RMIS-Web Business Insurance RMIS Article

"Column: Consultants Everywhere"

by David P. Duden

December 1998

Over the last few months, a growing number of “consultants” within the RMIS industry are appearing. These consultants are now being touted on the literature provided by the RMIS vendors. There seems to be various motivations for RMIS vendors to want to provide a consulting service as part of their offering. Certainly, the overall goal of providing more than just a system solution is at the heart of this change.

The consultative approach is not a new development. We have seen many brokers shift their focus to a consultative approach rather than merely provide insurance-purchasing skills. Many risk managers themselves have been asked to provide a consultative approach as the best way to effect change within their organizations. The RMIS vendors, by inserting consultants into their offerings, are beginning to address the business and workflow issues along with the technical issues. This is a welcome addition to the technology stew, especially in this time of great stress on our technical resources.

Recently, one RMIS vendor told me he would recommend another product if he felt his product was not the best fit for a client. In my experience, however, I have yet to see that sort of recommendation made. RMIS vendors are geared to provide outsourcing, software, and other related services. Obviously, their prime focus and goal—generating revenue—is not centered on consulting services, but there is a shift under way. I am always pleased to see the RMIS vendors reach out to the risk management community and seek practicing risk managers, claims managers, safety professionals, and other industry people to be part of their team.

Many vendors are now also partnering with consulting companies to assist with aspects of the implementation. We have seen this with SAP and PeopleSoft, and now the concept is reaching the RMIS industry. This is also a welcome change. The consulting firms now have a chance to get to know the technology solution more closely. This knowledge will only improve the integration of RMIS into all areas of the company.

The consultant’s knowledge of how other departments function and the technology used by those departments can complete this connectivity. Risk management systems will not develop into an enterprisewide system, but the reach of risk management must extend into all parts of the company and look at all types of risk.

Bringing best practices, project management skills, and the knowledge gained from other similar organizations are among the benefits that can be provided by your consultant. The best consultant will be the one that best fits the needs of your organization. The ability to look at business issues and technology results in a unique perspective, and the RMIS industry seems in tune with this growing need. If you don’t believe me, just ask your consultant.

David P. Duden is the National RMIS Practice Leader for the RMISLab, an independent RMIS testing division of Deloitte & Touche LLP. in Hartford, Conn.