ACT Introduces Agent-Broker ‘One-Stop’ Web Site For Real-Time Interface Information
ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 24-The Agents Council for Technology (ACT) is announcing ACTtech, a new Web-based service that enables independent agents and brokers to assess the latest real-time interface technology solutions that vendors and carriers are offering or developing.
ACTtech can be accessed by visiting the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America's (the Big “I”) Web site at www.independentagent.com and clicking on the ACTtech link in the left margin.
ACT is a partnership of independent agents, companies and technology vendors, users groups, and associations dedicated to enhancing the use of technology. ACT formed a team to create the ACTtech capability center. The site allows agents and brokers to research the real-time interface functionality of carriers and vendors and to obtain information about what companies are downloading. ACTtech allows users to get important updates on industry technology developments at one site.
ACT worked with InsuranceWorkz to develop the new capability center, and future enhancements are planned. Insurance carriers and vendors are encouraged to register on the site and enter information regarding their agency interface technology.
“With a large group of committed individuals representing agencies, carriers, vendors and InsuranceWorkz, we were able to bring this capability to the industry,” says Linda Dodson, communications chair of ACT’s Agency Company Communications Working Group. “Although the service is in its first phase, agents and brokers immediately can begin to use the site to understand the tools that their carriers and vendors are offering. They also can obtain contact information and understand the services that are available.
“The service is a one-stop resource for agencies and brokerage firms to evaluate vendor and carrier automation capabilities,” says Jeff Sartin, CEO of InsuranceWorkz. “ACTtech gives immediate and detailed information regarding automation choices and offers comparisons of the interface technology offered, allowing an agent or broker to be well-informed.”
“One of our favorite features is a customized report that allows agents to view exactly what their carriers are doing with respect to the agent’s particular agency management system,” Dodson noted.
InsuranceWorkz provides Web design, Internet software and e-commerce development services for the insurance industry. Possessing the unique combination of insurance background and Web development expertise made InsuranceWorkz the logical choice for this project. InsuranceWorkz provides products and services to retail, wholesale and managing general agencies as well as carriers and third-party industry vendors.
Established in 1999, ACT provides a candid, action-oriented forum to address the critical technology issues facing the independent agency system. ACT helps participants understand the perspectives of the other stakeholders in the technology process and provides excellent networking opportunities with the participants who are shaping the future for the industry on these issues.
Founded in 1896, IIABA is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products.
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