This article was created in partnership with Applied Systems.
As the insurance sector grapples with mounting demands for efficiency and innovation, the need for integrated technology and streamlined workflows has never been more urgent. Leading this transformation is Applied Systems, a trailblazer in insurance automation and a foremost provider of software solutions tailored for the industry.
By driving integration across platforms and harnessing the power of artificial intelligence through connectivity partners like Ivans, Applied Systems empowers both carriers and agencies to unlock enhanced operational efficiency and collaboration.
Emphasizing the impact of one of Ivans data insights products, CEO Reid Holzworth (pictured left), shared, “With Ivans Marketing Insights, carriers gain a real-time view of an agency’s book of business. They can identify precisely what types of business the agency writes. This enables them to craft personalized offers that significantly increase the likelihood of a successful partnership.”
This level of integration doesn’t just simplify operations; it opens the door to more strategic decision-making. "Carriers are no longer knocking on doors blindly. They can target the exact agencies that match their product offerings, making the process far more efficient and effective," added Holzworth.
Across the industry, there's a clear trend toward integration, with carriers and agencies looking for ways to connect their systems and enhance communication. Graham Blackwell (pictured right), president at Applied Systems, noted, "Carriers are now saying, ‘I’ve got the core system in place, but how can I drive value?’ They want to integrate with agencies better to get rating, pricing information, or download data more efficiently, and we’re here to help make that happen."
“That’s why Applied is the global leader in this space, they offer the most unified solutions, by far,” said Holzworth.
While it’s no secret that the insurance industry is embracing AI, Applied Systems is at the forefront of this revolution. Their innovative product line, including Applied Epic, Applied Pay and soon-to-launch Applied Book Builder, harness the power of technology to deliver value to both carriers and agents.
Elaborating on the game-changing potential of AI in insurance, Holzworth shared, "There’s a tremendous amount of insurance information trapped in documents—policy documents, invoices, commission statements. Imagine AI reading all of that, extracting the key data, and automatically populating management systems. That’s the level of efficiency we’re bringing to the table."
Blackwell echoed this sentiment, noting that AI isn’t just about automation but about enhancing decision-making across the industry. "AI allows us to optimize workflows, making them not only more efficient but smarter. This kind of data-driven approach is what will shape the future of insurance."
While advanced tools are poised to revolutionize insurance operations, the challenge often lies in encouraging stakeholders to embrace change. In an industry deeply rooted in tradition, many individuals prefer to rely on familiar processes and resist adopting new technologies. Holzworth addressed this issue, stating, "One of the biggest hurdles we encounter isn’t the technology itself—it’s getting people to use it. We frequently hear from agencies that, while they recognize that new tools will enhance their workflows, they remain comfortable with the old ways of doing things."
The reluctance to change, despite the potential for greater efficiency, underscores the importance of effective change management. Blackwell said that helping customers navigate this transition is a key part of the support Applied Systems offers.
"Our role goes beyond just providing the tools. We guide agencies and carriers through the process of adoption, ensuring they can fully capitalize on the benefits our solutions provide."
