Is it better to be a Jack of all Trades, or master of a few? (to misquote Shakespeare!) 

Steve, our founder, shares his thoughts…

‘Over the years, EPIX has changed its focus a number of times. In the 90s we were an ‘anything for a buck’ company – writing software for a number of markets but also repairing printers, supplying PCs, installing accounts systems, wiring offices, fixing computers, etc.

In 2000 we decided to focus all our efforts on designing and improving software for building maintenance companies – this was a market we had consistently supplied since 1991 and we could see the real need for our product. In 2003 we started selling mobile working solutions to this sector, alongside our desktop software.

In 2006 we broadened our offering to a few more industries and started showing at an annual Service Management Exhibition. At these exhibitions there were attendees from a wide range of industries, some of which were attractive to us, others not so much. Talking to the visitors it became clear that there were many different niches, and each one had its own specific set of requirements.

In 2012 we were approached by a company who maintained aircraft refuelling bowsers and who needed a job management system. This prompted us to consider whether we should offer our system (like some of our competitors do) as a solution to any large volume / low value job scenario?

We quickly realised that, in attempting to be a ‘jack of all trades’, we would not only be setting ourselves up to fail, but we would also fail to highlight the benefits of our system in the areas where we had genuine expertise.

Since that time, we’ve concentrated on the four markets that we really understand. This increases the likelihood of new installations succeeding, and means our customers get a system that really works for their business – it offers what they specifically need, and allows them to grow and thrive. We can share our knowledge of their industry and contribute our ideas to make their lives easier. It’s a win-win all round.’

‘EPIX understands our business needs and the system fits perfectly.’
Katie, MSB Property Services