There comes a time when the old must make way for the new, and over the last two years Farmers Alliance Companies (FAMI) has been demonstrating that point to its policyholders and the nearly 700 independent agents who sell the carrier's products, according to John Foster, vice president, claims, with FAMI.

To move forward, Foster explains, the carrier made the decision to join the world of Web-based systems that would improve the enterprise. “We have a lot of remote users who work out of their homes, and when they are traveling, it is difficult for them to communicate electronically with us,” says Foster. “With a Web-based system, that will be a nonissue for us now.”

Furthermore, FAMI wants to position itself for growth. “We think not only the claims system but the other systems, as well, will help us get in a position where we can grow, lower our costs, and write more business,” notes Foster.