THE REAL WORLD

"A grassroots effort by agencies must take place to let all their
companies know they want SEMCI, now."

Anyone who has followed the well-worn path of agency automation will recall recent studies telling us about the 40% of independent agencies that do not have an agency management system. If that isn't enough, 60% of the agencies that have systems are using systems that are over five years old. This roughly equates to 70% of the independent insurance agents who are not capable of SEMCI.

These numbers represent the "real world" agencies. They're not on the bleeding edge. They're not on the cutting edge. They're just plain bleeding. A good number of these agencies can't afford the typical agency management system. By the time software, hardware, training, support, consulting and miscellaneous costs are addressed, automation is out of reach. Many agencies that did purchase systems years ago for one reason or another have not kept up with the upgrades.

Then there is the remainder of the group--the "real world" agencies that don't understand how to use available technology effectively. They sell insurance, not computers. The irony of it all is that these agencies are the ones that would benefit the most from SEMCI. As their cost of doing business increases and their income decreases, efficiencies in their everyday processes must be found to survive.

Resolving the chicken and egg problem

Many companies have taken a chicken and egg approach to implementing SEMCI, vowing to provide non-proprietary upload when there are enough agents who request it. The problem is that the agent can't get a lot of the benefit SEMCI offers without having the "multiple" companies. Another upload method is another upload method--just one more user interface to learn. As a result, agents don't perceive any benefit from SEMCI in their particular situation.

APT addresses these issues with tools that companies and agents can use quickly. Insurance companies need to embrace APT and SEMCI now. Companies can use the Company Module™ to produce system edits easily and quickly. The obvious advantages that APT products provide for error reductions and increased capability of automated underwriting should get the attention of many companies.

Agencies have the choice of the Stand Alone Module™ or using a vendor that has integrated the Agency Module™ into its products. A grassroots effort by agencies must take place to let all their companies know they want SEMCI, now. Independent agents can be the solution to their own problem.

Real world solution

APT meets the "real world" needs of both companies and agencies. The Agency Module™ allows us to keep our user interface smooth and simple. Agencies don't have to deal with moving data from one program to another. All error messages and edits occur as the user enters information. APT has been instrumental in assisting us with specialized company programs designed to increase the number of agencies participating in upload and SEMCI.

As a result DORIS is committed to solving the automation issues of "real world" agencies. DORIS provides affordable, simple solutions that work. *