AI Leadership: Native vs. Bolt‑On AI: Why workflow integration matters
Artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming ubiquitous in veterinary practice, but not all veterinary AI interacts with your practice management software in the same way.
Some tools are built directly into the practice management platform your team already uses (native tools). Other AI tools are separate products from outside sources that can be added to your software (bolt-on tools).
Understanding how AI affects your workflows can help you make better decisions about which tools to purchase and which to pass up.
Key takeaways
- Native AI is part of your practice management software, while “bolt-on” AI works separately and may have varying levels of data access.
- Bolt-on AI tools can introduce extra steps and errors that offset the benefits they promise.
- Choosing AI that’s built into your existing workflow can help your team spend less time managing technology and more time caring for patients.
Types of veterinary AI tools
A native AI tool is built directly into your practice management platform. Cloud-based providers can add these tools during product updates so they function seamlessly alongside all other practice information management software (PIMS) operations, without the need for an additional login, a separate window, or a learning curve.
A “bolt-on” or integrated veterinary AI tool is provided by a third-party vendor that allows the software to communicate with your PIMS and share some data. Depending on the level of integration, you might use these tools in separate windows and transfer data manually from one system to the next, or you might see automatic data transfer between tools that were designed to work together.
Each is used in similar ways and has its pros and cons, and what’s right for you may depend on what functions you need from your software. A built-in tool is often ideal, but only if it has the features you need. A bolt-on tool can solve workflow problems if it fills a gap in your current software.
Veterinary AI types and data quality
AI tools may produce better, more accurate outputs because they have access to a pet’s full medical record and understand where to look for the required data. A built-in tool has access to that organized, complete data, which helps provide equally complete and logical outputs.
A bolt-on tool, on the other hand, must work with whatever data fields it can access via integration. In most cases, a third-party product can’t see the full picture and can’t always send outputs to where they need to go. However, bolt-on tools can work well if they’re designed for a specific PIMS or when using a PIMS with an open application programming interface (API), which allows free communication between your PIMS and the bolt-on tool.
Workflow integration: Pros and cons
Bolt-on veterinary AI solutions can fill gaps in your practice technology, especially when your PIMS doesn’t offer a built-in tool for a specific need. Still, teams should understand the pros and cons before committing.
Pros:
- Special capabilities: Bolt-on tools usually do one thing and often do it well, giving your practice more options than what your PIMS alone can offer.
- Flexibility: Because bolt-on tools are separate from your PIMS, you can generally try, switch, or drop them without too much disruption.
- Availability: Developers of built-on tools tend to have a narrow focus and may bring new AI products to market faster than PIMS vendors.
Cons:
- Extra steps: An additional tool may require a separate interface, increasing your team’s cognitive load.
- Connection issues: Some third-party tools use unstable browser extensions or software connections, which can cause unexpected downtime or errors.
- Security risks: Any time your PIMS shares data with an external program, there is a risk that data may be lost, corrupted, or mishandled.
Native AI tools: Pros and cons
It may seem like native tools are the way to go, but there are pros and cons here, too.
Pros:
- Simplicity: Your team can use the veterinary AI tool within the existing system they already know.
- Accuracy: Native AI tools can draw on complete clinical data and may produce more accurate and relevant outputs.
- Support: AI tools built into a cloud-based software platform are updated alongside the main platform, so bug fixes, upgrades, and access to support are included.
Cons:
- Vendor limitations: If your PIMS vendor hasn’t developed a certain AI tool, you may be temporarily stuck without a good solution to a workflow problem.
- Switching costs: If a native AI tool doesn’t meet your expectations, your main options are to switch platforms entirely or adopt a third-party program.
Frequently asked questions about veterinary AI workflow integrations
What is native AI in veterinary software?
Native AI is artificial intelligence that a software vendor builds directly into its practice management platform or veterinary PIMS. Teams access native AI like any other PIMS feature with no separate login or application screen required.
How can I tell whether an AI tool is native or bolt-on?
Some third-party tools integrate so well with certain PIMS that they can be hard to distinguish from native tools. If you’re unsure, ask your vendor for a walk-through.
Do bolt-on AI tools create security or compliance risks?
Any third-party tool that can read from or write to your PIMS is a potential security risk. Before signing up for an AI tool, you should learn how your data will be handled and stored. The vendor’s data policies should be easily accessible and prioritize the privacy of patients, clients, and practices. Using native tools that follow your PIMS data policies can reduce these risks.
Smarter AI leadership and development
AI tools, whether native or bolt-on, such as medical record summarization and scribing features, can significantly impact practice workflows. The right AI tools are those that solve workflow problems in your clinic without adding extra steps.
IDEXX Veterinary Software products use a combination of thoughtfully designed native AI and smoothly integrated third-party programs chosen for their versatility and usability. Schedule a demo to learn more about our software options and how the right AI tools can support your team.
