Model-oriented solution saves time and money, and accelerates development of new insurance products and distribution channels

Berlin, 15 October 2008 – In a project lasting only twenty weeks, German residual debt insurance company Cardif Germany has implemented an extended inventory management system. The system will enable users to rapidly develop new insurance products and distribution channels and was created using products and services from MEGA. The investment has introduced a major competitive advantage for the financial services company, saving much time and money over previous methods.

Using the MEGA Modeling Suite, a comprehensive solution for enterprise architecture (EA) and business process analysis (BPA), each user’s workstation at Cardif Germany was loaded from a central, networked source with all the tasks it would be used for and related IT applications.

The model used as a reference had already been established by Cardif Germany’s parent company, BNP Paribas in Paris, France. Thus, the former only had to adapt it to the German company’s respective national and professional requirements.

Representatives of all departments engaged in the project met in weekly workshops to exchange information, discuss their views, and work in partnership to develop a comprehensive solution. Through this direct collaboration, any possible misunderstandings and potential problems likely to hinder implementation were dealt with early in the project.

As a result, everyone involved was well informed about the current project status and there was no need for a time-consuming ‘as is’ mapping of the current status, which is usually conducted at the beginning of a modeling project.

“In a company like ours, this direct and effective method helped us save a lot of time by going straight to modeling the desired ‘to be’ goal”, says project leader Fabian Rädel. “We were able to complete the project within twenty weeks. Comparable projects that include mapping of the current situation usually take eight to twelve months.”

The interdisciplinary project team profited from the comprehensive approach offered by the MEGA Modeling Suite. The software has been designed to meet the requirements of both IT specialists and business-related managers without any IT background.

“An approach that only addresses one part of the company staff has missed its purpose,” explains Peter Brünenberg, Technical Director, MEGA Germany. “A comprehensive company model has to be understood by all those involved with it.”

ABOUT CARDIF GERMANY

Cardif Germany is part of the worldwide Cardif group, whose headquarters is in Paris and itself is a member of the BNP Paribas Group. The Cardif company is a major player in the global personal insurance market. It has a presence in thirty-six countries around the globe, including the United Kingdom and the USA. The group develops and markets savings and protection insurance products and services. The products available are offered on a group or individual basis and sold via multiple distribution channels. By being flexible and adaptive to the needs of local circumstances in each country, Cardif is able to provide highly personalised service to its client partners and their customers.