Analytics

AGENCY WEB PORTALNew York-based P&C Insurance Systems Inc. introduced a Web portal that allows direct Web-based upload of ACORD data from agency management software. The portal leverages the architecture of the PCIS management system to provide Web-based multi-line rating, real-time agency access to quote documents, and up-to-date agency production reports.

DESPITE DEADLINE, MANY FIRMS LACK AML PROGRAM

It's no secret that the onslaught of insurance industry mergers and acquisitions (M&A) has left many a carrier bruised and battered. Combining systems-IT and human-requires forethought, skill, dedication and focus.There may not be much consolation in the knowledge that insurance M&A activity increased in 2005 to the highest level since 2001 and may foreshadow an acceleration of activity this year and the next, according to Conning Research and Consulting Inc., Hartford, Conn.

Consumer satisfaction with the P&C insurance industry increased by a mere 1% last year, according the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)--a survey to monitor customer satisfaction levels in various industries. Overall, satisfaction with the P&C industry has declined nearly 5% since 1994--the first year of the survey produced by the University of Michigan.Insurance carriers face a unique challenge with customer communications because they depend on so many different channels. Unlike other service providers, such as banks or telephone companies, carriers don't own every interaction with the customer. Independent agents and third-party administrators are often the main point of contact, slowing down the transfer of information.

New York and Atlanta - Assurant Inc., a provider of specialty insurance and insurance-related products and services, has received two patents for call processing systems developed within its Assurant Solutions business.These systems optimize sales and retention efforts in contact centers through a series of dynamic customer and agent analytics. Assurant Solutions is offering the systems to its clients and making them available to other entities.

Hartford, Conn. - Skyrocketing gasoline prices, the ever-changing competitive business environment, soaring health care costs--those are just a few of the high-pressure issues facing today's employers. The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. understands that business owners often don't have the resources--or expertise--to track and analyze the health and disability trends of their employees.That's why the company provides its group disability customers with free annual analyses, tracking health, absence and productivity trends, such as frequency and type of disability claims. After the review, the insurer provides extensive reporting to update employers on trends impacting their business, as well as recommended strategies to help keep employees healthy and productive.

Chanhassen, Minn. - Only 22% of companies have implemented a storage security solution, while nearly 67% believe their companies were either somewhat or extremely vulnerable to data security breaches. These are the findings of a recent survey conducted by Datalink, an independent information storage architecture firm.Regarding host security, 61% felt that their companies were either somewhat or extremely vulnerable. Whereas, 58% of respondents worried that their company's network was not as secure as it could be.

We've seen a lot of wacky technology job titles come and go over the years, especially among those "bleeding-edge" financial and technology companies that found themselves in fast company circles. What ever happened to the "minister of progress" or the "chief imagination officer"? Today we are seeing legitimacy offered to the "business architect," "process analyst" and "SOA enterprise architect."One name that I've always found rather interesting is "data steward." The title has been around for several years, chiefly as additional iterations of "database administrator," "data analyst" and "data master."

SAFECO NAMES WILLIAM JENKS AS CIO

NEW CSF DESIGNER FEATURESMetavante Corp., Milwaukee, has added a number of features to its CSF Designer document composition application: