Will AI replace File Clerks?

AI can do 83% of the work File Clerks do at least twice as fast. People already use it for 2 of their 19 tasks, while 11 more are ready but barely used so far. Robots can technically handle 5 physical tasks. 1 still needs a person.

AI is already doing this2 · 21% of time

People already use AI for these tasks in real work, based on Anthropic's analysis of how Claude is used.

  • Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.Mostly automated16% of time
  • Answer questions about records or files.Mostly automated6% of time

AI could do this next11 · 61% of time

AI can speed these up by at least half, but real use has not caught up yet. These are next in line.

  • Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.13% of time
  • Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.11% of time
  • Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.10% of time
  • Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.7% of time
  • Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.7% of time
  • Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.4% of time
  • Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.4% of time
  • Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.1% of time
  • Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.1% of time
  • Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.1% of time
  • Design forms related to filing systems.under 1% of time

Robots can technically do this5 · 16% of time

Physical tasks that today's robots can perform in at least some settings. Robots are cost competitive for very few tasks so far, so this change moves slower.

  • Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.Robots: purpose built settings6% of time
  • Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.Robots: purpose built settings4% of time
  • Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.Robots: purpose built settings3% of time
  • Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time
  • Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.Robots: purpose built settings1% of time

Still needs a person1 · 1% of time

No real AI use, no proven AI speedup and no robot that can do it yet. This is the part of the job to build on.

  • Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.1% of time

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What this means

AI can already do almost all of this work at least twice as fast. Real use is still behind at 21 out of 100, so the change here is only getting started. Expect the role to shift toward deciding what to do, checking AI's work and owning the result.

What to do next

  • Do the 2 tasks AI is already handling with AI yourself. Your peers already are, and it is quickly becoming the baseline.
  • Get ahead on the 11 tasks AI could do next. These move as tools improve, so learning them early pays off.
  • Keep an eye on the 5 physical tasks robots can technically do. Cost keeps most robots out of work today, so this shift is slower.
  • Build on the 1 task that stay human. This is where your judgment, skill and relationships matter most.
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping83%Brokerage Clerks87%Court, Municipal, and License Clerks88%Order Clerks78%Receptionists and Information Clerks75%Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks92%

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