Insights
THE LATEST INSIGHTS FROM INGENUITY
Welcome to our Insights page, your go-to resource for valuable knowledge and updates. Here, you'll find a curated collection of case studies, blogs, resources, FAQs and more, all designed to provide you with a deeper understanding of our solutions, industry trends and best practices. Whether you're looking for inspiration, answers or the latest developments, our insights are here to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve.
Case Studies
Blog Posts
Resources
FAQs
Date Desc
Automated Data Conversion for Bordereau Reporting
Ingenuity developed an automated data conversion tool for an insurance broker, streamlining the process of converting policy data into the insurer-required bordereau format, saving time, reducing errors, and improving data quality.
Seamless ProductWriter Support for a Valued Client
Ingenuity provided seamless ProductWriter support during a client's staffing transition, ensuring accurate monthly updates and maintaining high standards. Our expertise enabled continuity, proactive optimization, and long-term efficiency, demonstrating our commitment to dependable, tailored solutions for evolving client needs.
Supporting an MGA and Brokerage Merger
Ingenuity supported an MGA and brokerage merger by delivering tailored testpacks, executing rigorous testing, and collaborating closely with the client. Our adaptable approach ensured the smooth rollout of new systems, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling a successful transition.
Successful Rollout of Commercial Insurance Products on Acturis
Ingenuity facilitated the successful rollout of commercial insurance products on Acturis by creating custom testpacks, executing comprehensive testing, and collaborating with the client. Our expertise ensured accurate deployments, streamlined updates, and ongoing support for evolving product requirements.
Test Execution - New Development.docx
This document explains Ingenuity's approach to test execution, outlining four key phases: initial testing, priority testing, comprehensive testing, and regression testing, ensuring reliable, efficient, and tailored solutions to meet client-specific requirements and deliver high-quality results on time.
Building Reliable Front and Key Emulation Automation for High-Volume Testing
In the fast-paced insurance industry, maintaining high-performing digital systems is crucial. This article explores the benefits of front and key emulation automation, a powerful tool that mimics real user interactions to ensure system reliability, scalability, and accuracy during high-volume testing.
Common Pitfalls in Data Migration and How to Avoid Them
Data migration is a complex process with potential pitfalls that can disrupt operations if not managed carefully. This article highlights common challenges in data migration, such as inadequate planning, underestimated resources, and insufficient testing, and offers strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition.
The Benefits of Frontend Testing for Insurance Software House Systems
Frontend testing is essential for ensuring the reliability and performance of insurance software house systems. This article explores how testing directly on trading platforms enhances operational accuracy, compliance, and customer confidence by replicating real-world conditions and validating user-facing systems.
Automated Testing for New Commercial Developments
Ingenuity developed a two-pronged automated testing solution for a client with a fast release schedule, ensuring both front-end interface and backend rating engine validation for new commercial products, resulting in faster, more accurate testing and improved release efficiency.
How do we access the systems?
We access the systems through a range of methods, from keeping fully fledged broker servers on site to using remote connections hosted by software providers. It all depends on what options are available and work best, but you can be sure Ingenuity always strive to have the best and most appropriate access for a given platform.
How do you charge for your services?
We have various ways of charging depending on the task in hand, whether it be a recurring fee for BAU tick over, taking a retainer to provide a certain number of days to be available as and when required, or one-off payments for specific projects. At any rate you can rely on us to be competitive for our services whilst maintaining the high standards we have become known for!
Do you have an NDA?
We acutely understand the need for confidentiality in our position and have built a reputation for the sensitive handling of our client's information. As such, we have a standardised NDA ready to go so we start discussing requirements with a potential client as soon as possible. If however you wish to use your own NDA we are also open to reviewing such.
How much lead in time does Ingenuity need?
The simple answer is lead time very much depends on the job we are taking on – a simple testplan build and getting testing underway can be as little as a 4 week turnaround, whereas a full bespoke automation build will likely take longer – however we pride ourselves on being upfront on letting a client know what is feasible and in what timescales.
Do you keep test evidence?
Yes we do. The type of evidence varies depending on task. So for example, results from manual input are recorded digitally along with time stamped testplans. Automation results are kept in the output format from the automation, along with compare routines utilised in the analysis of the results. Quote prints and screen grabs when generated are all kept digitally. Any test evidence that happens to be paper format is kept for at least 5 years, however so much of our work is paperless these days, and digital results are never deleted.
How do you report issues?
All issues or queries identified are always reported to our client first, as it is essential that the product authority makes the decision on a potential issue. We have our own standardised Ingenuity problem logs where we record any issues or queries identified. These are sent to clients as pdfs along with any test evidence, such as quote prints or screen grabs. If a client has their own preferred problem management tool, we are also happy to utilise that facility. Once confirmed, we are happy to liaise with the software developer to raise the issue and manage the subsequent re-testing once fixed, before reporting back with evidence to our client.
Can you integrate with our in-house testing teams and tools?
Of course! We are always happy to work alongside in-house test teams, whether that be to provide support on the same project or to provide resource or expertise that the in-house team doesn't have. Over the many years of providing test services and solutions we have used many different systems and tools and are always quick studies when required to use a new tool.
How do you test point-of-sale documentation and EDI?
Tested as part of the end-to-end process, we check the transactions we create populate the documents and EDI message as expected and the policy information is transferred to the insurers internal systems accurately and in as complete a manner as required.
What phases of the business process do you cover?
As required, including New Business, temporary and permanent MTAs, Cancellations and Renewals
How can automation improve the efficiency of testing?
Automation improves testing efficiency by executing tasks rapidly and consistently, reducing human error and enabling broad test coverage, including complex scenarios. It supports repetitive tasks like regression testing and generates detailed reports for informed decision-making. By handling large-scale, repetitive and data-intensive tasks, automation allows testers to focus on strategic activities, enhancing productivity and ensuring high-quality results with reduced long-term costs.
What types of processes can be automated with your services?
Types of Processes That Can Be Automated with Our Services: Rates and Rules Testing: Automate the execution of test scripts to validate pricing accuracy and underwriting rules across insurance products. Business Process Testing: Streamline testing of point-of-sale documentation, EDI processes and various policy lifecycle stages, including new business, renewals and mid-term adjustments. Data Migration Validation: Automate the comparison and verification of data before and after migration to ensure accuracy and completeness. Batch Testing: Perform large-scale testing of quotes and transactions across multiple systems to identify discrepancies quickly. Regression Testing: Automatically re-test existing functionality after updates or changes to ensure no unintended issues are introduced. System Comparisons: Validate consistency across different environments, platforms or software house systems by automating comparisons. Static Table Verification: Ensure that Polaris table values align with product specifications, speeding up rating changes and deployment. Custom Automation: Tailor automation to specific client needs, such as recurring checks for system readiness or automated test pack execution. Our automation solutions are designed to enhance efficiency, reduce manual effort and deliver accurate results across a wide range of insurance testing scenarios.
Do you provide customised automation solutions?
Yes, we specialise in delivering customised automation solutions tailored to your specific needs. Whether you require unique test packs, bespoke data migration tools or automation for complex business processes, our team works closely with you to design and implement solutions that align with your goals. With a deep understanding of insurance systems and processes, we ensure that our automation addresses your challenges effectively, enhancing efficiency, accuracy and reliability.
What tools and methodologies do you use for data migration projects?
At Ingenuity, we combine robust tools and proven methodologies to ensure seamless and accurate data migrations. Our approach includes: Customised In-House Tools: We leverage proprietary tools designed for efficient data extraction, transformation and validation, ensuring accuracy and compliance throughout the migration process. Automated Data Mapping: Advanced automation enables precise mapping of data fields, reducing manual effort and minimising errors. Comprehensive Testing Frameworks: Rigorous pre- and post-migration testing ensures data integrity, uncovering and addressing discrepancies before go-live. Collaborative Planning: We work closely with clients to develop detailed migration plans, including timelines, scope and contingency strategies, tailored to the specific project requirements. Incremental Migration Techniques: By migrating data in manageable phases, we minimise disruption and allow for thorough validation at each step. Industry Expertise: Our deep understanding of insurance data structures and systems ensures migrations are compliant and aligned with industry standards. These tools and methodologies enable us to deliver reliable, efficient and high-quality data migrations tailored to your business needs.
Can you handle large-scale or complex data migrations?
Absolutely. Ingenuity specialises in managing large-scale and complex data migrations with precision and efficiency. Our experienced team, proprietary tools and proven methodologies allow us to handle high volumes of data, intricate systems and challenging timelines. Whether migrating data across multiple platforms or ensuring compliance with industry standards, we deliver seamless transitions with minimal disruption. From planning and testing to execution and validation, we ensure your data migration is handled with the utmost care and accuracy.
What is rates and rules testing, and who needs it?
Rates and rules testing ensures that insurance products calculate premiums correctly and apply underwriting criteria accurately. This involves validating rate tables, rating algorithms and underwriting rules to ensure they align with product specifications and comply with regulatory standards. This type of testing is essential for Insurers, MGAs and Brokers who develop or manage insurance products. It is particularly critical during product launches, updates or when migrating systems to ensure accuracy, compliance and a seamless customer experience. Rates and rules testing minimises errors, builds trust and protects the integrity of your insurance offerings.
How do you verify the accuracy of rates and rules in insurance products?
We verify the accuracy of rates and rules in insurance products through a combination of rigorous methodologies and advanced tools. Our process includes: Comprehensive Test Plans: We design detailed test cases to validate every aspect of the rating structure and underwriting rules, ensuring alignment with product specifications. Automated Testing: Using bespoke automation, we execute thousands of test cases quickly and consistently, identifying discrepancies across various scenarios. Manual Oversight: For complex scenarios, our expert testers manually verify results to ensure compliance with regulatory and business requirements. Comparative Analysis: We cross-check calculated outcomes against expected results, highlighting any inconsistencies for immediate resolution. This multi-layered approach ensures your insurance products are accurate, compliant and market-ready, giving you confidence in their performance.
Can your testing process handle frequent updates?
Yes, our testing process is designed to handle frequent updates with efficiency and accuracy. By leveraging automated test packs and customisable scripts, we can quickly validate changes to rates, rules and product configurations. This ensures that updates are implemented seamlessly without disrupting existing functionality. Additionally, our expertise in regression testing allows us to verify that new updates do not introduce unintended errors, providing confidence in your product's performance even with rapid or recurring changes.
How closely do you work with clients during testing projects?
At Ingenuity, collaboration is at the heart of our approach. We integrate with your teams, maintaining close communication throughout every stage of the testing project. From initial planning and scope definition to ongoing progress updates and defect resolution, we ensure transparency and alignment with your goals. Whether through regular calls, shared project management tools or on-site support, we work as an extension of your team to deliver accurate and timely results.
Do you offer post-project support or training for our teams?
Yes, we provide comprehensive post-project support and training to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success. Our team offers detailed documentation, hands-on guidance and customised training sessions tailored to your needs. Whether it's navigating new systems, maintaining test packs or optimising workflows, we equip your team with the knowledge and tools to confidently manage ongoing operations. Our goal is to empower your team while remaining available for additional support as needed.
Can you provide testing support for urgent or short-notice requirements?
Yes, Ingenuity is equipped to provide testing support for urgent or short-notice requirements. Our flexible team structure and expertise allow us to quickly mobilise resources to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality. Whether it's a last-minute update, critical issue or unexpected project demand, we adapt to your timelines and ensure reliable, efficient testing to keep your operations running smoothly.
Do you support specific software house systems?
Yes, Ingenuity specialises in supporting a range of software house systems commonly used in the insurance sector. With deep knowledge of these systems, we provide tailored testing, automation and support services to ensure seamless functionality and integration, helping you maximise their potential for your business needs.
What tools do you use for batch testing and automation?
At Ingenuity, we utilise a combination of proprietary and industry-standard tools to deliver efficient and reliable batch testing and automation. Our custom-built automation frameworks are tailored for large-scale testing, enabling the execution of thousands of test cases with speed and accuracy. These tools streamline the process, ensuring consistent results, rapid identification of issue and seamless integration into your workflows.
How do you manage issues discovered during testing?
At Ingenuity, we follow a structured process to efficiently manage issues uncovered during testing. Each issue is documented in detail, including its nature, impact and steps to reproduce it. We collaborate closely with your team to triage and prioritise these issues, ensuring critical problems are addressed first. Regular updates and progress reports keep all stakeholders informed, while our retesting process verifies that fixes are implemented correctly without introducing new errors. This transparent and systematic approach ensures a smooth resolution and minimises disruptions to your project timeline.