Alan Yandziak, president of Counterpoint Software, Inc. (CSI), says that this ability is the foundation of virtually every new program opportunity currently in the marketplace. "Often these organizations look to 'investments in technology' for this competitive edge," says Yandziak. "Many times 'off-the-shelf' software solves a basic problem but may not allow the flexibility needed to compete effectively. CSI recognizes the need for software solutions allowing agencies and companies to communicate information, review the performance of their portfolios, and make whatever changes may be necessary to maintain their profitability. An important side benefit of these capabilities is the time saved and the manpower cost reductions afforded by these systems."

CSI has been developing custom business management solutions since 1986. Its client base includes insurance companies, MGAs, retail agents, and claims administrators which range in size from Fortune 500 companies to small businesses. CSI is also a member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of Delaware, and Target Markets Association. CSI is currently teamed with Specialty Advisory Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Arthur J. Gallagher Intermediaries, Inc., and a major insurer, as well as numerous program administrators to produce agency management systems.

Yandziak says CSI offers "ideas and solutions. We strive for a personal solution for each of our clients." With its Technical Assessment, a representative of the company will meet with your team at your location. The representative will interview personnel and evaluate present hardware and software. All of the information gathered will be organized in a report along with CSI recommendations individualized for your company. With this approach, CSI provides its customers with guidance in understanding their business processes as they pertain to technology. Based upon the results of the Technical Assessment, CSI's customers may elect to subscribe to CSI's Insurance Management Suite (IMS) Solution. IMS is a framework to develop a custom agency management system tailored to the needs of the client. "Many of our clients are exceptional at understanding the insurance market but need assistance in technology to bring that knowledge to the marketplace via the Internet," says Yandziak. "The combination of extensive insurance knowledge and the Insurance Management Suite enables CSI to offer custom solutions to our customers with the speed and accuracy that are a better business fit in today's marketplace."

The IMS Framework, a basic set of tracking and reporting modules (customers, applications, and submissions), allows CSI to accelerate development of a custom agency management solution, according to the CSI president. "Adding modules for quoting, based on rating guidelines, and policy issuance completes a basic agency management system. This enables our clients to enjoy a custom solution in as little as 45 to 60 days and to pursue opportunities that their competitors cannot."

Yandziak says that CSI has developed Web modules that allow its clients' customers to submit applications from any browser and receive a quote. Depending on the needs of the customer, Web-based credit card payment and real-time policy binding can also occur. This can automate policy issuance from beginning to end, saving CSI's customers hours of time and allowing them to generate additional revenue, he says.

Examples of some of the customizable modules in IMS are:

* Reporting Module

* Policy Administration Module: customer prospect tracking, application/ submission processing, submission/rating/quote tracking, policy processing/policy issuance, renewal processing, cancellations/reinstatements, auditing

* Claims Tracking Module

* Accounting Module

* Sales & Marketing Module

* Electronic Document Management Module

* EDI or XML transmission of data to carrier