Transitioning to a new insurance core system can be a complex and multi-phase undertaking. That hasn’t changed due to the global pandemic. However, what has changed is the assumption that all the work must be performed in person, in a board room, or face-to-face.
It is possible to deliver a core system remotely – and if you do it right, the benefits can be astounding.
The Shift to Remote Operations
Workforces switched to remote operations out of necessity during the pandemic. Now, some businesses are allowing their teams to operate in new ways. Fully remote, hybrid, or in office, there are more choices for businesses to operate, and some of these choices lead to higher productivity and increased employee satisfaction.
Although there have been some concerns about remote work, overall, the transition has been a success. According to Pew Research Center, 87% of remote workers say that it has been easy to get the technology and equipment they need to do their job, and 80% say it’s been easy to meet deadlines. Many employers are on board, too. According to PwC, 83% of employers say the shift to remote work has been successful for their company.
The last year has shown us just how much work can be done remotely and more than we had realized – and that includes the transition to a new insurance core system.
The Benefits of a Remote Delivery
Delivering a core system in a virtual world is more than just possible. It can also be advantageous.
A Flexjobs survey found that 58% of workers say they will look for a new job if they can’t continue working remotely. If your team is working from home, you don’t have to force your workers back into the office to assist in the transition to a new core system – and that will make them very happy.
A remote delivery can be easier in many ways, too. First, you don’t have to worry about getting everyone in the same spot. Second, the virtual world can make the process faster and often more convenient – and that’s precisely what you want in delivering a core system.
Best Practices for Remote Delivery
Whether delivery is in-person or is a remote process, it requires precision.
Critical issues are the same, whether there are boots on the ground or through a mobile workforce, and adjustments may be necessary. When navigating a remote transition, keep the following best practices in mind:
- Communicate frequently. If physical distance leads to poor communication, problems are sure to follow. So, keep everyone on the same page with regular communications. Define the channels and cadence of communication; communicate obsessively and comprehensively.
“When you are tired of saying it, people are starting to hear it.” – Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn.
- Use the proper communication channels. Every organization has ‘its’ way of communicating: Slack®, Teams®, email, SharePoint® or the GSuite®. As a result, companies have more options than ever before. At Insuresoft, we chose a best-in-breed project management tool that integrates with other systems. Still, the key to managing a complex project with careful coordination across a broad group is breaking down barriers. Break technical barriers, break communication barriers, and drive a unified experience. This will also help your organization in combating accountability concerns.
“When everyone is responsible, no one is accountable.”
- Get the process started. As Churchill said, “Perfect is the enemy of progress.” Instead of waiting for the “perfect” time to upgrade your core system, seize the moment now. There will never be a “perfect” time, and there’s certainly no need to wait for your team to return to the office. The sooner you focus on your core system needs, the sooner you’ll be ready to capture new market share to drive your business’s growth.
To learn more about Insuresoft’s multi-line core system capabilities, request a demo.
