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John BleasdaleNov 15, 2023 11:31:35 AM2 min read

Simplify, Standardise and Automate Your Way to Success

Welcome to part four of our series on modernising the actuarial and finance function, where we explore the essential steps for simplifying, standardising and automating your processes.

In part one, we discussed the driving forces behind modernisation, emphasising the need for speed, efficiency, cost reduction and resource optimisation. Modernisation is about building a flexible platform for the future, accommodating operational models like shared services and managed services. However, none of this is possible without streamlining your processes.

Here are our tips on how to get started: 

Understand the landscape

To streamline your processes, you must first thoroughly understand your existing ones. Conduct a top-down and bottom-up analysis to scrutinise these processes and identify and prioritise areas for improvement while eliminating low-value ones.

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Simplify

Simplification involves removing unnecessary steps and streamlining workflows. Map out your processes, identify redundant tasks and consolidate efforts. Automate tasks technology can handle to free up employees for more strategic work.

Standardise

Standardising processes involves creating and implementing consistent procedures across the organisation that enhance efficiency and consistency, reduce errors and improve customer satisfaction. It requires you to document processes, develop best practices and train employees on standardised procedures.

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Automate

Automating processes involves using technology to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks. To get started, identify these processes and choose the right automation tools, such as Robotic Process Automation (RPA) software, workflow automation tools or artificial intelligence (AI)-powered solutions. Finally, gradually implement those tools, starting with your key processes.

Integrate

Integrating processes connects different systems and applications so they can communicate and share data seamlessly. It improves the efficiency of operations and reduces the risk of errors. Choose appropriate technology, develop a plan and always thoroughly test the integration. 

Other important factors to take into account when integrating processes include:

⇒ Security Implement appropriate security measures to protect your data at integration points.

⇒ Change management Have a change management process in place to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth transition.

⇒ Data governance Make sure the data shared between systems is accurate, consistent and secure.

Continuous improvement

Adopting a continuous improvement mindset is essential for maintaining a modern and efficient organisation. One way to do this is to use an iterative approach to process improvement, which sees you making small changes, measuring the results and making further changes as needed. Such an approach ensures your organisation continually improves its processes and adapts to change. 

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As we delve deeper into our series, it’s clear that success in modernisation hinges on balancing technology, processes and people. In our next instalment, we'll explore the pivotal role of people in modernisation and how you can foster a culture that drives change and continuous improvement.

Modernising your actuarial or finance function

If you're looking to modernise your actuarial or finance function, Brighter Consultancy can help. Our team of experienced consultants can help you assess your current state, develop a modernisation strategy and implement that strategy effectively. We can also help you manage the change process and support your employees during the transition.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you modernise your actuarial or financial function

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John Bleasdale

John has over 17 years of experience working commercially delivering high value and high impact services to clients. He has worked as a successful provider to the insurance industry for the last 11 years with experience across the majority of the insurance industry's key disciplines.

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