Top 5 Technology Advantages for Agents & Producers
What are You Waiting for?
Put the Top 5 RCIS Cutting-edge Technologies to Work for You and Your Producers
Efficiency. Accuracy. Simplicity. The benefits of technology in agriculture are endless. RCIS is committed to being a crop insurance industry leader focused on providing the technology needed to experience the best service possible for both agents and producers. RCIS National Technical Account Manager Angie Medlock shares the benefits of the Top 5 technologies both agents and producers should explore at the beginning of the year.
Technology for Agents
1. Precision Ag
Precision Ag capabilities streamline the reporting process and communication between policyholders and crop insurance agents. The process can save crop insurance agents hours previously spent processing data, freeing up agents and their staff to meet client needs. Though there may still be snow on the ground, producers are already thinking about spring planting. Now is the best time to discuss Precision Ag goals for the year in order to ensure that offsets and client farm and field are all set up correctly. This way, when it comes time to submit required crop insurance reporting information, it is sure to be uploaded accurately and efficiently and will save time by not having to make manual adjustments.
2. Mapping Services
Whether in the office or in the field, agents can easily view policyholders’ information, including fields, crops, planting data, historical information on crops and insurance information, such as premium, liability and Actual Production History (APH). Agents who utilize RCIS FarmMapsSM web-based mapping tool not only save time but can also reduce errors as the program is based on GPS and includes the latest Google imagery. This means you’ll always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips.
Medlock reminds agents to make sure maps are rolled over for the new growing season as this is especially helpful for acreage reporting requirements. Agents can choose whether they want to roll all information or select individual data points. For instance, roll planting data doesn’t always make sense because many fields will not be planted with the same crop each year. However, should an agent have policyholders with orchards or vineyards, rolling all data, including planting, would be beneficial. Those areas will continue to have the same commodities planted on them year after year.
3. Agent Portal + My Agency Tab
RCIS.com for Agents is a simple way to access all of the services that agents have available to them. From there, agents can enter notices of loss, launch policy processing software, check claim status, utilize accounting tools and easily view and print off documents.
A new feature on the agent portal is the My Agency Tab, which Medlock refers to as a snapshot for policy processing. Policy status reports can now be found there, and common agent-requested enhancements have also been made. For instance, policy status reports have now been consolidated into one set, rather than the previous two different types. There are also visuals where agents can see how their agency is sitting in terms of APH or AR processed as well as drill-down and export the data.
Now, there is also a reminders list that agents can use at either an individual or agency level that offers an array of possibilities. Agents can set reminders for things like printing out their map-based acreage report booklets or APH documents, etc. Agents are able to access a Crop Calendar to set reminders for when their sales closing date is approaching, or when their production or acreage reporting dates are coming up.
4. Mobile
All crop insurance agents know that there is just as much work outside the office as there is at their desk. Agents can quickly access important tools right from their mobile device, such as sending Livestock Risk Protection quotes as well as generic quotes on MCPI coverage. Access mobile-friendly FarmMapsSM web mapping tool, look up claims information, file a notice of loss, collect e-signatures and more. RCIS is committed to making updates to mobile services to continue making it even easier to do business outside of the office.
5. Electronic Services
Medlock says the best way to ensure all documents stay in one place is to utilize electronic services. When documents are electronic, agents don’t have to worry about losing them and can easily send them as needed for business purposes. Hard copies are easily printed if they are necessary; however, storing documents electronically is a great way to reduce paper use and cut costs.
Technology for Producers
1. Precision Ag
It’s likely producers are already planning for their spring planting. Producers can use the planting and production data collected when using the Precision Ag technology built directly into their field equipment. Medlock encourages agents to have producers consider their Precision Ag goals for the year in order to be fully prepared when planting and harvest roll around. Once goals are set, it is vital to make sure all software is set up and functioning correctly. This way, when it comes time to submit data, it is sure to be uploaded more accurately and efficiently. There are a few different methods for sending this data to agents, including uploading directly from Precision Ag software or transferring data to a jump drive (secure is recommended) which is then sent to the agent’s office.
2. RCIS.com for Producers
Producers can find what they need, including important crop insurance reporting dates, policy documents, connect with their agent and even pay their bill all in one easy-to-access RCIS.com for Producers site.
3. Mapping Services
Producers can use the RCIS FarmMapsSM web-based mapping tool any time, anywhere through the RCIS.com for Producers site. This intuitive software is useful throughout the entire year, providing a visual representation of their fields and Farm Service Agency data.
FarmMapsSM is based on GPS and includes the latest Google imagery, which means data will always be accurate with the most up-to-date information available. Maps are easily accessed from their mobile device or online at RCIS.com for Producers and can be printed anytime they need them. As they harvest, maps can be used to make sure production lines up with the harvest monitors.
4. Mobile
Producers rarely sit at their computers, but rather, they are outside, working and managing their farming operation. RCIS mobile services allow them to immediately gain access to important tools right from their mobile device. Sign documents, access maps and more. Producers can save time this growing season by putting the technology available as an RCIS policyholder to work for their operation.
5. Electronic Services
A way to reduce paper clutter and keep documents all in one location, electronic services can be accessed from anywhere with RCIS electronic services. Policyholders can complete, edit and sign forms online and send them directly to their agent, saving time and postage. Hard copies are easily printed off whenever necessary. Agents are encouraged to talk to their producers about these technology advantages and how they can benefit their operation this season.
We’ve Got This
As an industry leader in crop insurance technology, RCIS is committed to regularly updating our services to continue to improve record keeping, speed up processing and provide an overall outstanding customer experience. If at any time you have questions about these services available to you, please contact our dedicated team of experts.
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