FirstBest Systems, Inc., a provider of insurance softwaresolutions for global insurance carriers, announces FirstBest UMSMobile 2.0 for property & casualty insurance.  Theapplication is built directly on the Apple iOS platform and appliesthe functionality of FirstBest's underwriting management system(UMS) to benefit an insurance workforce increasingly accustomed tomobile connectivity.

Part of the modular FirstBest Front Office Suite, the mobile appempowers rapid decision making from anywhere, at any time, withreal-time secure data access and transactions, using the samesystem to support both mobile and desktop users. 

Designed for Apple iPads, the new version extends remotecapabilities to the full underwriting staff so they can stay on topof tasks and quickly see what's new in their book ofbusiness.  iPad users can review, approve/decline, andcomment on applications that have been referred to them and closebusiness whenever they're away from their desks.

FirstBest built the mobile application following research thatindicated 46 percent of insurance carrier users the companysurveyed preferred tablets over laptops or smartphones when workingremotely.  The research further showed that 75 percent ofrespondents believe mobile capabilities would help them providefaster responses and better serve customers. Some 83 percent ofrespondents stated that they would use a mobile device to look upcustomer information from anywhere while 62 percent would use it tocheck application status, each of which the new applicationsupports.

FirstBest UMS Mobile 2.0 benefits include:

Faster Underwriting Process – Streamlines the underwritingprocess with more efficient workflow optimized for mobile use,saving time for everyone involved. Provides remote information at aglance and enables managers to clear or reject referrals, includenotes and keep applications moving for fast response to agents.Real-time notifications let users respond or take action ASAP fromtheir mobile device.  The mobile app enables:

• Referral review, commenting and approval
• Submission and quote viewing
• Attachment viewing
• Viewing activity for the user's book of business
• Task management

Native iOS Application – Developed on the AppleiOS platform, the application is easily installed on thedevice.  The user experience is optimized for the AppleiPad, incorporating iOS features and gestures while providing highperformance mobile access to the same UMS information underwritershave in the office.

Underwriting Team Collaboration and Efficiency– Speeds processes with more efficient task management andworkflow, saving time for underwriters and agents. Everyone on the underwriting team can gain visibility to the bookof business, see what's new on any account, view and complete opentasks and review submissions.  By simplifying access toinformation, underwriters can seamlessly collaborate with eachother and with agents via multiple communication channels.

Seamless User Experience – Integrated with theFirstBest Front Office Suite and back-office systems to deliver acontinuous user experience across desktops and mobiledevices.  Leverages FirstBest secure web services, whichmanage workflow and business rules, and access to carrier systems,policy admin and enterprise content management (ECM) systems,agency data, third-party data, and standard forms.

Secure Access and Data – Native Apple iOS (vs.web-based) application capabilities, with password-protected login,SSL encryption and data stored on the server, instead of thedevice.  The UMS Mobile app enables secure attachmentviewing, including those stored in the carrier's ECM or documentmanagement system.

"All roads lead to empowering insurers with real-time access tounderwriting information to support the rapid pace of business.According to Novarica, 20 percent of carriers have deployed mobilecapabilities internally and/or externally and 40 percent ofcarriers support tablets internally. The evidence is in the newsdaily. Mobile can't be ignored," says John Belizaire, FirstBestfounder and CEO.

FirstBest UMS Mobile 2.0 will be available in January.