VMX 2026 Takeaways: The Shift from "More Tools" to "Less Friction"

If VMX 2026 made one thing crystal clear, it’s this: Veterinary teams aren’t asking for more tools. They are asking for less friction.

For years, the industry has been flooded with disjointed apps and software add-ons. But on the conference floor this year, the conversation shifted. The demand is no longer for the "next big feature"—it is for a unified, seamless experience that gives time back to the clinical team.

Here are the three dominant trends we saw at VMX 2026 and what they mean for the future of veterinary practice management.

1. AI Automation is No Longer "Nice to Have"

Artificial Intelligence in veterinary medicine has moved past the hype phase. It is now a necessity. However, clinics aren't looking for complex tech that requires weeks of training. They want invisible AI that removes repetitive work without adding complexity.

The goal is automation with accuracy—tools that handle the background noise so the vet can focus on the patient.

2. Cloud-Based Efficiency is the Baseline

The days of server-tied, on-premise software are ending. Modern veterinary teams expect fast, reliable workflows that work anywhere and scale effortlessly across multiple locations.

Whether a vet is checking a chart from home or a specialist is consulting from a different clinic, cloud-based PIMS (Practice Information Management Systems) are now the standard for operational continuity.

 

3. Combating Veterinary Burnout is Driving Decisions

Perhaps the most critical trend is the link between technology and mental health. "Click fatigue" is real. The biggest takeaway from VMX was that technology buying decisions are now centered on reducing burnout.

If a piece of software creates more clicks, it’s a problem. If it gives time back to the team, it’s a solution.

 

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Where is the Time Going? (The Hidden Efficiency Killers)

 

We spoke to hundreds of professionals who are actively looking to consolidate their systems. They told us exactly where their time is being drained—into tasks that are clinically necessary but administratively exhausting:

• Reviewing referral letters: Scanning pages of external notes to find the relevant data.

• Summarizing medical histories: Spending 10–15 minutes before an appointment just to understand the case context.

• Safety checks: Manually double-checking drug-drug interactions and dosages.

• Workflow management: Managing disparate admin tasks that steal minutes from every patient visit.

These minutes add up to hours every week. These are exactly the hours teams need back to focus on what matters most: patient care.

 

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The Solution: A Paradigm Shift with Sage AI

 

At Bittsi, we listened. We understand that the answer isn't just "software"—it's intelligent assistance.

This is why we built Sage AI, an embedded clinical assistant designed to solve these exact friction points. Sage AI represents a paradigm shift in how PIMS support veterinarians. instead of just storing data, Sage AI actively processes it to:

• Instantly summarize long patient histories and referral letters.

• Automate safety checks for medication interactions.

• Reduce administrative drag to minimize screen time.

We are moving toward a future where the PIMS works for the vet, not the other way around.

 

Ready to reduce friction in your practice?

See how Bittsi and Sage AI can give your team their time back. www.bittsi.com