The Chronicle: Issue 2013-33, August 27, 2013
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What's Going Through The Intersection of Insurance and Technology?
How Far Will Insurance Telematics Go?
Are Customers Returning to Independents? For How Long? |
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Technology
Deloitte study reveals increased importance of analytics to Canadian and global organizations
Deloitte today announced the results of its Global Analytics Advantage survey, a study undertaken to better understand the state of analytics readiness of leading corporations – and what the future may hold. The survey was conducted using more than 100 online surveys and 35 in-depth interviews with senior executives at companies in Canada, the US, the United Kingdom and China.
Gartner: Organizations must focus on continuous IT cost optimization
After years of tactical cost-cutting, many organizations now face the challenge of continuous IT cost optimization after the realization that optimization practices are never finished, according to Gartner. To continually optimize IT costs and avoid dangers that can be created from tactical cost-cutting, CIOs should incorporate five key principles into their cost optimization initiatives to ensure ongoing success of the business.
Policy Management
Risk Control Technologies integrates with e2Value
Risk Control Technologies, the industry-leading provider of loss control survey software for insurers, has announced integration of the RC Inspection solution with e2Value Insurance-to-Value (ITV) valuation tools. Stamford, Connecticut-based e2Value is a leading provider of online replacement cost solutions for the insurance industry and currently provides estimating products for Mainstreet homes, high-value homes, manufactured and kit homes, commercial properties, and farm and ranch properties.
Marketing
Accenture study: disconnect between CMOs and CIOs threatens marketing effectiveness of companies
A disconnect between chief marketing officers and chief information officers threatens the ability of companies to deliver effective customer experiences, according to a new study by Accenture. The study, based on a survey of 400 senior marketing and 250 information technology (IT) executives in 10 countries, revealed that only one in 10 of the executives believes collaboration between CMOs and CIOs is currently at the right level.
OfficeTeam survey: most executives uncomfortable being friended by business contacts on Facebook
Some advice for those interested in reaching out to work colleagues on Facebook: proceed with caution. Most senior managers surveyed by OfficeTeam said they are uncomfortable being friended by their bosses or the employees they supervise.
Business of Insurance
IBC: Insurers concerned about forced rate decreases without specific cost-saving measures
The Ontario government’s announcement on auto insurance does nothing to lower costs before insurers are expected to lower premiums, says Insurance Bureau of Canada. “While the Government has approved insurance rate reductions they still haven’t outlined how they will address some key cost reforms we need to see implemented.” said Ralph Palumbo, Vice President Ontario, IBC.
Accenture launches Integration Accelerator to speed deployment of life insurance platform
The Accenture Life Insurance Platform (ALIP) is being enhanced with a new software offering that could help clients reduce implementation costs by up to fifty percent. The integration accelerator enables the Accenture Life Insurance Platform to easily integrate with third party systems so that clients can use all the necessary information to make quick decisions based on market changes.
Consumer Information
The Co-operators reduces Ontario auto insurance rates
Co-operators General Insurance Company is once again lowering insurance rates for private passenger automobile clients in Ontario, effective October 15. Altogether, The Co-operators has reduced its auto insurance premiums in the province by 12 per cent since the start of 2012.
Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd. announces distribution of new prepaid travel insurance products
Blackhawk Network (Canada) Ltd., a leading provider of prepaid and financial payment products for consumers and businesses, today announced the launch of a new travel insurance product called SmartAssure™ travelers insurance, soon to be sold at Canada Safeway grocery locations. SmartAssure will offer Canadian consumers affordable travel insurance coverage to suit a variety of travel needs, such as providing emergency medical travel coverage while traveling abroad.