ARROW Asynchronous Quotation Toolset From Transactor
Winchester, England – 16th May 2005, Following the successful completion and launch of the Transactor XML Outcome/Scramjet Quotation suites, Transactor Global Solutions Ltd (TGSL) is now developing an asynchronous quotation toolset for use both in the contact centre, and on the website.
“The first step was to introduce a quotation system that was capable of processing quotes virtually instantly,” explains Ray Vincent, Managing Director TGSL. “Now we have achieved that, we can build on the non-intrusive ‘time-to-quote’, and go the logical next step. This is to allow users to commit transactions to the quotation engine at any point in the data capture, and return outcomes to the operator in the contact centre or on the website, at any time. In other words, out-of-process, or ‘asynchronous’ quotations.”
The out-of-process quotation facility works using TGSL’s custom developed Asynchronous Risk Rating Outcome Wrapper (ARROW) system. This is a risk object model that is attached to a Scramjet Engine, providing what is in effect a ‘wrapper’ around it. This object model monitors the values in the underlying risk data and can initiate a quotation as and when any of the values change.
The ARROW system takes advantage of the sophisticated threading models available within Microsoft .NET technologies and the now common hardware processor hyper threading facilities.
The level of atomization, i.e. what triggers a quote, can be configured to field change, page change, time interval or even direct user request. As well as constant premium information the ARROW system could be used to determine how a claim will affect the premium and consequently whether it is viable as the data is entered. Furthermore it could also provide a base level household, pet or travel quotations whilst being used from a motor quotation system.
For example, from one or several ‘default’ sets of risk profile, the Transactor enterprise can set up ‘rolling premiums’ on their own operators screens, or for clients using the website. As the default profile is overwritten with data from real client interaction, quotations are produced at pre-determined events, and this presents better options for the operator. On current systems, the client is taken through the entire script before finding out what is available, and then potentially taken ‘backwards’ through all or some of it again. ARROW technology will help to shorten the call-time, by placing more business on the first pass, or by eliminating non-viable risks at an earlier stage. On the internet, the same approach will allow astute ‘shoppers’ to get the best deal.”