Transforming a global insurer’s underwriting process
by George Field
The client
Our client is a leading specialty insurer, providing end-to-end coverage and risk management solutions across the UK and Europe. Their goal is to empower insurance buyers and intermediaries to better manage, mitigate and recover from risk.
Diagnose
Relying on multiple disconnected platforms, manual processes and spreadsheets, the insurer was experiencing significant inefficiencies in its underwriting process. After discussions with ECMS in January 2024, the client decided to implement an underwriting workbench to centralise data, automate workflows and enhance underwriting efficiency.
Architect
ECMS partnered with the client to deliver the underwriting workbench using a structured, phased approach – ensuring seamless integration, minimal disruption and alignment with strategic business objectives. Focused on strong governance and continuous feedback loops to ensure business readiness, benefit and compliance alignment, our approach consisted of five phases:
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Phase 1: Discovery workshops
We engaged all the key stakeholders to capture end-to-end underwriting workflows, functional requirements, data needs, risk modelling approaches and integration points across the client’s existing systems.
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Phase 2: Vendor selection
We conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all the client’s vendors based on usability, system compatibility, scalability and long-term support to ensure the selected solution met both current and future business needs.
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Phase 3: Implementation and integration
We led the configuration and deployment of the underwriting workbench, working closely with the client’s development and QA teams to ensure it was fully integrated with policy administration, claims management and other core systems.
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Phase 5: Training and change management
We delivered a comprehensive training programme which included hands-on sessions, documentation and ongoing support. We also rolled out a structured change management plan to ensure a smooth transition and drive adoption across the underwriting function.
Deliver
“By putting in place a highly skilled underwriting workbench, centralising the client’s underwriting data and processes into one platform, and delivering a phased solution tailored to their needs, we were able to help the company increase efficiency, improve data accuracy and ultimately, make faster decisions, thereby transforming their underwriting process.” George Field, Senior Consultant – ECMS
Utilising our deep domain expertise in insurance, data architecture and system integration, we successfully delivered a best-in-class underwriting workbench to streamline the client’s underwriting operations, improve data accuracy and accelerate decision-making. By aligning the workbench with the client’s existing processes, systems and data sources, we were able to drive user adoption and minimise disruption across the business. The programme has delivered a number of significant benefits for the client:
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Streamlined underwriting
The centralised platform has eliminated manual processes and siloed systems, giving the client’s underwriters easy access to all critical data in one place.
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Improved data accuracy
Consolidated data has reduced inconsistencies and errors, helping the client make more accurate risk assessments and pricing decisions.
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Increased efficiency
Automated workflows and system integrations have cut administrative effort, enabling underwriters to focus on high-value tasks.
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Faster, smarter decisions
With real-time access to historical data, risk insights and analytics, the client is able to make faster, more informed underwriting decisions.
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Scalable foundation
The successful MVP rollout has established a strong base for future enhancements, supporting the client’s long-term digital transformation and operational excellence goals.
Oversee
Unifying underwriting data, automating core workflows and providing an efficient working environment, the implementation has delivered immediate operational improvements for the client. Crucially, it has also positioned the business for continued growth, with a scalable platform that supports smarter, faster and more consistent underwriting.
To discuss how we can help you put the right talent solution in place for your organisation, please contact George Field here.
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