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Technology and access to information has been a mixed blessing for claims professionals. On the one hand, there are numerous technologies available to assist practitioners; on the other technology has also enabled the increase in consumer expectations for speed and ease of access. The work of claims professionals has never been more critical, more demanding, and more dependent on technology. Examine with us where technology is leading us in the Claims space.

Seminar Topics

8:00 – 8:30: Registration and Coffee

8:30	Welcome: Patrick Vice Insurance-Canada.ca
	Ontario Automobile Insurance Standard Invoice - Implementation and Plans, - Winnie Wong, Insurance Bureau of Canada.
The insurance and health care industries in Ontario have a common objective: to ensure that parties injured in car accidents have access to cost effective treatments, in a timely fashion, to return them to pre-accident condition as quickly and effectively as possible. Collecting data from standard invoices, and related forms, will help achieve this objective. IBC and the industry have been working towards the development of an automated billing process that could be adopted easily by providers and insurers. The presentation will summarize progress to-date.
	Mobile Computing for Claims Professionals, - Elan Eisen, Web Front Communications Inc.
The use of mobile technology for claims processing is no longer an untested luxury. Innovations like the Tablet PC enable the claims field worker to take notes using "digital ink", dictate reports and have them instantly converted to text, incorporate and annotate digital photographs on the spot, securely capture electronic signatures and even wirelessly file the report back to head office immediately. Tremendous time and cost savings, elimination of double entry, error reduction and a happy customer are just some of the many benefits to be realized. This session, will include a live and engaging demonstration of the Tablet PC and its seamless handling of the claims process. Two case studies of large insurers currently utilizing the Tablet PC will be presented.
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	Bridging New Technology with Old To Deliver Faster, Simpler Auto Claims Settlement - Viraf Baliwalla, AutoMallNetwork.
AutoMallNetwork provides vehicle valuation and fulfillment services to the insurance industry. Insurers have traditionally relied on retail sales data to value their payouts. Not only are there limited sources of such information, but the data is all skewed in favour of the auto industry. AutoMallNetwork bridges the oldest technology of "relationships" with the new technologies of database, internet and mass electronic communications to deliver reliable data that lowers claim payouts, while keeping policyholders satisfied with the outcome.
	The Claims Adjuster as the "Smart Buyer", - Rob Gow, ClaimsPath, Castek and - Matthew Turack, Kingsway General.
Online collaborative claim communication applications connect adjusters directly with their service partners via the Internet. It has been demonstrated that this online technology can easily be implemented into the claim process through the simple use of an Internet connection and a web browser. Online Internet claim processing tools can be deployed throughout an organization with minimal cost and little impact on IT resources. Castek's ClaimsPath is a real example of a proven tool that automates and streamlines the claim communication process providing a rapid ROI across all lines of business through reduced claim cycle times, reduction in indemnity costs, and strengthening of service provider and customer relationships.
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	Claims Process Automation and Integration, - Karen Finley, IKON Image Systems.
The automation of insurance claims processes using imaging and content management technology from a variety of vendors continues to offer significant benefits for claims processing. This presentation will discuss the benefits of process automation and integration; demonstrate the client user interface of some of the more popular software; review some recent advances in capture technology that are revolutionizing the industry; and draw on numerous customer examples of how different technology has been used to solve specific insurance claims processing problems.
	Managing Effective Claims Handling - Technology Supporting Best Practices, - Christine Haeberlin, The Innovation Group.
Increasingly, insurance executives and claims manager are focusing on improving effectiveness in order to reduce loss costs while maintaining or improving claims service levels. Technology is enabling one of Canada's top 5 insurers to introduce an entirely new approach to processing claims. In addition to contributing millions to their bottom line, the insurer will be positioned to gain a competitive advantage from both a sales and service delivery perspective. This presentation will demonstrate how any insurer can significantly improve profitability by addressing efficiency and effectiveness. Christine will define the business opportunity and demonstrate how the consistent implementation of best practice can enable that opportunity, even with the AB/BI "hot spot" impacting most Canadian insurers' results. Finally, she will discuss the importance of measuring results to enable a company to continually evolve their best practices.
11:45	Close: by Patrick Vice Insurance-Canada.ca

Seminar Sponsors:

		Wouldn't it be great if there was a single "super dealer" that carried every make and model of vehicle, that would provide you with preferred pricing information and assistance to help you settle your claim, and take care of the policyholder after settlement. That's what AutoMallNetwork does!

Speaker Information

Viraf Baliwalla, President, AutoMallNetwork.

Viraf Baliwalla is a techie. A graduate of University of Waterloo, he combines his love of technology with an equal passion for marketing in all aspects of his business. His first door to the insurance industry was opened when he advised the claims manager and the adjuster that the only thing he understood less than insurance was his wife and 2 kids. Today, he has a much better grasp on insurance.

Elan Eisen, Web Front Communications Inc.

R. Elan Eisen is the Insurance and Financial Services practice leader for Web Front, a Toronto based technology consulting company. Elan has worked with several of Canada's largest insurers and financial institutions to help them realize the benefits of incorporating technology to automate and expedite processes. Elan has developed specialized knowledge in the areas of application integration, business intelligence and mobile computing.

Karen Finley, Solutions Engineer, IKON Image Systems.

Karen has over 14 years of hands on IT experience, including 12 years developing enterprise content management solutions. In her SE role at IKON-ISS Karen provides a pivotal interface function between the customer and project team during the design phase of an implementation, helping select the right technology and configuration to solve the customer's business problem. The role involves frequent visits to customer sites throughout North America, assessing business needs and presenting solution proposals. Karen holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University, Montreal, and other technical certifications.

Rob Gow, Vice President Business Development, ClaimsPath, Castek Software Factory

Rob has over 24 years of claim handling and claim management experience. Previous positions include executive management positions in both the insurance company and independent adjusting sectors. As a member of the InsuroCity team Rob as gained significant expertise in the development and implementation of internet applications in the claims handling process. Rob is a Certified Fraud Examiner, a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) and a member of the International Association of Auto Theft Investigators.

Christine Haeberlin, Vice President, Sales, The Innovation Group

Christine has over twenty years progressive experience with Information Technology. For over seventeen years, she worked in diverse positions with IBM, ultimately supporting clients in their effective use of technology. For over twelve years she has worked with the insurance industry dealing with requirements definition, technology selection and implementation. She has worked with The Innovation Group (TiG) as the VP of Sales since June 2001. TiG is a global leader in next generation end-to-end industry solutions that improve operational efficiency and effectiveness through evolving best practices.

Matthew Turack, Manager of Special Projects, Kingsway General

Winnie Wong, Vice President, Insurance Bureau of Canada.

Winnie Wong is currently vice president of Industry Programs at Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). In this capacity, Winnie is responsible for strategic planning for IBC's Insurance Information division and delivery of information business solutions for the industry. Since May 2002, Winnie has played a leadership role in the Ontario standard invoice project. Ms. Wong has extensive experience in information technology, strategic planning and project management. She has a BA in Mathematics, and is a graduate of the Insurance Institute of Canada.

Host and Moderator

Patrick Vice, Vice-President Business Development, FigmentSoft

Patrick has over 20 years experience in the technology and business sectors. He works with clients to successfully define, market, and implement projects and programmers to realize the benefits of existing and emerging technologies. For a more extensive biography.

Patrick will be host of the seminar and will welcome and set the stage, build the linkages between topics, and then provide conclusions and points to ponder at the end of the session.

(Examples will be used throughout)

Questions? call Doug Grant 416-921-7756 or email at doug.grant@insurance-canada.ca

See a list of our Previous Seminars.

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