The Chronicle: Issue 2014-50, December 16, 2014
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What's Going Through The Intersection of Insurance and Technology?
Technology and the Future of Insurance Work
Are You (Digitally) Experienced? |
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13th Annual Insurance-Canada.ca Technology Conference Welcome and thank-you to our 2015 conference sponsors:
EIS Group as a Platinum Sponsor. |
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Claims
ICTA nomination: Benchmark IME applies document management to the accident benefits business
ExpeFlow was developed from inception as a single platform self-contained IME/AB system which is far superior to using multiple independent systems (even if each one is best-of-breed for its particular task) and all Benchmark users remain within the confines of this custom-designed application specific system for the duration of their work day. This also has the added benefit of promoting internal and external collaboration in real-time with none of the pitfalls experienced when utilizing multiple software tools and relying on integrations and/or manual shifting between programs to create, manipulate, and share information.
Policy Management
ICTA nomination: Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan improves loss prevention process
Farm Mutual Reinsurance Plan implemented the Risk Control Technologies solution initially for use by internal loss prevention field consultants but had a broader vision to leverage the solution to provide a modern loss control platform for all of its member companies to facilitate their field risk surveys. FMRP increased the number of completed risk assessments, reduced their report delivery time following a risk assessment, and have decreased the number of typographical errors and mistakes. The overall quality and speed of the reporting process at FMRP has improved significantly since the software was implemented.
Majesco to acquire the business of Agile Technologies
Majesco, Inc., the global provider of core systems and services to 100 insurance carriers worldwide, has announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the business of Agile Technologies, an insurance-industry-focused IT consulting firm with revenues of over $9 million. Majesco's strengths in insurance technology, with a portfolio of market leading software products and services combined with Agile's industry thought-leadership, consulting and client service capabilities will enable Majesco to accelerate its global customer support and growth plans.
Telematics
IMS white paper: UBI for Commercial Lines
Telematics has become a cornerstone of usage-based insurance (UBI), enabling insurers and brokers to collect detailed driving-behavior data. This white paper explores the ways in which commercial lines insurance telematics provide relevant, real-time information to insurance firms and stakeholders, providing value, visibility, and efficiency to processes and operations, improving the ability to acquire and retain customers more effectively.
Technology
Microdea announces release of Synergize Collections Module
Microdea Inc. has announced the release of the Synergize Collections Module, a key component of their Synergize document management software solution. The Synergize Collections Module automates the Accounts Receivable collections process by automatically generating and distributing payment reminder packages, and by including copies of all supporting documents (such as contracts, statements of work, proofs-of-delivery) with a copy of the original invoice. This enables a business to provide to their customers the tools to facilitate timely payment.
eMarketer: Smart-home market growing quickly
2015 is set to be the year of the internet of things, with connected homes one of the hottest topics. According to data released in October 2014 by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Parks Associates, shipments of both smart-home devices and controllers will rise by 20% or more annually in the coming years.
Distribution
Integro acquires Canada's Finning Insurance Services
International insurance brokerage and risk management firm Integro has announced it has acquired the assets of Finning Insurance Services, an insurance broking business, from Finning International Inc. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
Jobs and Careers
Robert Half Management Resources: “Put Down Your Smartphone”
Let's face it, we all check email during meetings. But it doesn't mean managers like it. While nearly two-thirds (61 per cent) of managers recently surveyed by Robert Half Management Resources said it's at least somewhat common for professionals to read and respond to emails on mobile devices during business meetings, only four per cent of respondents said this is perfectly acceptable.
Marketing
eMarketer: Canada's internet user penetration higher than that of the U.S.
Canada's digital audience is highly saturated and is not expected to grow substantially in the coming years. More than three quarters of Canada's population use the internet regularly in 2014. Despite high prices and slower-than-average speeds, the country's internet penetration is quite high—supported by a more urban-centered user base—surpassing even that of the United States.
Consumer Information
Industrial Alliance launches WebRx drug cost management tool
Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc. is pleased to introduce a powerful and straightforward drug cost management tool to its group insurance clients: WebRx. This new tool, available on our secure website and our mobile application, informs plan members if they are covered for a prescribed medication and estimates their reimbursement amount based on their benefit plan. WebRx will help eliminate waste from the drug purchasing process by giving plan members tips to make informed choices such as opting for a generic version, if available, instead of a brand name drug.
IBC shares top 10 tips for a safe holiday season on the roads
This holiday season, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is providing Canadians with some safe driving tips. "IBC wants to help make sure everyone's holiday season is fun and safe," said Ralph Palumbo, Vice-President, Ontario, IBC. "Being prepared for winter roads and paying extra attention during this festive time of year could help ensure the safety of you and everyone on the road."
Standard Life helps Canadians turn dreams into goals with free Goalkeeper savings app
Planning and budgeting to meet one's savings goal no longer has to be done at the kitchen table or on a spreadsheet. Standard Life is launching a mobile solution to help Canadians develop healthy savings habits fit for the 21st century with its new Goalkeeper app.
ICLR: Burlington home retrofitted to reduce the risk of basement flooding
The Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) has retrofitted a Burlington, Ontario home to reduce the risk of basement flooding. More than 3,000 Burlington homeowners reported basement flooding to the city after a heavy rainfall event on August 4, 2014. However, Burlington is not alone in experiencing basement flooding, as many cities across Canada have been impacted by significant urban flooding events over the past few years. Indeed, in just the last year and a half alone, local governments in Canada experienced severe rainfall leading to urban flooding in southern Alberta and Toronto/Mississauga, as well as Burlington, resulting in billions of dollars in insured damage.
In The Community
Cowan Foundation supports new Muskoka Lakes Nursing Station with donation
On Monday, December 8th, The Cowan Foundation presented a cheque to the Muskoka Lakes Nursing Station team. The nursing station, to be built in the spring, will be a key component of the new Brock and Willa Wellness Centre in the Muskoka Lakes area that will also include a hospice and retirement residence.