Best starting point: choose one repetitive, information-heavy workflow with a measurable construction outcome and clear human ownership. Prove it before expanding authority.

Where AI is strongest

Plan/spec information support

Extract and compare requirements for qualified human review.

RFI preparation

Organize conflicting information and draft questions without making engineering decisions.

Customer and GC follow-up

Maintain relationship context, commitments and next actions.

Closeout preparation

Organize O&M, warranty, training and documentation checklists.

Where humans should remain authoritative

  • Electrical design authority
  • Code interpretation as final authority
  • Energization/safety decisions
  • Unapproved change commitments

Recommended first implementation course

Map one workflow

Document the current input, handoffs, decisions, delays, errors and desired outcome.

Use AI as assistance first

Start with research, extraction, drafting or summarization before autonomous external action.

Measure the baseline

Track time, delay, rework, missed follow-up, throughput or another business metric before and after the pilot.

Add authority only after evidence

Expand automation after the workflow consistently meets acceptance criteria and the governance layer defines permissions, approvals, receipts and recovery.

How Catha approaches it

Catha separates the AI model from the business governance layer. The model can be changed as capabilities and economics evolve; the company’s authority rules should remain stable and traceable.