The Insurance Conference 2017 attracted 1 383 delegates, from 381 companies, across 27 countries and JMR Software (JMR) was one of 47 exhibitors supporting the event.
Disrupt, debate and deliver were the key themes of the conference that ran from 23 to 26 July at Sun City, and where JMR met with delegates to discuss the continual change and opportunities in the African insurance industry.
"Another D-word frequently used when discussing the South African market this year was 'digital', and the opportunities this presents. The market is growing and for those that can 'deliver' and service their customers digitally, the race is on," says Mike Richards, CEO of JMR, a leading IT specialist headquartered in Johannesburg.
The opportunity is great. A recent Accenture survey found the local market prefers, and is ready for, digital engagement, and if insurers can meet this need, they can increase their gross written premiums (GWP) by R115.2 billion by 2020.
Yet, going digital means changes to both processes and systems. Oliver B"ate, CEO of Allianz SE, in his keynote speech, addressed the transformation: "In today's fast-changing world, it's critical to innovate quickly and to change course rapidly if necessary." He also recognised the consumer-centric nature of the change. "Today's customers will choose a product primarily because it's easy to use, transparent in terms of price and quality, and personalised - and because it's available to them via the digital channels they want it from."
Susan van Zyl, Head of Sales & Marketing, shared the bond the company has with local companies: "We have a long-standing relationship with many financial services companies in South Africa who recognise the need to transform their systems to meet growing consumer demand. JMR has extensive experience of consulting and driving systems change for insurers as well as providing a fail-safe data migration service to help them adapt and meet market demands."
JMR exhibited at the show to share its range of IT consulting, digital readiness services and expertise in data migration with delegates from leading insurance companies in South Africa.
This year's conference programme focused on change and opportunity and the growing threat of competition. JMR is well-positioned to help local insurers to beat off the competition and achieve their business aims.
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