ACORD Says Its AUGIE Survey Is Now Online

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

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

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

Pearl River, N.Y.-based ACORD said the survey will seek answers from
agencies, carriers, solution providers and other members of the industry. 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 and workflows, it's time to once again survey the industry for updates on the use of technology."

ACORD said findings from past surveys have led to greater agency involvement in ACORD standards development; better dialogue between agents, their carriers and vendors; the Real Time Campaign; and a unified approach to technology. It led to doubling of activity for such things as real time rating and inquiry, personal downloads and commercial downloads.

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

"Everyone who is involved with selling or servicing customers has a vital role to play in the industry and in this survey. Everyone who writes insurance, supports the industry and develops products 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 of questions has been reduced based on the respondent's role.

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

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

Ms. Goth advised that those taking the survey "will have the ability to stop and resume the survey. We know everyone is busy and gets interrupted, so now you can handle that important call or put the kids to bed, log back into the system using a username and password that is created when you begin taking the survey at augiesurvey.artizan.com, and pick up where you left off."

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