Q: How long does it take to implement the AI model?
A: There is no lead time for the model itself because it is a subscription service. Value is typically seen in the first phase of implementation.
Q: What configuration is needed in Aico?
A: Agree on what data you will send and when AI instructions should run. This is a simple configuration in Aico.
Q: Which AI platform do you use today?
A: Azure OpenAI and Azure AI Document Intelligence.
Q: Does the AI platform store customer data?
A: No. The Azure models do not store customer data, which is a key reason for using it.
Q: Can we use our own AI model instead?
A: Yes. Aico can be configured to send data to your own model.
Q: What if the market shifts and better financial models emerge?
A: The setup is flexible. Aico is prepared to point to whichever model you choose, or which delivers the best results. The market is evolving quickly, and specialist financial models may become more attractive over time.
Q: Does the supporting document need to have a standardised format?
A: No. Aico supports a wide range of formats, including Excel, PDF, Word and even screenshots.
Q: Is the AI an additional module to the Aico suite?
A: Technically, it is not an additional module. However, it will have a cost as there is a cost associated with the amount of data that is sent to the AI model. Additionally, there will be a service cost to add the AI tasks to existing templates. Please get in touch with the Aico Sales Team for more information on the commercials.
Q: How are manual journals produced and validated with AI?
A: Users can upload journals in bulk or trigger them from integrated systems via the staging API. Aico’s AI validates entries in real-time, checks supporting evidence, flags issues and routes for approval.
Q: Do we need to put Excel files on a shared drive and mass upload to the ERP?
A: No. You can post journals directly in real time from Aico or trigger them via the staging API, so there’s no need to park Excel on a drive and upload en masse to the ERP.
Q: Does Aico require bulk posting, and can we post in real time?
A: You can post in real time; bulk is not required.
Q: What is a master template, and how is it used?
A: Master templates are used for requirements like recurring journals and company split journals. You validate a master template containing the core data. Aico then generates the individual journals from that template for real-time posting.
Q: Can the system handle journals sent via mail in Excel or must all journal entries be created within Aico?
A: Yes. Aico can import Excel-based journals and convert them into structured entries within the platform, with full validation and workflow applied.
Q: Can Aico calculate accruals and propose posting amounts, including attaching the supporting doc for approval?
A: Yes. Aico can calculate accruals based on predefined logic or extracted document data, generate the journal, attach the evidence and route it for approval. Note however, that this capability is already in Aico and does not rely on AI.
Q: Can Aico also validate that the value of the journal is valid? For example, flag if it’s too high based on prior months?
A: Yes, Aico’s AI can detect unusual amounts based on historical journal patterns and alert users to potential risks before submission.
Q: Can we train AI to validate the inputs submitted for journal entry preparation?
A: This is not currently supported as we are using a “public” AI large language model which does not store any of the customer data that we send. It is possible to subscribe to a hybrid set-up where you combine a public model with private content so that it can learn from your own data.
Q: What is the general efficiency saving found with implementing Aico in the closing process?
A: Customers typically report 30–70% efficiency gains. Aico automates 60–95% of journals, 70–90% of reconciliations and provides full visibility and task orchestration across the close.