CGI offers Industrial Alliance Auto and Home Insurance top-notch outsourcing services

In 1999, Industrial Alliance Auto and Home Insurance (IAAH) separated from its sister company, which was sold to an outside interest, and decided to outsource to CGI the implementation, hosting and physical management of its AS/400 equipment, as well as the production of its customized printed documents, such as insurance policies, invoices and statement accounts, to name just a few.

Founded in 1973, IAAH has enjoyed steady growth. Therefore, when it came time to outsource its technology management, it was vital to the company to find a supplier able to guarantee reliability while supporting the insurer’s technological expansion and evolution.

Outsourcing would also allow the company’s managers to focus their efforts entirely on insurance management and marketing activities.

In 1999, IAAH awarded CGI a 38-month mandate to December 31, 2002, which included the hosting and operation of its AS/400 systems, technical support for users and sophisticated document printing services.

The Challenge
Because it was entering a new phase as an independent company, IAAH had to acquire its own information systems, which consisted of two IBM AS/400 computers, and implement them as quickly and transparently as possible – without disruption to customers or employees. IAAH already owned high-level software applications, which it would simply be necessary to customize according to the company’s new criteria.

Insurance sector companies have long been respected for their precise procedures and exceptional rigor when it comes to document production. In addition to the challenge of implementing the new systems, CGI therefore had to establish efficient performance and production exchange and monitoring systems to reassure the leaders of IAAH, who, understandably, already had their plates full.

The Strategy
In fact, CGI already had in-depth knowledge of all of IAAH’s technological activities. From day-to-day operations to the maintenance of the operating systems and the physical intricacies of the computers and peripheral equipment, the AS/400 technological environment held no secrets for CGI’s experts, who already managed numerous systems of this type, including a number for other insurance companies.

CGI’s consultants were therefore able to create, together with IAAH representatives, a diverse team capable of preparing and implementing the new systems within three months. The planning process included meetings at each step in order to ensure activities were monitored closely. At the same time, rigorous ongoing communication and control mechanisms were introduced to guarantee the client optimal system availability and total ease in using its information systems environment.

For CGI, the basic strategy consisted of assigning the very best people to the project and creating a completely transparent link with the client in order to generate synergy that would thrive over the long term.

The Technology
Integrated technology management, including:

• Equipment hosting: 2 IBM AS/400 systems and peripheral equipment
• Printing/desktop publishing: sophisticated CGI interfaces; production in Quebec City of files generated in Montreal’s data center
• Day-to-day systems management
• Technical support for users
• Recording and technical data services: AS/400 production environment
• Production monitoring
• …etc.

The Results
A detailed strategy and close cooperation between IAAH and CGI allowed for a smooth implementation of the systems on time and on budget and without any visible impact on customer operations. In addition, the permanent data exchange mechanisms introduced have served to reinforce harmonious working relationships between the teams of both companies.

The information systems offer performance levels that are among the highest in the industry. In addition, the production of sophisticated, customized printed documents generated by electronic files has allowed IAAH to offer superior services to its customers.

“We consider CGI as a partner rather than a supplier,” states Marcel Lortie, IAAH’s IT Director. “We also very much appreciated the professionalism demonstrated by CGI’s people during the implementation of the AS/400 systems, an operation that went quickly, on schedule and without any perceptible impact. CGI’s specialists remain attentive to our needs and, because they know our systems well, they are able to effectively respond to those needs. We particularly appreciate the people in printing services, who often are able to propose innovative solutions to us.”