While insurance agency management systems are incredible at increasing productivity and efficiency, they must also be used properly to ensure the best possible outcomes. The switch from paper to paperless can be jarring, and without the proper training, the transition cannot be maximized to its fullest potential.
Case and point, even something as incredible as QQCatalyst must be handled correctly for it to work in the best way it possibly can. Join us as we examine three common mistakes that are made when agencies switch to a management system. Avoiding these will help you maximize your new agency management system to its fullest potential.
Common Agency Management System Mistakes
At QQSolutions, we are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality software combined with the most attentive and experienced support team to help you learn, adapt, and maximize the potential of your agency. As part of this ongoing effort, we want to spotlight three mistakes that we see all too often from agencies that have made the transition to a software solution.
Mistake #1: “Agents are Not Trained Correctly”
No one can simply jump into a new piece of software and understand its nuances completely. Without any kind of training, agents will be unable to use their new tools to the fullest potential. While QQCatalyst is by far the easiest and most intuitive option on the market, we also make significant and constant investments into recruiting experienced insurance agents to help our clients learn everything that Catalyst has to offer.
Many agencies will hear that the software is cloud-based and easily implemented and they leap on the opportunity. They make the change and they dive right into the new software without any sort of training. QQCatalyst is unique in that is it user-friendly and easy to learn. Other management software will require up to 90 days of training before they can be fully utilized, but Catalyst does not require this much time to learn because it is so well designed.
Once your agency adopts Catalyst, you can have the entire staff trained and ready to use the new system within five days. We know how valuable your time is, so we don’t waste a single second in our transition process. We ensure that the entire agency is trained in the software, not just a single person, but everyone from administrators to individuals. As we continue to pursue innovation in all things, QQSolutions is investigating new ways to offer this training to our clients.
Currently you have several options with how you receive training: free videos, free interactive training courses and personalized one-on-one training for a small fee depending on your plan of choice. The training you receive is also based on each individual’s role in the agency. For example we have administrative training packets and agent training packets thereby ensuring that everyone gets the training they need quickly. However, all training documents and videos are available to everyone allowing the whole agency to expand their knowledge beyond their role.
Mistake #2: “Agents Are Not Using The Analytical Benefits Of The AMS”
This mistake is easy to make, but it’s a crucial element of any agency management system. With Catalyst, you can develop and track reports to help seek out opportunities for cross selling. Agencies that use a system like this solely for digital storage or contact information are losing out on valuable opportunities and capabilities that the program has.
This mistake is usually the result of a lack of proper training, as mentioned above. Knowledge of the program’s full suite of capabilities will allow agents to use it to its fullest potential.
Mistake #3: “Agents Do Not Take Advantage of Opportunities to Improve Efficiency”
When using a software solution, carriers can send client data directly to the program, removing the need for manual data entry. This not only cuts down on time, but it also enables the program to remove the possibility for errors in the entry process. Commissions, an important part of any agency, can be tracked and monitored using QQCatalyst.
An included tool called “Catalyst Commission Central” allows you to keep track of cash flows and set up forecasts to predict future sales and commissions based on information you provide. As an example, if you know that you will get a 10% commission on each sale, you can input this information into the tool to automatically calculate this figure each time you make a sale for that carrier.
In addition to efficiency, AMS software like Catalyst also allows both you and the clients a better peace of mind. Since everything is automatically imported directly from the client’s contact information, there is no room for error. Therefore, the accuracy is unparalleled. In addition, a proper E-signature is used for all documentation to enable ultimate security at every turn.
Choose QQCatalyst and Avoid These Mistakes
All of these things are common issues arise from a single core issue: the lack of proper training and support. Other agency management systems will give your agency the software and leave you to it. Without proper onboarding, training, and support, these mistakes are bound to happen. These aren’t reflective of an agency’s issues, but of issues with the software provider.
With a fully experienced and knowledgeable staff, QQSolutions helps small and medium sized agencies each day to avoid these mistakes and take full advantage of QQCatalyst. Our incredibly talented staff, combined with top-notch role-based training ensures that you will have the new software implemented and ready to use to its fullest potential.
