Leveraging Technology to Compete in the Insurance Industry: 3 Keys to Success

We began working on a plan for HR and CRM solutions, but it wasn’t long before what we expected to do suddenly changed—and very significantly. As happens so often, especially during the years of the COVID pandemic, what was initially the need (CRM and HR technology) was put on the back burner because of Brexit. Suddenly, this UK-headquartered firm had to quickly move an Azure tenant from the UK to anywhere in the EU to avoid serious interruption to business in Europe.

Key to success #1: Applying technology based on industry need

Fortunately, HSO is experienced with Azure, Microsoft Dynamics, and Modern Workplace migrations, and we have had plenty of experience pivoting to meet a fast-changing world landscape, so we were ready to take on the challenge.

The resulting migration, which was completed in time to prevent interruption and major complications due to Brexit, was just the beginning of an ongoing relationship centered around applying technology thoughtfully to address the needs of a rapidly growing and evolving industry. Since the Azure migration, HSO has worked with this firm on additional Azure projects, as well as reporting and analytics using Microsoft Power BI.

Key to success #2: Finding the right partner

We’ve been doing this long enough to confidently say that the technology, while critical, is only half the solution. The other half is a partner that not only understands the technology being used, but understands the industry and its challenges, listens to the client to really understand their needs, and simply being a proactive, respectful, dependable partner.

In the case of this firm, we proved each time that we could tackle an issue, deliver a quality solution, and do so even within a tight timeframe brought on by Brexit. The result was a trusted relationship that continues to be strengthened. When the firm was ready to go back to the original CRM/HR engagement, they knew that HSO needed to be in the mix.

Key to success #3: Building a strategic technology relationship

As with just about every industry today, the insurance industry understands that technology can either hold you back or set you apart from increasingly fierce competition. Far from an afterthought or a supporting player, technology is a strategic differentiator and deserves a seat at the table—and a supporting partner that doesn’t just install servers and implement software.

With that in mind, the firm selected HSO as their global managed services provider—establishing a relationship with us as their strategic technology advisor. Together, we can look for opportunities to capitalize on technology as the firm grows, as markets change, and as technology evolves.