Achieving Efficiencies Through AI

Jan 19, 2026

How the Metal Building Manufacturing Industry Stands to Gain

From estimating to manufacturing, artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to shape the future of the metal building industry. Vulcan Steel is ready to harness this new technology, using AI tools throughout the entire building process to gain efficiencies that benefit the company—and its customers.

Leveraging AI for analysis of drawings, specifications

Today, based on current workload and project complexity, it can take a sales representative or estimator several days to perform a project takeoff. At Vulcan Steel, we see AI being utilized to read project drawings.

This would allow us to more quickly gather information on things like building dimensions, bay spacing, wall opening requirements, building code and load requirements. While project specifications tend to be long and comprehensive, it is imperative that the information is gathered and special specifications are incorporated into the project quotation.
Vulcan anticipates using AI to read through project specifications, quickly identifying any diversions from Vulcan’s standard building specifications. These two potential applications of AI would ensure projects are quoted per requirements, thus improving the customer experience.

Deploying AI for fast, accurate quoting

Following the completion of project takeoff, AI could then input specifications into estimating software, expediting the creation of project quotes. AI could generate less-complex project estimates, giving Vulcan estimators more time to focus on projects with added complexity.

Enhancing designs for precision manufacturing

According to Metalcon, AI tools have already become popular among many metal building engineers.1 On the engineering and design side of the business, these tools provide the ability to evaluate design options, while accounting for project requirements. In the future, AI could even be used to develop the next generation of fabrication technology, leading to more efficient use of materials.

Over time, we anticipate that AI will be able to fully design and detail metal buildings, whether that comes in the form of new software or enhancements to current software. AI, however, continues to learn through trial and error, so we do believe it will take some time to develop anything comparable to the current capabilities of our human detailers.

AI tools for the office

Vulcan is already working to develop AI tools to help with material takeoffs on projects, providing the opportunity to better focus resources in the purchasing department. When implemented, AI will automate the analysis of purchase orders, allowing a purchasing officer to quickly summarize the best path forward in procuring project materials. AI-powered logistics could even help keep deliveries on time and customers informed and help to improve both scheduling and plant productivity.

Embracing the future—with our team by our side

While loss of jobs is a common concern with any technological advancement, we at Vulcan aren’t looking to replace employees, but rather to improve the allocation of time and resources. By assigning automatable tasks to AI, personnel can spend more time on critical job functions. We don’t seek to remove human interaction. Instead, AI will help us enhance and improve the time we spend with both new and existing customers.
Ultimately, AI is a new frontier for the metal building industry. We expect it to benefit manufacturers, builders, and erectors. With new added efficiencies, there is no limit in Vulcan Steel’s ability to develop new areas of expertise and ways to better serve our customers.

Are you ready to begin your next metal building project? Contact us today. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, you’ll be partnering with experts who can bring your vision to life!

 

1“AI in Construction: What’s Changed in Just One Year—and What’s Next.” Metalcon, July 29, 2025. https://metalcon.com/blog/ai-in-the-construction-industry-how-can-it-be-applied