The impetus for this technology initiative came about when FICOH recognized a market opportunity emerging in Hawaii for a new personal auto product. The company made a strategic decision to launch a new line coupled with a "hybrid" distribution model of a direct-to-consumer sales portal that would support a role for independent agents, and set several criteria for the technology needed to support this initiative.
"We needed a proven technology platform that could be brought to market quickly, and which would minimize the draw on our internal technology resources," says Jeff Shonka, VP and CFO for FICOH.
To that end, ISCS developed an agile project methodology specifically for insurance implementations, the company says, adding that FICOH found its approach drove efficient use of company resources.
"We were working with a very tight timeline to bring the product to market, and we also had our subject matter experts spread thinly, with other major projects underway at the same time," says Tony Abad, VP, personal lines, FICOH. "ISCS's agile methodology enabled us to draw on our critical staff for intensely-focused and manageable periods of time that minimized the long-term time commitment other technology development methods required. Our team could see and react to the emerging solutions in a much tighter response cycle."
FICOH reports that the company's independent agency partners have responded positively to the personal auto product and direct sales portal, and the customer segment FICOH targeted has as well. The supporting components of SurePower Innovation have also been well-received by employees.
