All businesses should exercise caution when undertaking legacy system modernization. The insurance industry, in particular, requires specialized IT solutions when it comes to updating systems.
A recent article in Claims Journal recently at the data migration tasks that fall to insurance professionals. These include pursuing software that will mitigate any pre-existing weaknesses within the company, and can extend to data migration.
According to the article's author, James DeRosa, there are three options: a "straight" migration, extended migration that includes an external interface and an upgrade migration that includes an improvement with modernization.
Whichever route is taken, DeRosa notes that the important thing is to make sure the proper planning has been implemented to go along with this effort. This includes a "road map" and a series of tests to make sure that no surprises pop up during the conversion process.
"Each stage of the journey should be carefully monitored with open communication in all directions, including with investors and others involved with the organization," he writes. "Test all pilots and rollouts rigorously to ensure that the software is helping to take the company in the desired direction."
Some insurance companies may be relying on older software and need to look for improvements that don't completely invalidate your practice and progress. Whether it's a screen-to-web modernization or some other form of progression, the long-term integration solution you choose should be part of a grand and well-organized plan that takes all of the available software-based opportunities into account. The options embedded in the browser emulator software you use can also help you design and implement a plan that fits your schedule.