Insurance Journal Forums

I am an agent in waiting, my license is being placed and I am waiting for the State Insurance commission to return my license.

I am a second career professional. I am looking for suggestions on data base management tools. I brain stormed what I am seeking in a software program and am looking for suggestions. I do not wish to reinvent the wheel and would welcome suggestions on tools currently available that offer interconnectivety. I have subscribed to the Insurance Journal and await my first issue.

When I here that I should develope a card file system I realize that someone missed the turn onto the information highway.

I would like to input all pertinent information applicable to a prospect or client, including birthdays and anniversaries. I would like files for specific accounts that can be accessed and notes recorded.

I would like to have the data available or sorted in different options, such as a calendar displaying birthdays for the month, or anniversaries. Additionally, I would like to generate mailing labels.

Are there Insurance industry specific Management information tools available that readers would recommend?

Thanks from a future Agent

We are using a program called GoldMine which does all of the items you listed. If you don't have an agency management system with this function this would be a great program to invest in.

There are a number of "agency management" softwares available. <a href='http://www.ams.com' target='_blank'>AMS</a> and <a href='http://www.appliedsystems.com' target='_blank'>Applied Systems</a> are the market leaders. We have a recent interview with Applied Systems that would probably answer some of your questions.
<a href='http://www.insurancejournal.com/interviews/applied/' target='_blank'>Agency Management Systems Interview</a>

If you have a chance to go to an agent convention you'll probably find several agency management software vendors exhibiting. That'd be a good chance to check them out.

You'd probably also do well with a "contact manager" software. As the previous post said, you'll be able to do everything you've mentioned. Goldmine looks like a good program though I've never used. We use ACT! in the office but I'm not a big fan. This link might help you here.
<a href='http://www.cnet.com/software/search/1,1 ... n=&ca=8888' target='_blank'>Contact Manager Reviews</a>

This one is worth a look too - request a demo if you're a try before you buy person

Surado Solutions
<a href='http://www.smartcontactmanager.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.smartcontactmanager.com/</a>

Hello
We are a new agency but found a nice management system for only $600.00.

<a href='http://www.qqonline.com/update/default.asp?prog=qf' target='_blank'>http://www.qqonline.com/update/default.asp?prog=qf</a>

Quickfile systems

You could also try Hawksoft, we have been using it for about 2 years and it meets all our needs.

http://www.hawksoftinc.com