Avoid the Configuration Confusion
Many software insurance vendors heavily push the concept of “configuration,” but what does that really mean?
Here are just a few common definitions of configuration for core policy administration systems (PAS) or other digital solutions:
- A product that allows business users to write business, implement changes and create products, without writing a line of code
- Processes that enable change to market in only a few days
- The ability to easily expand the system, appending rules and workflows
- The capacity to expose rule engines and add underwriting rules
These are all worthy goals, but ease of configuration can cover up solution flaws, much like a car that has a beautiful exterior, but a faulty engine. Carriers would be wise to pay close attention to the actual system, because no matter how much you configure it, a system lacking architectural and data integrity will be unsustainable and unreliable. This integrity helps facilitate a long-term solution that is maintainable, easily expandable and upgradeable.
Pure configuration is more of a “low-code/no-code” approach enabling business users to add features, functions, products and more, without needing technical assistance or coding. As John Pettit, Sapiens’ chief of P&C product and business strategy, North America, said, “Utilizing a holistic set of products that are highly configurable, but also easy to maintain and adaptable to new technologies and changes in the insurance and tech markets, will empower insurance carriers to transform into modern, integrated and digital organizations.”
Insurers can avoid configuration confusion by asking some of the following questions when considering a new solution or system: does the solution possess architectural and data integrity? Is it innovative? Will it be easy to make changes or deliver new products faster? How reliant is the new system on engineers, versus highly skilled business analysts that can extend and maintain the system? Will the suite adapt to changes in the industry and carrier needs? How difficult will upgrades be? Do you need a solution release to enable new functions?
Euan King, Sapiens’ chief business officer, North America, offered useful parameters for insurers. “The ultimate goal of configuration, which Sapiens facilitates, is to ensure that the needs of business users, IT and other personnel are met. Sapiens’ suites allow business users to configure and create journeys among different products, while maintaining data integrity and allowing transactions to be properly maintained throughout all core systems. System upgrades are as easy as configuring the system.”
Configuration is critical in today’s fast-paced environment, but be sure to check under the hood!
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Evelyn Pineros Evelyn Pineros serves as a Product Manager for Sapiens North America P&C. She possesses expertise in business strategy development, software solutions delivery and professional services leadership.