Amica Appraiser Productivity Rises 27 Percent with Toughbook Tablet Computer

Insurer deploys the Toughbook mobile computers in all 50 states, enabling appraisers to write estimates on site and upload reports.

Insurance Networking News, October 5, 2012

Chris McMahon

Appraisers for Amica have increased the average number of inspections completed in a day by 27 percent and reduced the amount of time it takes for a customer to receive payment by 24 percent, by deploying Panasonic Toughbook 19 convertible tablet computers into the field.

“We have been very satisfied with the results of our Toughbook deployment and were able to fully realize our goals within the first two years. Appraisers are able to write estimates at the vehicle site, which has reduced the need for second appointments, thereby improving the appraiser’s efficiency,” said Brown. “After experiencing more than 20 percent failures with business laptops, we only experienced one Toughbook failure in the first two years, a failure rate of 0.02 percent.”

Amica chose the Panasonic Toughbook 18 convertible tablet with integrated mobile broadband because of its “rugged specifications, platform stability and the Panasonic brand reputation,” Amica said. The company has deployed the Toughbook mobile computers in all 50 states, enabling appraisers to write estimates on site and upload reports while driving to the next customer appointment.

“The Toughbook 18 really stood out because it had the functionality and flexibility of a tablet and a clamshell, but it’s also rugged and lightweight,” said Larry Brown, Amica senior systems engineer. “The Toughbook 18 is also compatible with the estimating software and allows appraisers to attach notes and utilize drop-down menus through the dual-touch screen.”

Prior to the Toughbook deployment, Amica’s appraisers were equipped with standard business laptops, which suffered from regular hard-disk failures and poor Internet connectivity. Amica identified a set of required features that included durability, functionality in and out of the vehicle and a dependable wireless connection. Amica has donated the previous generation of field computers to the local police department.

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