Page 20 - Frankenmuth Insurance 150 Years Anniversary Booklet

Taking advantage of technology

Frankenmuth Insurance has always had a conservative business

philosophy, but when it comes to taking advantage of technological
innovations, the company has never been afraid to step forward with

the times — especially when the result is improved
customer service.

The company’s earliest records were handwritten,
and then later typed. By the late 1970s and early

1980s, computer terminals were used for the entry
of some statistical data, but it was a slow process

by today’s standards, and one row of terminals
was shared by the entire company. When a

special light was on over the row of terminals,
the system was unavailable. When this light

turned off, a stampede of workers bolted for
the row to get their chance to enter data.

By the 1990s, there was a personal

computer at every work station, which made
data entry far easier and more efficient (though perhaps less

aerobic!). By the late 1990s, electronic document imaging further
streamlined the system and helped the company go paperless.

Also in the ’90s, agencies were able to download policy information
directly from the company for the first time, improving efficiency

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