“Switching to new software? That’s not something you do every day. Plus, day-to-day operations continue as usual. That’s why a migration process can sometimes be quite demanding for an organization,” explains Feike. Fortunately, you’re not on your own. ANVA ensures that everything is technically sound, provides training, and offers assistance wherever possible. And if you need extra support? We’ve got you covered!
Many organizations are eager to receive additional support with adoption, project management, and change management. This extra assistance is particularly valuable for organizations with limited capacity or experience in migration. That is why ANVA has partnered with migration specialist ITDS. “As a consulting firm, we’ve been active in the financial sector since 1998. In short, insurance is our passion!” says Martin.
ITDS has helped quite a few major insurers transition to new systems. Now they are seeing that consulting firms, providers, and Managing General Agents are Managing General Agents in need of their expertise. “We believe in the direction ANVA is heading. And with our knowledge of both migration processes and the market itself, this partnership allows us to truly add value.”
But what exactly does a migration partner do? “We support the client every step of the way. ANVA ensures that everything works from a technical standpoint, while we focus on whether and how it works for the client,” explains Martin. Because while ANVA naturally possesses all the subject-matter expertise, ITDS knows better than anyone how to ensure that everything will eventually integrate seamlessly with the way you want to work.
Martin continues: “Migrating involves much more than just transferring data. If you keep doing what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten. And that’s a shame when you’re switching to a new system.” Thorough preparation is therefore essential for a successful migration. So how do you go about it? Martin has three practical tips:
“Take stock of how you currently work. What products and integrations do you use, how do your processes flow, and who is involved? Be sure to involve your employees in this process right from the start—it will help ensure adoption later on. How do they currently work, what challenges do they face, and what are their needs?”
“Sometimes we see the craziest things: we really need to do something about that valuables insurance policy for a black-and-white TV. That’s why you should use the ANVA Data Monitor to gain insight into your portfolio and data. This will give you a great starting point for cleaning up your data later on.”
“Go back to who you are. What is your mission, what are your goals, and what are your plans for the future? Then compare this with your self-assessment. Do they align? This is crucial for setting up your new ANVA correctly.”
To ensure a smooth migration, it’s important to start early. Feike: “Ideally, a year and a half in advance. That might sound like a long time, but it’s important that both the people and the business are ready.” And that takes time. People have often been working in these systems for years without cleaning up the data. So, that usually requires a thorough overhaul.
“Besides, people are used to the old system. They know everything by heart, and suddenly they won’t anymore. This can sometimes cause quite a bit of resistance,” Feike continues. That’s why both ANVA and ITDS are focusing heavily on adoption. “We provide high-quality training, and ITDS complements this perfectly with their expertise in change management.”
Curious about exactly what the migration process entails and how we, together with ITDS, will guide you through it from start to finish? Contact us or download our migration guide.
