MANAGE TECHNOLOGY & LEAD
▸ What format is the data provided in , and is it easy to manipulate or convert to another system ?
▸ If you bring past data to a new vendor , how much will they charge to convert the data , and how long will it take ?
“ Agencies are sometimes blinded by a low introductory offer for a management system ,” says HawkSoft ’ s VP of Sales , Paul Moyes . “ What they may not be taking into account is how costly that decision can become when they are bringing data with them , or when they want to change systems down the road .”
3 . Does the vendor allow you to integrate your data with other platforms ? Another important part of data ownership is the ability to connect your client data with other systems that help you run your business , such as marketing automation , review management , raters , and more . No one system does everything an agency needs — nor should it , according to Todd Sorrel , co-founder of ePayPolicy payment processing system , in a recent article he wrote for Rough Notes .
Rather than trying to find one system that “ has it all ,” he recommends looking at systems that specialize in what they do — and integrate well with other systems . “ When you go out to dinner ,” he says , “ you don ’ t want the same person who valets your car to seat you , serve and bus your table , and cook your meal . Each of these individuals plays a specialized role in your dining experience . The same holds with your agency technology stack .”
One of the best ways technology vendors can facilitate access to client data for other platforms is through API integration . By offering API integration with various systems , vendors can show they are committed to meeting all the needs of an agency — not just the ones solved by their product .
Torey Maerz , co-founder and CEO of Rocket Referrals points out that this level of connectivity differentiates the agency as well . “ Agents who use tools with open connectivity have an advantage ,” he said to HawkSoft . “ They can pick the right set of systems for their business to create the best customer experiences — a key differentiator in today ’ s market .”
Rocket Referrals has been a member of HawkSoft ’ s Partner API program since August 2020 . “ It ’ s inspiring to see the collaboration happening in our industry ,” Maerz said . “ I ’ m excited to see more and more API integrations offered among various systems as we continue to innovate and build even better tools for agents .”
The quality of a vendor ’ s API partners is just as important as the quantity offered since the partner will be accessing your policyholders ’ data , too , if enabled . Look for vendors who thoroughly vet their partners and hold them to data practices that are fair to the agency ; you want a vendor that goes to bat for your agency .
HawkSoft ’ s Business Development Coordinator , Kenny Hendricks , drives the company ’ s Partner API program , “ The single most important aspect of my job is ensuring we partner with vendors that we can trust and who are committed to respecting an agency ’ s ownership of their data as much as we do ,” Kenny says . “ Agencies should take the same care in vetting vendors themselves .”
DATA IS VALUE We often talk about partnering with companies that respect or share the agency ’ s values . Data ownership is one area where it ’ s imperative for those values to align . Finding likeminded technology partners to handle your agency ’ s data can mean the difference between maintaining ownership of one of your agency ’ s most valuable assets and giving it away for free .
Rachel Stauffer is the content manager at HawkSoft , Inc
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