BBTEnterprise completely covers the needs of an accident and daily benefits insurer. The core system as a standard solution is fully geared to the Swiss AIA and HIA market and still feels like a customized solution in day-to-day business: it can be configured to be industry-specific and also company-specific. In addition, BBTEnterprise enables the insurer to counteract falling margins and ongoing cost pressure, as well as to win back lost customer territory from intermediaries. And all this at a fair price, because we won’t leave you out in the rain.

By Ivana D’Addario, Marketing Manager at BBT

Characteristic of BBT is agile work and flexible teamwork. We achieve short project durations and low implementation costs thanks to our communication culture, which ensures relaxation, orientation and cohesion. Last but not least, BBTEnterprise’s process management is optimal and processing is efficient. How does it work at BBT?

Architecture of BBTEnterprise

Every investment in new software usually begins with the question of which system architecture makes the most sense. A cross-sector solution for all of the insurer’s insurance lines or a modular best-of-breed approach that optimally fulfills the specific Swiss regulations in personal insurance? We know the market and are convinced that a sector-specific product makes more sense for our customers, which is why BBT strategically and deliberately only offers such products. On the one hand, this is how the needs of the insurer can be better met. On the other hand, the insurance industry is complex enough and individual solutions are technically demanding from an engineering perspective. That is why, in our opinion, there is a need for a counterbalance in maintenance and releases, namely more simplicity through lean software packages in favor of stability, quality and reliability. This results in significantly fewer errors and side effects for us. Moreover, industry-specific software is cheaper than a complete product.

BBTEnterprise in the BBT SaaS solution

We also offer existing and potential customers all-in-one solutions. Experience shows that such SaaS solutions are of interest to companies for which accident and daily benefits business is an additional line of business or when they rely on full outsourcing. The service package for this full service from BBT includes the following:

• provision of the IT infrastructure and the core system BBTEnterprise, including stable interfaces
• provision and operation of all peripheral systems
• management of the entire solution

In addition to BBTIndividual for health insurers and BBTLife for life insurers, BBTEnterprise is one of three backend systems that we specialize in to make a difference in the life of the insurer. Our modular software architecture and stable interfaces also make it possible to connect central components and AI solutions. This means that BBTEnterprise can be configured flexibly and does not require any complex, expensive additional programming.

Automation/dark processing

When a market is so competitive, automation becomes even more valuable because, basically, an insurer cannot afford certain labor-intensive operations – for both financial and staffing reasons. This is where BBTEnterprise delivers significant added value: not only in reducing operating costs, but also in increasing productivity and optimizing operational processes, and thus the entire value chain. Thanks to the high level of dark processing, specialist employees can concentrate on the essentials because they no longer have to carry out monotonous, repetitive and error-prone routine tasks. This means that they are of even greater value to the company because they can once again pursue their core competencies and their true potential is realized.

Rules Engine

Business-specific control of dark processing is also possible. With the Microsoft Rules Engine, we can automate further company-specific processes for our customers. So-called if-then rules execute internal actions based on defined conditions in order to further reduce and simplify manual data maintenance or to carry out secondary processes more quickly (for example, the automatic payment of claims or the automatic creation of a claim from the claim notification). This is useful for activities at area level, for example, that regularly repeat according to the same pattern, are subject to constant change or need to be managed with even greater precision. The business rules are based on JSON files, are release-independent and can be activated at any time. A collection of generally valid business rules within the AIA and HIA business is available.

Conclusion

BBTEnterprise is a powerful system that can be relied upon. To ensure it stays that way, we invest heavily in improving its process efficiency and effectiveness. Equally strong is our well-rehearsed, friendly team of experts, who set high standards for themselves. In addition, thanks to our customers who entrust us with a wide range of projects, requirements and tasks, we can identify ourselves as a software provider with solid and long-standing experience.

Did you know? BBTEnterprise in combination with BBTCare

BBBTEnterprise in combination with BBTCare – our product for the digital control of occupational health management – is a particularly lucrative combination for getting closer to customers who have become «unreachable» and for countering margin losses. BBTEnterprise coupled with BBTCare takes business to a new level.

Companies have been confronted with steadily increasing absences and failures for years, which is why professional, software-supported damage and absence management is becoming increasingly important. In addition, case and care managers not only promote the integration process, but also direct contact in an empathetic way. BBTCare not only offers a comprehensive overview and many other services, but above all the chance to reconnect with the customer. Although it can be purchased as a stand-alone offering, BBTCare is at its most versatile when used in combination with BBTEnterprise.

Find out more about BBTCare

The provider of health insurance software from Root, Lucerne, will cooperate in future with the Solothurn-based industry leader in hosting.

This news may come as a surprise, as the two companies operate in the same market and offer similar services. However, on closer analysis, the future collaboration in the hosting sector makes perfect sense and proves to be a bold and forward-looking venture on both sides.

All the more so as BBT Software AG will continue to be the only Swiss provider to offer its customers flexible total packages in the area of health insurance IT. Meanwhile, customers will not notice much of the outsourcing of the hosting infrastructure, as BBT remains fully responsible for all areas of this complete service.

A logical step and accolade

In 2022, BBT will not have to look far for reasons to merge its server infrastructure: Starting with the optimization of performance and system availability for customers, to the increasingly central issue of cyber and data security, to considerations of climate protection, many factors make this step seem logical.

The demands on a potential external provider were enormous, after BBT had successfully provided and maintained the hosting entirely in-house for years. Centris AG won the race for BBT because, in addition to the best price-performance ratio, the Solothurn IT service provider also has the customer experience and scalable infrastructure of the required size on the one hand, and on the other hand has proven industry expertise in the Swiss health insurance market.

The fact that Centris is also seeking cooperation on an equal footing with BBT can, however, be seen as an accolade for the Lucerne-based provider of software solutions in the health insurance sector, which is on the upswing.

“The agreement on future cooperation with BBT is a great gain for both sides. First and foremost, however, the customers of our two companies will be able to benefit from it,” Centris CEO Patrick Progin is quoted as saying.

It remains to be seen what impact this cooperation will have on the Swiss health insurance industry.

Contact for further information:

Dominik Bardenhofer, CCO
+41 41 455 30 87
dominik.bardenhofer@bbtsoftware.ch

About BBT Software AG

BBT Software AG (BBT) has been a leading provider of modular and modern software products for health, accident and life insurance as well as claims management systems for companies since 1996. The modular and service-oriented architecture allows efficient integrations with various peripheral systems. BBT has over 40 customers in the insurance world and more than 14,000 companies work with its claims management software. The company became part of the internationally active Volaris Group in 2017, which in turn is part of Constellation Software Inc (CSI). CSI operates in more than 100 countries, employs more than 15,000 people and has more than 125,000 customers across a wide range of industries.

About Centris AG

Centris is one of the leading service providers of modular IT solutions in the Swiss health and accident insurance market, auditing invoices from around half of the insured throughout the country. As one of the largest employers in the city of Solothurn, it employs around 300 people from the IT and insurance sectors. The company boasts over 70 years of history. Its customers include Allianz Suisse, Aquilana, Assura, Atupri, AXA, EGK, Helsana, Helvetia, innova, Die Mobiliar, ÖKK, Solida, SWICA, the Sympany Group and Vaudoise Versicherungen. www.centrisag.ch

Contact Centris:

Patrick Progin, CEO
+41 32 625 43 70
patrick.progin@centrisag.ch

Walter Capozzolo has been CEO of BBT Software AG for three years. In this interview, he reveals what challenges he has faced, how he deals with change and where he wants to go.

By Caroline Cavin

BBT Software AG celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. You have been CEO of the company for three years. What do you remember about this time?

When I started, BBT Software AG (BBT) was already part of the Volaris Group and was run in the Anglo-Saxon style. Rolling forecasts and quarterly target achievement were new for me, as I had previously worked in Swiss companies. However, I was inspired by the fact that BBT operates in the Swiss insurance market and at the same time is integrated into an international environment. Networking with other software companies within Volaris is rewarding and allows the exchange of knowledge on an international level.

What are the most important milestones in the company’s 25-year history?

One was no doubt the request made to the company’s founders by a struggling health insurance company in Upper Valais. The founders were given the task of writing a «simple programme» for health insurance companies. This software solution marked the start of the company’s history in 1996. It was followed by the development of a claims management system for Zurich and Suva. With CSS and Suva, the company successfully entered the accident and daily sickness benefits insurance market, and with elipsLife, it entered the life insurance market. These developments were accompanied by a change in technology. The first software solution was based on Visual Basic. This was followed by the switch to .NET and now ongoing development within the framework of .NET.

What was your focus for the anniversary year 2021?

I intend to further increase awareness of BBT as a total solution provider in the insurance sector. Until now, we have been perceived as a solutions provider for health insurance companies. We have therefore adapted our communication strategy and are now positioning ourselves on the market as a total solution provider. As part of the Volaris Group, BBT is also in a position to respond even better to changing customer needs. Our efforts have had an impact and BBT is now perceived as a total solution provider in the market.

Digitalisation is changing the insurance landscape. How are you keeping up with this change and its challenges?

We have responded to the digital transformation and, on the one hand, introduced a customer portal with which insurance customers improve the efficiency of their administrative processes (self-service portals). On the other hand, we have developed an app with which insured persons can communicate with their insurance company regardless of location and time. For the future, it is important that BBT develops and implements a digitalisation strategy tailored to the insurance landscape.

Leadership in times of change – how do you motivate your employees?

By delegating responsibility with the corresponding authority. Within BBT, I have brought young talents into the management team and supported them until they were up to their tasks. This management style has proven itself, because the members of the management team are motivated and implement their ideas with us. In addition to a career in management, it is also important to enable specialist careers. Especially in an SME, there are not many management positions and not all employees aspire to such a career. Specialist career opportunities show employees how they can develop in a variety of directions at BBT. As CEO, I am responsible for the company, and it is important to find the right balance between responsibility and accountability.

How does BBT Software AG set itself apart from its competitors?

Through customer proximity. Especially when it comes to complex software solutions with specific benefits, we have to be very close to customers and know what they require. That’s why we advise our customers at eye level and with a deep understanding of their needs. We want to understand how they think. Only by being closer to our customers are we able to differentiate ourselves from our competitors and develop customised solutions.

In what direction is BBT Software AG heading in the next few years?

BBT is positioning itself as a total solution provider for health, accident and life insurance as well as claims management systems for companies. This means that we need to understand how our customers work and what their processes look like today and in the future. Within this value chain, we continue to develop our products and add to our portfolio through partnerships or acquisitions.

Where do you see the markets of the future?

With our software solutions and services for health and accident insurance, we are focusing on the Swiss market. These are tailored specifically to the corresponding market. The situation is different with solutions for life insurance, where we are constantly evaluating how we can position them internationally. Our solution is currently being used by an international customer and the aim is to continue to tap into new markets.

BBT Software AG has been part of the Volaris Group since 2017. What advantages does this bring for customers?

The resulting advantages are professionalism and know-how. Volaris focuses on strengthening acquired companies and supporting them in their growth. On the one hand, it increases performance and efficiency across all areas, such as corporate governance, sales and marketing, and operational excellence. On the other hand, it brings a lot of know-how of software solutions for vertical markets. This will ensure BBT’s future business success, and our customers will also benefit from this.

Due to the pandemic, you have postponed the anniversary celebration until this year. What activities are planned for it?

I don’t want to reveal too much about the activities. All I will say is that the whole celebration is planned and has been postponed until we can meet again in person. This means that the party will still be a surprise for employees.

About BBT Software AG

BBT Software AG offers modular core systems for health, accident and life insurers, as well as absence and claims management solutions for companies. Founded in 1996, BBT now employs around 60 members of staff at three locations: Root, Visp and Zermatt and has over 65 customers from the insurance sector. More than 14,000 companies use its claims management software. BBT has been part of the international Volaris Group since 2017.