Rethinking agency automation

Article Abstract:

Successfully automating an insurance agency requires a great deal of preparation before any hardware or software is purchased. The preparatory steps are to map out the agency's workflow and determine which procedures can be efficiently automated. The automation system chosen should fit the agency needs and not have expensive extra features. Once the automation plan is ready to be implemented, it should be extensively documented and one employee should be designated as the central contact for all questions about the new system.

Purchasing, Information storage and retrieval systems

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Will service centers force out independents?

Article Abstract:

Insurance customer service centers, which allow insurers direct customer contact, may change the role of the independent agent. These centers take away from independent agents' strongest asset, their relationship with the customer. Agents fear that using service centers will become mandatory, or that prices will be higher if they are not used. Agents and insurers should work together to increase efficiency and design a business plan. Additionally, agents should institute annual coverage reviews for their customers.

Management, Insurance agents

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Electronic transactions: the new look at Lloyd's

Article Abstract:

Lloyd's of London has abandoned its paperbase system for conducting transactions in order to remain competitive. Using the London Insurance Market Network (LIMNET), Lloyd's has developed a wide area network that links the desktop terminals of its 279 syndicates and underwriters with a multiple-host system and LIMNET. Components of the system include Network Express and Electronic Window switching hardware from Scientific Software. Both products run on Stratus fault-tolerant computers.

Fire, marine, and casualty insurance, Lloyd's of London

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