Commentary

Challenges, Benefits and Insight From Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan’s CSR24 Launch

Published: November 19, 2024

This Q&A with Melissa Lukas of Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan dives into why her agency chose Applied CSR24 as their customer self-service platform, the challenges they faced during implementation and the transformative benefits it has brought to their operations.

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Technology

Deb Alt Shares Advantages and Challenges of Switching to the Epic Browser

Published: April 08, 2024

At Applied Net 2023, Deb Alt, director of insurance operations training for Foundation Risk Partners, participated in an expert panel and discussed new features of the Epic Browser. Read on for her answers to common questions Applied users may have about the new Browser updates.

What are the differences between the Epic Browser and Epic desktop?

Deb Alt (DA): The Epic Browser provides a similar navigation experience as the desktop version. Many of the new features that Applied Systems are releasing will only be available in the Epic Browser. Applied provides a comparison between the Epic Browser and desktop on their website under Product Information > Applied Epic > Release Information > Release Notes > Applied Epic Browser.

What are some of the advantages of switching to the Epic Browser?

DA: One new feature is having the ability to preview an attachment. This has been huge time saver for the service team when attempting to locate an attachment. All releases are pushed through the Epic Browser vs. desktop. When logging in, the user will receive a notification of the release update where they can easily click on a link to view the release notes. The process of adding a new client has been modified. Now it is much faster to add a new client into the Epic Browser.

What are some of the challenges to switching to the Epic Browser?

DA: Printing reports in the Epic Browser can be challenging if they are reports containing a large amount of data. The recommendation would be to generate these reports in the desktop version. Some have reported issues with delayed processing time when creating a proposal within the Epic Browser. Each user might have a unique experience based on their internet provider and bandwidth speed, especially for those working from home. These concerns are being addressed by Applied Systems, and they hope to have this resolved soon.

Can you continue to utilize Epic on the desktop along with the Epic Browser?

DA: Yes, it is possible to utilize both versions; however, only one version can be open at a time.

Is it possible to drag and drop attachments in the Epic Browser from Outlook?

DA: Yes, with the Connection Suite and Outlook add-in installation, it will provide this functionality within the Epic Browser.

Does switching to the Epic Browser affect workflows?

DA: For the most part, the navigation steps remain the same so there should not be a huge impact on an agency’s internal workflows. Below are few notable navigation changes within the Epic Browser:

It is recommended to review existing bulk scanning workflows; the navigation steps are different in the Browser.
When adding a new account into the Epic Browser, the data fields and screen layout are slightly different.
Attaching items utilizing the options bar > new attachment (or +) is not available in the Epic Browser.
The keyboard shortcuts still work in the Epic Browser; however, a few have changed. If the agency identifies these in the agency workflows, changes may be needed. To access a list of keyboard shortcuts while in the Epic Browser, select help > keyboard shortcuts (Ctrl+/).
The font size in the Epic Browser setting can be small for some users. To enlarge, hold down the Ctrl key and use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out.
When multiple clients are open in the Epic Browser, they appear as their own tab/page in the Epic Browser. In the Epic desktop, multiple clients appeared in the bottom toolbar.
When utilizing the distribution method within Epic (i.e., submit changes, submit loss notice, marketing submissions) the navigation button now displays as “download & print” vs. “print preview.”

For more tips and tools, view ACN’s webinar library. Webinars are free for members. Check out ACN’s wide range of education resources, and become a member today.

Deb Alt is the director of insurance operations training for Foundation Risk Partners. Having over 25 years of experience, Deb has managed Applied TAM and Epic systems along with working with numerous other programs that support internal workflows. These include CSR24, Applied Mobile, Indio, IVANS/Download and Applied Benefits Designer. Deb brings extensive experience in system conversions, facilitation of training sessions, conducting compliance and workflow audits, as well as crafting workflows for various departments. Deb has volunteered at Applied Client Network as a past president of the Wisconsin User Group, member of the Large Agent Alliance User Group, on the ACN education committee and has been a presenter for several years at Applied Net.