Zywave ramps up R&D with new software updates

Zywave is updating its Broker Briefcase software. The insurance technology company has added several new features to the sales and marketing platform, including new machine learning capabilities.

The changes come as the company increased its research and development spend by 25%, says Eric Rentsch, vice president of product management for Zywave.

“Zywave has significantly increased R&D in 2019, bringing new features to the tech platform to help make agency operations run more efficiently and effectively,” Rentsch says.

See also: USI continues to grow with South Carolina brokerage buy

Zywave’s new product features include access to potential leads based on 5500 filings and downloadable information on employers based on recent OSHA violations. The databases can be searched by industry, location and employee count. Advisers can use the tool to send messages directly to prospects.

The company also added a machine learning capability, which recommends content for broker’s clients based on type of business, state, industry and the number of employees.

“The latest enhancements make identifying prospects easier and also help streamline communications,” Rentsch adds.

See also: Here’s what employers really want in a benefits broker

Zywave continues to make updates to its broker technology. In April, the company upgraded its agency management system in an effort to simplify the commission tracking process. The company added Zywave Learning in July, which provides clients with access to more than 200 training courses.

The broker tech company is simultaneously ramping up its M&A efforts. In June Zywave acquired RateFactory, a small group rating engine that is directly linked to insurance carrier quoting systems. This move followed an acquisition of software company Code SixFour last October.