In this Hot Topic Ella talks about AI, the way we’re bringing it into MARKUS and how things might develop in the future…
AI is easily one of the biggest topics right now, changing everything from how we chat to how we work.
At EPIX, we’ve always been careful about how we bring new tech into the mix. Our aim is simple: before anything is added to MARKUS, we consider the level of benefit it will bring to our users. We’ve been keeping a close eye on the AI world, and we’re now actively looking at how to build these smart capabilities into the system.
The first step on this journey is AI parsing for invoices. This is just the start – we’re exploring plenty of other ways AI can improve job management for the future.
What is artificial intelligence (AI)?
AI is a field of computer science that builds machines capable of learning and reasoning like humans. Instead of following strict, pre-written rules for every task, these systems analyse data to spot patterns and make their own decisions. Essentially, they get better at solving problems on their own just by processing information.
How are businesses in the UK utilising AI?
AI is already becoming part of everyday working life, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.
Across the UK, around 1 in 7 businesses are now using some form of AI technology, which is a noticeable increase from 2024. For larger organisations with 250 or more employees, the adoption of AI has increased around 30%, showing that the use of AI is growing quickly as tools become easier to implement. Furthermore businesses that use AI report a higher turnover per employee compared to those that don’t.
The most common areas where AI is being used include:
- Automation
- Data and insights
- Customer support
- Process improvement
The Positive Potential of AI in the Workplace
AI offers a range of benefits for organisations that rely on coordination, communication, and complex job management.
AI significantly boosts efficiency by automating repetitive tasks like scheduling and data entry, allowing your team to focus on high-priority work while reducing human error. Beyond simple automation, it serves as a powerful decision-support tool, analysing vast datasets to predict trends and guide confident planning. This benefits customers through faster, more accurate updates and allows businesses to scale seamlessly without immediate hiring. Finally, AI even promotes sustainability by optimising logistics to save both fuel and time.
The results are already showing up in the numbers, with some companies seeing operating costs drop by up to 20%. When used the right way, AI adds real value to the business and makes the day-to-day much simpler.
The Responsible Side of AI
While the upside of AI is clear, there are some important things to think about before diving in. AI is only as good as the information you give it, so if data is messy or incomplete, the results won’t be reliable. For a lot of companies, cleaning up their data processes is the first real step.
Implementing AI presents several hurdles, starting with a significant learning curve and the need for specialised expertise. Success requires both technical training and a culture of accountability to ensure teams use these tools effectively. Ethics and transparency are equally critical; because AI learns from historical data, it can inherit and amplify old biases, requiring constant monitoring to maintain fairness.
There are also environmental and financial considerations, as AI systems demand high energy and significant maintenance costs. A “start small” approach often helps manage these investments while proving the technology’s value. Ultimately, AI is most effective as a support system that simplifies operations and empowers people, rather than replacing them, ensuring the “human touch” remains the priority.
What could the future hold?
We are now bringing AI into the product, starting with AI invoice parsing to handle the tedious data entry for you. It is the first step in making job management faster and more sustainable without adding extra layers of complexity.
As we continue to explore AI, our goal will stay the same: technology should never replace the people who make your business great. Instead, it should be a super-powered tool that helps your team communicate better and deliver brilliant service every day.
Key sources
New AWS report shows at least one business adopts AI about every 60 seconds in the UK
AI Cost Reduction Through Business Process Automation in 2025
