The 6 commandments to take into account before the overhaul of its information system

Evaluate the existing information system

When you get started in the overhaul of your ifbe careful not to go too fast: definitely make a cross on your current information system can be risky. Indeed, it is relevant to assess it to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Although it no longer meets your expectations, your IS could well constitute an interesting “capital capital” for the future.

Moreover, in the insurance sector, it is unusual to fully replace the system: the most widespread approach is to modernize it, based on the existing rather than deleting it. Concretely, this consists in improving interoperability between business management applications, by more effectively connecting the different functions of the company. Simpler to implement, this solution is much less expensive than complete migration to a new SI.

Last aspect to be taken into account: the existing information system, even if it is led to be replaced or modernized, must remain functional during the deployment of the new SI.

Take into account your business strategy

Business Information System and Strategy are closely linked. Moreover, the strategic vision must constitute the starting point of your project to redesign SI. However, it is difficult to project yourself into the future and define how the information system can help the company achieve its strategic objectives. In this context, it is tempting to take into account other factors to guide this project: working methods, skills, constraints …

However, the strategy must be the spearhead of The redesign of your information system And should allow you to determine the path to follow. Otherwise, your future is so likely to be a slightly improved version of the existing, and not a real digital transformation lever. Once these major strategic orientations have been defined, operational decisions will appear much more naturally.

Involve business directions

There Dsi is often reduced (wrongly) to its computer function, to the point that the overhaul of an information system is sometimes perceived as the simple integration of a new technological tool. An erroneous vision which can considerably limit the interest of the new if for the insurance company.

Indeed, the information system concerns all the business departments of the company, which have direct use of the IT tools made available to them. There Information Systems Departmentif it plays an essential role as a project manager, should not be the only actor involved.

From the first reflections on the overhaul of the IS, the business departments must therefore be associated with the Project management. Cooperation essential for the system to meet the strategic challenges of society.

Use an agile method

A Information system redesign raises many issues, which is why it is tempting to plan it even in the smallest detail. If it may seem reasonable and cautious, such an approach has a drawback: the investment of the teams in the project may be compromised by this abundance of details.

Thus, to establish the foundations of your future if, it is better to take action and mobilize employees by using agile methods. What to implement a positive dynamic, with short -term results, allowing to cross the different more quickly Steps of your redesign project.

Think of customer needs

A project to redesign information system should not be focused solely on the internal needs of the company, but also on external needs related to customers. A real challenge, because the IS insurance companies have not been designed with a client purpose historically, it is rather aimed at automating tasks such as calls for contributions or the loss management.

Today, more than ever, an information system must be open and communicating: hence the importance of modernizing it by orienting it more towards the customer.

Have your overhaul of if

To put the odds on your side, it is recommended to be accompanied by a third party in your Information system redesign. Whether it is an editor, an ESN or a consultant, this provider can help you set up a relevant action plan according to your strategy and your objectives, while ensuring the smooth running of the A to Z project.

To do this, it is based in particular on an assessment of the existing information system, sometimes including the creation of a real map. It can thus determine what are the most relevant features, whether for employees or for company customers, in order to purify the system to the maximum.

Based on the needs of the insurance company, it can also improve the relevance of business applications, but also their long -term maintainability. Regular updates allow to reduce the technical debt accumulated by the organization. Finally, the service provider guarantees consistency and data reliabilityas part of the company's privacy policy.

In all cases, a real convergence between the different stakeholders in the project – publisher, integrator, ESN, etc. – is essential to guarantee its success.