Computers in the Workplace

Computers in the Workplace: Insurance Industry

Insurance is the industry in which I have the most recent experience. In my role, and most other roles within insurance, computers have revolutionized communication with clients, policy management, and many other functions. In communicating with customers, we had been able to transition from handling physical paper mail and faxes to automatically scanning the mail and faxing in for faster disbursement among team members to be worked. Digitizing the paper correspondence also allows for more accessible documentation. Instead of physical files, we had a file management system that could be accessed by many employees simultaneously. Instead of requiring physical phones, we have opted to use a phone system built into our customer relations management system to receive and make calls that will connect our notations to the customer's policy. With computers, we have even been able to automate some processes, such as creating loss history letters. Computers have also allowed for connectivity and fewer restrictions on locations. In my previous role, I was able to work from home and communicate through Microsoft Teams from my home in Texas, while the office is located in Michigan. These have been examples of the role of computers in my previous position, but there are other ways computers have changed other insurance roles. One such way is how homes are inspected. We can gain a better view of a home by utilizing drones to get a view of the roof safely. 

Drone use for insurance assessment
Note. From Intellectsoft: Drones in Insurance: How the Technology Changed the Industry and What to Expect from it Soon. [Image 1]. (2020). https://www.intellectsoft.net/blog/drones-in-insurance-all-you-need-to-know/

Final Thoughts

It is essential for employees to be computer literate within the insurance industry, as all roles are using more computers and devices to become more efficient in tasks. You must be able to navigate through web pages and software to complete your daily tasks. Better computer literacy helps employees diagnose a problem they may have, such as computer slowness or nonresponsive systems that often call for clearing cookies. Computer literacy also helps an employee better communicate any more advanced issues to an IT professional. Considering trends in computing, I foresee the insurance industry adding automation to more complex tasks and implementing AI into customer questions and employee assistance. I also predict a stronger focus on cybersecurity to protect insurance data and networks. 

References

Intellectsoft. (2020, September 21). Drones in Insurance: How the Technology Changed the Industry and What to Expect from it Soon. https://www.intellectsoft.net/blog/drones-in-insurance-all-you-need-to-know/