Applied Epic Vs. Applied TAM: Why Upgrading Your Brokerage Management System is Crucial

Are you ready to migrate from Applied TAM® to Applied Epic®, or are you uncertain about the steps required to move? While systems like Applied TAM paved the way for our technology today, modern systems like Applied Epic offer more capabilities in a more secure environment. We know change can be hard, and we are here to help you with the heavy lifting to ensure a smooth transition.

As I think about this important transition for brokers, I often think about my transition from VCR to DVDs and streaming services. I used to take pride in my VHS tape collection, but there came a time when they no longer functioned; the equipment became outdated, and it was time to move on.

Keep reading to learn how management systems have changed over the years and why we’re sunsetting Applied TAM in Canada and brokers are switching to an all-in-one solution like Applied Epic.

The Evolution of the Insurance Brokerage Management System

Applied Systems has been leading the way in insurtech since 1983. Broker management systems like Applied TAM played a key role in helping Applied revolutionize the insurance industry. However, as time passes, the technology it’s built on becomes more difficult to maintain and keep secure. To keep pushing for excellence and support independent brokers, we are focused on more innovative solutions. This includes platforms like Applied Epic, which help us create a safer and more efficient future for front and back-office activities.

The Epic Difference

What are the main differences between Applied Epic and Applied TAM for insurance brokers? Applied TAM was created as the first brokerage management software, so there is a big difference in what technology provides today with a modern brokerage management system like Applied Epic.

Some of what sets Applied Epic apart from older technology is:

• Simple and secure access via browser-based technology

• More capabilities delivered more frequently

• Reduced manual tasks

These are just some of the ways Applied Epic is a state-of-the-art brokerage management system that stands out from Applied TAM.

User Interface and Experience

The user interface and experience of today’s brokerage management system technology, like Applied Epic, are decades ahead of systems like Applied TAM. With this browser-native software and role-based data visualizations, brokers can enjoy a modern, intuitive user experience with fewer clicks, fewer screens and more native lookups and validation.

Data Analytics and Reporting

When you upgrade to Applied Epic, you’ll see the power of data with business insights right within your system with Epic Dashboards. These insights can help you better understand trends and target where to focus your brokerage’s efforts to make the most profits and provide the most value to your customers.

Integration Capabilities

All the tools needed to manage the end-to-end customer lifecycle are natively embedded or integrated within Applied Epic, so you can effectively and efficiently work in one system that keeps information and workflows connected instead of switching between multiple disconnected solutions.

• Marketing Automation: Integrated marketing automation lets you manage email messaging campaigns, contacts, and marketing subscriptions from your brokerage management system workflow.  

• Market Access and Quoting: Integrated personal lines and commercial lines rating applications allow you to remarket or quote new business directly within the management system. This way, you can ensure your customers get the best products at the right price, with fewer clicks.

• Omnichannel Customer Service: Integration with the customer self-service portal and mobile app allows policyholders to access their policy information when and how they like. All customer interactions are synced to the management system so that you always have the latest client details. 

• Digital Payments: A natively integrated digital payment platform provides policyholders a simple, secure payment experience while automating financial management and reconciliation.

Scalability and Growth Potential

When you invest in modern insurtech like Applied Epic, the sky is the limit with new business and seamless renewals. The open, scalable architecture supports the integration of Applied and third-party solutions, allowing you to create a customized tech stack.

Policy Management and Decision Making

With Applied Epic, brokers level up their policy management and decision-making capabilities with real-time access to policy information at every stage of the policy lifecycle. This information and the data insights from Epic Dashboards allow for data-informed decision-making for all brokerage roles.

The Migration Process

Moving to a modern, innovative system doesn’t need to be a lengthy or disruptive process. At Applied, we’ve learned the art of system migration through our extensive experience transitioning thousands of Applied TAM brokers. Brokers can now be up and running with Applied Epic in as little as two months, significantly faster than the traditional six-month timeline. This means you’ll experience less disruption and quickly benefit from our systems' advanced capabilities.

We understand that the thought of migration can be daunting. Rest assured, our dedicated Services and Implementation teams are here to support you every step of the way. With an average of 9.9 years of insurance experience, many of our team members have navigated migrations themselves while working in brokers. They know the challenges firsthand and are committed to making your transition seamless and successful.

By placing your trust in Applied, you’re choosing a partner dedicated to leading the industry through innovation, accountability, and exceptional customer success. Let us help you leverage advanced software solutions to transform your insurance business and exceed expectations.

Planning and Preparation

We want this transition to be as minimally disruptive to your business as possible. After you build your brokerage’s implementation team, our experts will collaborate with you to coordinate data review, roll out the training plan and more. It’s important that you communicate regularly with your internal implementation team to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Data Transfer and System Setup

We know transferring sensitive customer data can be scary. We have documents we can share about cleaning up your data before migration and tips to ensure we maintain data security as you migrate. Our experts don’t recommend bringing over more than three years of data, so that is something to keep in mind as you clean up your data.

Training and Adoption

How can you help your team feel more comfortable in the transition and ensure you have the necessary training? It’s important to set aside time to take the courses Applied recommends for basic training and get everyone practicing in the system before you have training sessions for daily workflows and start implementation. We recommend getting your teams involved in implementation when possible. You can always reach out to us if you need training or assistance.

Want more peer insights? Check out this success story from Hugh Wood Canada Limited to learn how this long-time Applied TAM broker transitioned to Applied Epic, all thanks to the Applied Implementation and Activation teams, who were there to help every step of the way.

Get Started

To learn more, check out the Applied TAM Migration Resource Hub, where brokers can access guides, tools, and support for migrating from Applied TAM to a more flexible and scalable management system like Applied Epic.