In a world of uncertainty, we lean on data to show us a clear picture. This is especially true for independent insurance agency data. It’s not unusual for an agency to want to know more about their policyholders and how to keep them happy. Lots of this information is stored within an agency’s management system, some downloaded and some manually keyed in.
What you’re storing in your management system is up to you. The data you get out of your system is only as good as the data you put in. The more detailed information you have in your system, the better. And a well-thought-out way to extract data opens new ways to market to insureds and meet their changing and growing needs.
Find out how to be diligent with your data entry
If you don’t have the proper data or a plan to enter and track data, then you’re already at a disadvantage. It’s like a painter with a blank canvas – brush in hand – and no paint to create their masterpiece. You can’t and won’t get anywhere without the proper data tools. Once you know what you’re after, you can start pulling meaningful reports within your management system.
As Client Services Manager at Strategic Insurance Software, I focus on helping agencies maximize how they use Partner XE and what they store in it. A big part of this is data cleanliness and figuring out what’s important to track.
See some of the ways you can maximize your management system
I encourage each client to contemplate a few key questions as they work to create data entry, tracking, and analysis processes. As you analyze your agency’s data processes, consider some of these questions:
- How clean is my data?
- Are we all using the system uniformly?
- What questions do I want my data to answer?
- Why do I care about this information?
- How will this data help my agency grow?
- How do I plan on tracking the information I want?
- What data fields am I not using that can be helpful?
- What data fields would be helpful to have that I don’t?
- Does my system have the flexibility to add fields I need?
Learn about basic data inputs and outputs in your system
If the answers to these questions can help you grow your book of business, why keep putting it off? There is no better time to start than now. The longer you wait, the messier your data will get. Focus on answering these questions, and come together as a team to define your goals and processes.
And don’t forget about your agency management system provider. Reach out to them to help you maximize your system. At SIS, we strive to be an always-available partner, helping our users make the most of our Partner XE system.
Find out more about our training and support today! Contact us at [email protected] or 800.747.7005, Option 6.
Jake Thaxton, Director of Client Services joined SIS in 2012 and has helped transform Client Services into a cohesive, effective team that supports our clients daily use of Partner Platform. Known for his professionalism and software knowledge Jake has been instrumental in driving client experience success, leading a team that delivers world class customer support for ongoing issue resolution in the most efficient and effective ways.
Jake graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a major in Business Economics. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and golfing.