Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping

Weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment for the purpose of keeping relevant records. Duties are primarily clerical by nature. Includes workers who collect and keep record of samples of products or materials.

The occupation "Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping" faces a significant automation risk of 71.4%, closely aligning with the base risk estimate of 72.2%. This elevated risk stems primarily from the repetitive, rules-based nature of many core tasks in this role, which are highly amenable to automation by modern technologies. For instance, the top three most automatable tasks identified are: unloading or unpacking incoming shipments, documenting material quantities and attributes to maintain records, and weighing or measuring products using standard tools. These activities involve straightforward physical actions or data entry, both of which can be handled efficiently by automated systems, such as conveyor belts, vision inspection software, and integrated digital recordkeeping solutions. Despite the overall high automation potential, several tasks within this role remain more resistant to technological takeover due to their reliance on human judgment, adaptability, or physical dexterity. Key resistant tasks include transporting materials or samples—especially where routes or environments are unpredictable—sorting products into specific groupings where nuanced decision-making may be required, and operating scalehouse computers potentially in contexts that demand oversight, troubleshooting, or real-time adjustments. These tasks currently benefit from the human ability to adapt to irregularities, handle unexpected variables, and make situationally appropriate decisions, making them less susceptible to full automation in the immediate future. One of the critical bottlenecks preventing complete automation of this occupation is the skill of originality, which is measured at notably low levels (2.3% and 2.1%). Originality involves the ability to come up with new ideas or solutions and to cope with novel or unique situations—skills that current automation technologies struggle to replicate. While most tasks in this occupation are routine, the minority that require some degree of problem-solving or adaptability anchor the remaining human element in the job. As automation technologies advance, work processes requiring even minimal originality will serve as a barrier against total automation, preserving a subset of responsibilities for human workers in this field.