NU Online News Service, Feb.17, 3:30 p.m.EST

The ACORD insurance data standards group said it has launched anew survey to determine the current state of automation in theinsurance industry with a focus on workflow and technology.

The AUGIE (ACORD User Group Information Exchange) poll willinclude questions on what can be done to develop and promoteimproved workflows and drive increased efficiency.

Pearl River, N.Y.-based ACORD said the survey will seek answersfrom
agencies, carriers, solution providers and other members of theindustry. It was launched today at augiesurvey.artizan.com.

The group noted that the last such survey
was held in 2006, and "with advances made in technology andworkflows, it's time to once again survey the industry for updateson the use of technology."

ACORD said findings from past surveys have led to greater agencyinvolvement in ACORD standards development; better dialogue betweenagents, their carriers and vendors; the Real Time Campaign; and aunified approach to technology. It led to doubling of activity forsuch things as real time rating and inquiry, personal downloads andcommercial downloads.

Lisa Goth, vice president of Charles P. Leach Agency and head ofthe AUGIE Survey Committee, explained in a statement that, "Thisyear, we want everyone--CSRs [customer service representatives],producers, systems staff, principals--to take the survey and maketheir voices heard."

"Everyone who is involved with selling or servicing customershas a vital role to play in the industry and in this survey.Everyone who writes insurance, supports the industry and developsproducts is needed. We want to hear from each and every one of you,so go out today to augiesurvey.artizan.com and let your voice be heard,"said Ms. Goth.

She noted that to make taking the survey easier, the number ofquestions has been reduced based on the respondent's role.

"If you're a CSR, you won't see the same questions as a managersince your roles are different. We know you're busy and don't wantto waste your time with questions that don't have anything to dowith you or your role, so the AUGIE survey is now interactive andintelligent. It conforms to you," said Ms. Goth.

The online survey will be available until April 15, and willtake approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Ms. Goth advised that those taking the survey "will have theability to stop and resume the survey. We know everyone is busy andgets interrupted, so now you can handle that important call or putthe kids to bed, log back into the system using a username andpassword that is created when you begin taking the survey ataugiesurvey.artizan.com, and pick up where you leftoff."

The survey results will be released May 24 in Las Vegas at theACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum.