Don't Be Complacent About Standards, ACORD Warns

ORLANDO, FLA--The development and widening adoption of communication standards have promoted efficiency and improved the insurance industry's bottom line, but those committed to the cause cannot afford to become complacent, said ACORD President and CEO Gregory A. Maciag.

"Standards don't run on electricity--they run on commitment. They don't come in a box--they come with people whose persistence makes them a success, no matter how the economy is doing," Mr. Maciag said here during the ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum.

While hailing the hard work of all those who participate in the many committees and subgroups that create and help implement standards throughout the industry, Mr. Maciag reminded everyone how critical it remains to keep telling co-workers and senior management about what standards mean to a company's efficiency, productivity and profitability.

"It's not only decision-makers who matter when it comes to standards, but influencers as well," he said. "When it comes to influencing decisions on adoption and implementation of standards, everyone's involvement is critical."

He said an ongoing drive to educate company personnel about the importance of standards is especially important, given the "revolving door in our business," with people leaving and entering on a regular basis.

"We can't assume that everyone even knows what ACORD does or how standards contribute to operational efficiency and the company's bottom line," he warned. "You must keep spreading the word."

Mr. Maciag said the challenge is "how do we bake standards compliance into your everyday process? How do we raise awareness that without much fanfare, standards deliver a tremendous return on investment?"

One way cited by Mr. Maciag is his group's new continuing education initiative, culminating in the creation of a new designation--ACE, which stands for ACORD Certified Expert.

"Part of our goal is to create a community of ACORD experts around the world who can serve as standards advocates at their organizations and increase the rate of standards adoption," explained Mr. Maciag.

Another is by collaborating with other industry associations--the latest being the announcement here that ACORD and the American Association of Managing General Agents have joined each other's organization.

Mr. Maciag also cited development of e-forms and the new ACORD Framework initiative to facilitate progress on standards integration.

In addition, Mr. Maciag released his second book here--"The Real-Time World: Enabled By ACORD Standards"--which, he said, can serve as "a tool to educate and stimulate discussion about the value of ACORD standards."