In this post, we continue our focus on ensuring a positive conversion experience for you and your independent insurance agency. As we look at the many facets of each agency management system provider, service and support stand out as critical pieces of the conversion puzzle. Knowing a provider has your back before, during, and after conversion can go a long way. In order to have conversion success, check in with your potential provider on the who, what, when, where, and how of client support.
Who will guide your agency through the conversion? Will they remain with your agency afterwards?
Continuity of service is ideal, as is getting to know who you’ll be working with during your conversion. Ensure the provider gives time for you to be in conversation with the conversion team so you feel comfortable with and know who you’re working with during the process.
What issues can happen during conversion? What guarantees are offered for data integrity in the conversion?
These questions are critical. Get to know what to look out for and how the provider will ensure your data is effectively converted. What type of documentation is provided as to what will convert and what won’t convert.
Where will conversion happen? Onsite at your agency? At the provider’s offices? Another location?
The closer you and your provider are during the conversion process the better. It is ideal to have your staff and your provider’s conversion staff in conversation as conversion happens so any glitches can be addressed immediately from both ends.
When will the conversion take place? Does your agency have input in timeline?
Besides the obvious question of the “when”, it is important to find out how much input you will have in setting the conversion timeline. The more a provider can work with you, the better the experience will be from a staff and client standpoint.
How can your agency gain support afterwards? Online? Onsite visits?
Many agencies forget the importance of support in the aftermath of conversion. Even if the process goes seamlessly, chances are you and your staff will need support in figuring out how to read new data output or explain any changes in client facing aspects. The more support the provider can give, the better.
We at SIS know the importance of providing such service and support, and are committed to ensuring you and your agency fully understand and trust your conversion experience with us. To get details about the conversion process, contact us today at [email protected].
