafts personalized outreach emails, and spots neighborhoods with high solar potential

    YOU DO

    Build real relationships and read the human signals that turn a lead into a sale

  7. TASK 07

    Prepare and submit sales contracts for orders.

    AI DOES

    Drafts contract language, fills in order details, checks for missing fields, and flags unusual terms

    YOU DO

    Verify technical product specs and confirm the deal terms match what the customer actually agreed to

  8. TASK 08

    Prepare or review detailed design drawings, specifications, or lists related to solar installations.

    AI DOES

    Generates draft spec sheets, flags common errors, and formats design documents

    YOU DO

    Verify site-specific details and confirm local permit requirements

  9. TASK 09

    Complete expense reports, sales reports, or other paperwork.

    AI DOES

    Auto-fills expense fields, summarizes sales data, and drafts report text from raw inputs

    YOU DO

    Verify accuracy, add deal-specific context, and approve final numbers

  10. TASK 10

    Verify that delivery schedules meet project deadlines.

    AI DOES

    Compares delivery dates against project deadlines and flags mismatches automatically

    YOU DO

    Use your client knowledge to negotiate solutions and decide how to communicate problems

  11. TASK 11

    Inform customers of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts, warranties, or other information pertaining to purchased products.

    AI DOES

    Drafts emails, pulls order data, and generates delivery estimates or warranty summaries automatically

    YOU DO

    Read the customer's mood and tailor the message to keep the relationship strong

  12. TASK 12

    Develop marketing or strategic plans for sales territories.

    AI DOES

    Drafts territory plans, suggests target areas, and pulls market data

    YOU DO

    Apply local knowledge and customer relationships to make the plan real

  13. TASK 13

    Verify accuracy of materials lists.

    AI DOES

    Scans materials lists, compares part numbers, flags errors and missing items automatically

    YOU DO

    Confirm technical fit and customer-specific requirements that only field experience reveals

  14. TASK 14

    Verify customer credit ratings.

    AI DOES

    Pulls credit scores, flags risk levels, and summarizes payment history

    YOU DO

    Weigh relationship history and business judgment before approving credit terms

  15. TASK 15

    Emphasize product features, based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.

    AI DOES

    Suggests which features to highlight based on customer data and product specs

    YOU DO

    Read the room and build genuine trust with each unique customer

  16. TASK 16

    Attend sales or trade meetings or read related publications to obtain information about market conditions, business trends, environmental regulations, or industry developments.

    AI DOES

    Scans industry news, summarizes market trends, and flags regulatory changes fast

    YOU DO

    Show up to meetings, read the room, and build trust with real people

  17. TASK 17

    Present information to customers about the energy efficiency or environmental impact of scientific or technical products.

    AI DOES

    Drafts energy and environmental summaries, pulls spec data, and suggests talking points for specific products

    YOU DO

    Read each customer's priorities and build the personal trust that closes a technical sale

  18. TASK 18

    Inform customers about issues related to responsible use and disposal of products, such as waste reduction or product or byproduct recycling or disposal.

    AI DOES

    Drafts talking points, pulls up local disposal rules, and summarizes regulatory requirements fast

    YOU DO

    Read the customer's concern and adjust your message to fit their specific situation

  19. TASK 19

    Take quote requests or orders from dealers or customers.

    AI DOES

    Collects quote details, fills order forms, and generates standard pricing responses automatically

    YOU DO

    Confirm site-specific factors and build trust with customers on big purchases

  20. TASK 20

    Create customized energy management packages to satisfy customer needs.

    AI DOES

    Generates draft energy package options, calculates savings estimates, and compares financing plans based on customer data

    YOU DO

    Listen to the customer, judge their real needs, and build the relationship that turns a proposal into a sale

  21. TASK 21

    Identify prospective customers, using business directories, leads from existing clients, participation in organizations, or trade show or conference attendance.

    AI DOES

    Searches business directories, scores lead lists, and flags high-potential prospects from data

    YOU DO

    Use your personal network and read the room at events to find the right fit

  22. TASK 22

    Initiate sales campaigns to meet sales and production expectations.

    AI DOES

    Drafts campaign emails, suggests target lists, and summarizes past campaign performance

    YOU DO

    Judge which customers are ready to buy and adjust the pitch based on real conversations

  23. TASK 23

    Provide feedback to product design teams so that products can be tailored to clients' needs.

    AI DOES

    Summarizes client feedback trends, spots patterns across accounts, and drafts structured reports for design teams

    YOU DO

    Bring deep client relationship knowledge and judge which feedback signals matter most

  24. TASK 24

    Gather information from prospective customers to identify their solar energy needs.

    AI DOES

    Generates discovery question scripts, summarizes customer responses, and flags key needs from notes

    YOU DO

    Listen actively, build rapport, and read unspoken hesitation during real conversations

  25. TASK 25

    Collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.

    AI DOES

    Drafts strategy summaries, pulls market data, and suggests talking points for team discussions

    YOU DO

    Build trust with teammates and read the room during real conversations

  26. TASK 26

    Provide customers with ongoing technical support.

    AI DOES

    Drafts answers to common technical questions, pulls specs, and suggests troubleshooting steps

    YOU DO

    Read the customer's situation, apply product know-how, and build the trust that keeps them coming back

  27. TASK 27

    Advise customers on product usage to improve production.

    AI DOES

    Drafts product recommendations, summarizes specs, and suggests usage tips based on customer data

    YOU DO

    Read the customer's real situation, build trust, and tailor advice to their specific floor or process

  28. TASK 28

    Sell technical and scientific products that are environmentally sound or designed for environmental remediation.

    AI DOES

    Drafts product summaries, researches prospects, and suggests talking points about environmental benefits

    YOU DO

    Build trust with clients and read the room during live sales conversations

  29. TASK 29

    Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.

    AI DOES

    Drafts negotiation scripts, runs pricing models, and flags deal risks

    YOU DO

    Read the room and build trust in the moment

  30. TASK 30

    Sell service contracts for technical or scientific products.

    AI DOES

    Drafts contract proposals, pulls pricing data, and researches customer needs

    YOU DO

    Build trust, read the room, and close deals with real people

  31. TASK 31

    Consult with engineers regarding technical problems with products.

    AI DOES

    Pulls up technical specs, past problem logs, and suggests likely fixes before the meeting

    YOU DO

    Build trust with engineers and read what they really need in the room

  32. TASK 32

    Assess sites to determine suitability for solar equipment, using equipment such as tape measures, compasses, and computer software.

    AI DOES

    Analyzes satellite imagery, shading data, and roof angles to give a head start on site suitability

    YOU DO

    Show up on-site to measure, inspect, and judge what no camera or software can see

  33. TASK 33SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Prepare sales presentations or proposals to explain product specifications or applications.

    AI DOES

    Generates slides and formats product specs

    YOU DO

    Tailor the story to each client

    About this analysis

    45% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  34. TASK 34SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Contact new or existing customers to discuss how specific products or services can meet their needs.

    AI DOES

    Drafts personalized outreach and product recommendations

    YOU DO

    Build rapport and close the deal

    About this analysis

    44% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  35. TASK 35

    Demonstrate the operation or use of technical or scientific products.

    AI DOES

    Generates demo scripts, talking points, and explainer visuals to support the rep

    YOU DO

    Show up in person, operate the product, and answer questions on the spot

  36. TASK 36

    Arrange for installation and testing of products or machinery.

    AI DOES

    Drafts scheduling emails, tracks open tasks, and suggests logistics plans

    YOU DO

    Build trust with customers and make real-time decisions when installs hit snags

  37. TASK 37

    Demonstrate use of solar and related equipment to customers or dealers.

    AI DOES

    Prepares talking points, visuals, and answers common questions in advance

    YOU DO

    Show up in person and let customers touch and see the real equipment

  38. TASK 38SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Provide technical information about solar power, solar systems, equipment, and services to potential customers or dealers.

    AI DOES

    Generates product specs and system comparisons instantly

    YOU DO

    Read customer needs and build trust

    About this analysis

    32% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  39. TASK 39SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Compute customer's installation or production costs and estimate savings from new services, products, or equipment.

    AI DOES

    Calculates costs and savings from standard data inputs

    YOU DO

    Verify assumptions and explain trade-offs

    About this analysis

    29% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  40. TASK 40SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Maintain customer records, using automated systems.

    AI DOES

    Updates records and flags data inconsistencies

    YOU DO

    Decide what changes matter most

    About this analysis

    27% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  41. TASK 41SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.

    AI DOES

    Pulls product details and suggests responses

    YOU DO

    Judge the customer's real need

    About this analysis

    22% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  42. TASK 42SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Visit establishments, such as pharmacies, to determine product sales.

    AI DOES

    Analyzes sales data and tracks product movements

    YOU DO

    Build relationships and spot what numbers miss

    About this analysis

    21% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  43. TASK 43

    Stock or distribute resources, such as samples or promotional or educational materials.

    AI DOES

    Tracks inventory and suggests reorder levels or distribution routes

    YOU DO

    Physically handle, pack, and deliver materials to customers or events

  44. TASK 44SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Study documentation or other information for new scientific or technical products.

    AI DOES

    Summarizes complex docs and highlights key points

    YOU DO

    Judge what's truly important for your work

    About this analysis

    10% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

  45. TASK 45SOURCE-BACKED TASK

    Select or assist customers in selecting products based on customer needs, product specifications, and applicable regulations.

    AI DOES

    Suggests products matching customer requirements and regulations

    YOU DO

    Read customer needs and build trust

    About this analysis

    0% · Methodology: exposure-v1 · Analysis date: unavailable · Confidence: medium

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Data sources and attribution

This page includes information from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. rtwoai has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Wage and employment figures are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (2025). Job outlook is from the BLS Employment Projections program, 2024–34. BLS data are in the public domain. BLS has not reviewed or endorsed this page.

Task collaboration data is from the Anthropic Economic Index, release 2025-03-27, used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Anthropic has not reviewed or endorsed this page.

How we describe AI use in each task is our own characterization, not a measurement of whether AI can replace this job. Microsoft note that their metrics "should not be misconstrued or misrepresented as measuring the ability of AI to replace jobs," and that there is more to an occupation than the sum of its tasks.

Can AI do the work of Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products? — rtwoai