Behind the scenes of our favorite apps and websites are Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that are hard at work. They're the unsung heroes who serve an important function in our digital activities. For insurance agencies and brokerages, APIs help streamline workflows, increase automation efficiency, and more.
But first, what is an API? An API is a set of rules that define how two programs can interact and what data they can exchange. Think of it as a mediator between two applications. For both users and developers, this helps them provide even greater functionality for services.
APIs in the insurance industry can focus on enhancing communication between systems to allow data to flow between them seamlessly. For example, an API can connect an agency management system (AMS) or brokerage management systems (BMS) with an insurance payment processing solution. This would allow for real-time updates and less need for manual data entry.
Since APIs often go unnoticed, we want to shine a light on Applied Epic®'s APIs and how they support Applied Systems' products as we deliver technology that transforms how our customers do business.
Why Are APIs Important for the Insurance Industry?
APIs provide plenty of value for customers by enabling efficiency with automated workflows that reduce manual processes. They increase productivity and accuracy through less repetitive data entry tasks, which prevents errors. They also open the doors for customization, so insurance agencies can tailor their AMS functionality to fit their needs. Without APIs, businesses would see workflows that aren't as efficient, with more siloed processes, limited integration capabilities with external tools, and more manual work that takes time away from more important tasks.
Examples of APIs in Applied Epic and How They Benefit Agencies
So, where do APIs fit into Applied Epic? The purpose can be divided into four categories: Automate, extract, import, and integrate and sync. To take advantage of them, you'll need an SDK (Software Development Kit)-API License, a utility purchase/license, and of course Applied Epic.
Let's explore some of these features that are within your management system and integrated into your native Applied Epic flow, and how they benefit insurance agencies.
Unlock Efficiency Across Key Workflows with the Attachments API
The Attachments API in Applied Epic is designed to simplify how agencies manage critical documents across multiple business processes. For Customer Relationship Management, you can instantly retrieve all active attachments associated with a client account, ensuring your team has the right information at the right time. In VoIP integrations, upload call recordings and transcripts directly to an account or activity for seamless communication tracking. For policy proofs, quickly access attachments that represent proof of insurance, supporting compliance and client transparency. And in Claim Management, upload and link photos of damaged vehicles to their respective claims, accelerating resolution and improving the customer experience. Wherever your workflows require secure, organized document handling, the Attachments API delivers the flexibility and control your enterprise needs.
Streamline Relationship Management with the Contacts API
The Clients API in Applied Epic enables agencies to access comprehensive client information that drives better decision-making and personalized service. Features include:
By connecting client data to your CRM, communication tools, and analytics platforms, the Clients API helps enterprise teams deliver efficiency, compliance, and exceptional customer engagement.
Power Smarter Client Insights with the Clients API
The Clients API in Applied Epic enables agencies to access comprehensive client information that drives better decision-making and personalized service. From Client Lookup, where you can pull lists of active clients based on location or other criteria, to Benefits Data, which provides key details like employee counts and HIPAA compliance for accurate reporting, this API ensures critical data is always at your fingertips. It also supports VoIP integrations, allowing client names to appear during incoming calls for a seamless, personalized experience. By connecting client data to your CRM, communication tools, and analytics platforms, the Clients API helps enterprise teams deliver efficiency, compliance, and exceptional customer engagement.
Integrations and Synchronizations with Third-Party Insurtech
Various integration utilities are available for third-party Employee Benefits and Bond apps into Applied Epic. Agencies can choose specific tools that best fit their workflow, giving them the flexibility to suit their unique needs. Plus, these tools grow alongside you to fit your evolving needs. This way, agencies will stay updated and keep a competitive advantage over agencies who have less-connected systems.
What makes Applied Epic stand apart from the rest? It shines in its ability to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of external tools and platforms including CRM systems, marketing automation platforms, and other industry-specific solutions.
Tips For Using Applied Epic APIs Securely and Efficiently
You can trust that the APIs require authentication to prevent unauthorized access, attacks, and data breaches. Applied Epic uses a custom authentication method that needs to be configured to the application. You will also need an API key, which is a unique identifier to authenticate the application. Data security is top of mind at Applied Systems so you can trust that your information is secure and safe.
Using Applied Epic APIs doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming. These tools are meant to support your agency as you lessen manual work, enhance your customer experience, and reach your bigger picture goals.
Here are a few tips to help integrate APIs into your agency:
- Standardize and transform data fields to ensure they're compatible with your existing systems
- Make sure your API credentials are stored safely, like in a secure vault
- Be wary of API rate limits to prevent your servers from being overloaded
- Set up detailed plans to handle errors quickly and effectively
- Provide appropriate API scopes to the apps you create for greater control and enhanced security.
Consider developing your API integration in a sandbox environment with simulated data to conduct API testing without affecting your production environment and live data
Harnessing The Power of APIs in Insurance Software
Our digital experiences wouldn't be the same without APIs. They're vital to many apps and technologies, including our products at Applied Systems. Applied Epic is the world's most widely used AMS, and it thrives with APIs that help simplify and automate workflows.
If you have questions and need support, we're happy to help. Reach out to talk more about Applied Epic.
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Anupam Gupta
Chief Product Officer
Anupam Gupta, Chief Product Officer, is responsible for the company's product vision and product management teams. Formerly CPO at 4C Insights, a sophisticated Data & Analytics SaaS provider to the AdTech/MarTech industries, which was acquired by Mediaocean, the mission-critical platform for omnichannel advertising with more than $200 billion in annualized media spend managed through its software, connecting the ecosystem of agencies, brands, media, technology, and data. As CPO of the combined companies, he spearheaded their product transformation to the cloud, adding new products fueled by data and intelligence infused in the core workflow. Previously, he’s led product organizations for several tech companies, including at Vubiquity, Mixpo, and Microsoft among others.