The newest features of AMS 360 v2.0 increase efficiency and productivity by automating everyday tasks and streamlining workflow so agents can spend more time writing new business, the company said. Key advances include:

o Import/export of data schedules

Agencies can import or "drag and drop" data lists directly into the system, AMS noted, thus saving time by making it easier to update schedules while reducing errors and omissions. The system automatically compares schedules, making it easy to reconcile changes, and will even alert users to endorse policy changes.

o Scheduled reports

Agents can schedule reports to be automatically generated at night when it won't affect system performance, the company said. Users can also schedule reports to be delivered through the system or e-mail.

o Vendor payables

Agencies can effectively manage cash flow by scheduling vendor payments during a time that best meets budgetary needs, said AMS. Once an invoice is entered in the system, agencies can track by invoice number and date and allocate expenses across divisions or locations.

o Enhanced security

Managers can easily supervise employee access to specific data. For example, security parameters can be set so users only have access to their specific customers or accounts. Additionally, agencies can restrict access to high-profile customers so only specific employees can view them, the company said.

In addition, AMS said its enhanced system tackles one of the major obstacles facing agencies--the incredible paper load associated with the insurance industry. According to AMS, 30 percent of the workday is spent searching for correct documents, taking valuable time away from growing the business.

One of the features of the new version--Document360--is a fully-integrated document management system that helps agencies increase efficiency by managing electronic documents with quick and simple indexing, tracking, retrieval and storage, according to AMS.

"Advanced search capabilities eliminate time wasted searching for documents and reduce the risk of important information being misfiled or associated with the wrong account," the company stated.

"Independent agents are continually looking for ways to be more efficient and productive, which means not leaving their agency management system to interface with carriers," AMS continued. "AMS 360 lets users sign in once to the management system and interact with carriers for access to real-time rating, claims, billing and policy information, endorsements and new business submissions."

In addition, automated password management provides for single sign on, further simplifying the process, according to the company. The latest version of AMS 360 delivers pervasive access to carriers within the application, while it also provides easy access to other AMS Services' solutions and third-party systems.

"AMS Services is committed to providing a technology platform that will grow with its customers," the company added. "AMS 360 v2.0 is a modern architecture that is Web-based and built on Microsoft's .NET platform."

According to AMS, Microsoft .NET offers a rich user interface and provides easy integration with other solutions.

AMS 360 v2.0 also uses Microsoft's SQL Server, "providing more reliable storage, enhanced scalability and excellent security," the company stated. The result is that agents are able to build their business quickly to gain a competitive advantage.

For agents using the previous version of AMS 360, AMS Services rolls the data center to the current version on a schedule set by customer service, the company noted.

Typically, hosted customers are always on the latest version within three months, AMS said. For in-house agents, the firm added, "we support the current version and one back. This gives them some time to get ready to upgrade on their timetable, but most upgrade within three-to-four months."

AMS 360 v2.0 is available immediately. The company declined to provide pricing details. More information is available at www.amsservices.com.