Five Scary Mistakes I’ve Seen Technology Companies Make: A Halloween Tale

I’m not a BIG Halloween guy but, in my 27 years of experience in the reinsurance sector, I’ve seen some scary mistakes from technology companies - and Halloween is the perfect time to talk about them.

While the reinsurance industry may not seem as inherently eerie as haunted houses or ghost stories, the mistakes made in this sector can have far-reaching consequences. Technology companies in reinsurance can find themselves facing some bone-chilling blunders that haunt them for years to come.

Let's dive into these hair-raising tales of reinsurance technology gone wrong.

1. Ignoring Data Security

One of the scariest mistakes that technology companies can make in the reinsurance sector is neglecting data security. Reinsurance firms deal with vast amounts of sensitive data, and a breach can be disastrous. From client records to proprietary pricing models, failing to protect this information can result in financial losses and reputational damage.

2. The Curse of Outdated Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of reinsurance, technology that falls behind the times can spell doom for a company. Using outdated software and systems can lead to inefficiency, increased operational costs, and a loss of competitiveness.

3. Lack of Adaptation

One of the most petrifying mistakes is failing to adapt to industry changes. The reinsurance sector is continually evolving due to regulatory changes, shifting client needs, and new risk assessment models. A technology company that doesn't evolve with the times becomes a zombie in the industry, shuffling along with outdated strategies while the world moves on.

4. Forgetting About Customer Experience

Reinsurance may seem like a B2B industry, but forgetting about customer experience can be a grave error. Technology companies that provide user-friendly platforms and excellent customer support can stand out in a crowded field.

5. Tech Transformation Must Consider the Wider Organisational Landscape

Tech transformation only works if it takes into account the wider organisational landscape of people, processes, and clients. The reinsurance industry is not just about technology; it's a complex ecosystem involving people, processes, and client relationships. Ignoring these aspects while implementing new tech solutions can lead to disarray and resistance within the organisation.

A successful tech transformation should involve collaboration, ensuring that the technology aligns with the company's overall goals and values.

By staying up to date with technology trends, prioritising data security, and embracing innovation while considering the broader organisational landscape, companies can ensure that their future is filled with treats and not tricks.

Happy Halloween! 🎃

I have been at the forefront of digital transformation deploying process automation across claims, IT and accounting functions, leading on wide-scale OPS transformation projects and driving forward successful human-centred digital change initiatives.

Today, I help companies bring together the best of people, processes and technology to achieve high-performing and sustainable Operations units that deliver exceptional client outcomes.

Contact me to see how I can support you on your digital transformation journey.

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Survivorship Bias in the Reinsurance Industry