Anyone here working with sheet metal fabrication services?

I keep hearing that sheet metal fabrication is becoming more tech-driven with automation, laser cutting, and all that. For those who actually work with fabrication shops—do you think outsourcing services is more cost-effective than doing it in-house?

Also curious if the demand is really going up because of industries like EVs, aerospace, and construction, or is it still kind of a traditional slow-moving market?

Would love to hear real experiences—like, has CNC + automation really cut costs and time, or is it mostly hype from service providers?