Ms. Fuller, chairman of the working group and interface architect for SAFECO added that, "Better documentation and education will help everyone better understand download issues."

The report was put together after the group was formed in response to the 2002 ACORD/AUGIE survey.

In the survey, downloading emerged as a continuing issue for many agents, the group said. Agents said there were wide variations from company to company in download procedures and results. They also said companies do not download data as accurately or thoroughly as the agency's own data entry.

Companies and automation vendors blame each other for the problems.

Agents share part of the blame, the report said, when they fail to follow software vendor or carrier's procedures.

After pulling together all the parties to discuss the issues, the Download Group issued their report with recommendations:

? Carriers should send in download all the data they have available.

? Carriers should follow standard procedures to protect agents' data.

? Carriers and vendors must document and share details on data they can process, and how they process it.

? Carriers and vendors should take advantage of standards to update transaction-activity logs on the agency management systems.

? Agents and their management system user groups must take responsibility for educating themselves on the process of download.

"This report provides a useful framework of needed refinements and improvements in downloading," said Jeffrey M. Yates, ACT executive director. "However, this report will only serve its purpose if the industry uses it to make currently downloading more effective and extensive, especially in the commercial lines area."

Copies of the report are available under the "Agents Council of Technology" link on the IIABA Web site at www.independentagent.com.