University Park, IL (May 24, 2004) � Ohio Casualty Group, in collaboration with Applied Systems, today announced the release of new real-time communication capability for agents and brokers using Applied Systems management products and IVANS Transformation Station™.
The new functionality, designed to streamline how agents sell and service insurance policies with the member companies of Ohio Casualty Group, includes Applied Systems� new WebEdit technology, and their implementation of Transformation Station�s endorsement transaction (Endorsement Bridge) and Company Alert messages.
Ohio Casualty is deploying Applied Systems new WebEdit technology to dynamically cleanse ACORD XML messages originating from their agencies. WebEdits function as a seamless, real-time web service within the agency�s workflow allowing companies to check the transaction data for accuracy, as well as ask additional, company-specific questions. The use of WebEdits will allow Ohio Casualty to establish rules for editing and correcting agency data used for real-time policy rating and policy issuance transactions between the agency and the company. WebEdits incorporates these rules seamlessly into the agency�s workflow, making it easier for the agency to shop both new and existing business with Ohio Casualty.
“Ohio Casualty Group has a strong commitment to independent agents and brokers, and we have made it a corporate priority to improve agents’ ease of doing business with our member companies,” said CEO Dan Carmichael, CPCU. “Taking the lead on WebEdits technology demonstrates our commitment to developing an easier method for independent agents to write business with us.”
The new Transformation Station endorsement transaction is initiated and tracked from within the agency management system and leverages accuracy for policy administration. This provides the agency with a consistent policy endorsement workflow and the speed of policy administration at the carrier�s website. Additionally, Ohio Casualty will continue to offer the batch upload process for endorsements, allowing agency choice.
Ohio Casualty is also deploying the new Alert transaction with Applied Systems agents, allowing the carrier to initiate activity messages directly into the workflows of agency systems. Company alerts attach themselves directly to an associated policy or claim within Applied�s flagship products, The Agency Manager and Vision, and automatically notify the appropriate person in the agency. Ohio Casualty will be using the alert messages to notify the agency of underwriter activity, claim activity, pending cancellations, and other company-initiated events.
�Ohio Casualty continues to be an industry leader in advancing real time for the industry�, according to Janice Sheffield, Divisional Vice President of IVANS. �We applaud their quick implementation of these new transactions that will have a direct bottom-line impact to agents.�
�Applied Systems is very excited about the collaboration with Ohio Casualty on these new technologies,� said Doug Johnston, Executive Vice President, Interface Services, with Applied Systems. �Ohio Casualty took a lead role in the development of WebEdits for real-time transactions. WebEdits effectively replace and enhance the older Upload Edits that have been in use for almost 20 years. Ohio Casualty�s knowledge of relational insurance edits and company-unique data elements was a key to the success of the project. I think agencies are going to be thrilled with how WebEdits streamline their processing with Ohio Casualty.�
Applied Systems and Ohio Casualty will be making these transactions available to agencies over the next several months.
About Applied Systems: Applied Systems is the leading provider of automation solutions for the property and casualty insurance industry. Since 1983, the company has developed software for independent insurance agents, brokers, managing general agents, and insurance companies, as well as banks and other financial institutions with insurance operations. Applied has helped more than 10,000 insurance organizations achieve new levels of success using its leading management systems, The Agency Manager®, The Agency Manager® Vision Series™, and The Diamond System™. Developments in electronic data interchange have also contributed to Applied�s position as the industry�s technology frontrunner. Combined with consulting services and third-party integration, Applied Systems automates insurance transactions at every level of distribution, from customer to carrier. For more information: www.appliedsystems.com.
