Willis Group Holdings and Ebix, Inc. are targeting more than 1,000 carriers with a new a global electronic accounting platform designed to help speed cash flow and settle claims more quickly for clients.

The collaboration between Willis, an insurance/reinsurance broker and risk advisory firm; and Ebix, a software company focused on the insurance, financial and healthcare industries, underscores an ever-growing focus on using technology to improve interactions with clients.

Willis and Ebix developed the Willis Accounting platform together, which will be rolled out to approximately 1,100 carriers (along with training material) after a successful pilot. The system is intended to replace traditional paper and email delivery of statements, relying instead on automatic electronic messaging through an online portfolio, Willis said in its announcement.

David Shalders, group operations and technology director for Willis, said that the technology platform is part of the broker’s ongoing operational improvements.

The Willis/Ebix platform launch, he noted in prepared remarks, “represents a significant first in the global insurance industry” and helps Willis become more globally connected.

News of the Willis/Ebix collaboration comes as Ebix contemplates a major growth move. The company disclosed earlier this week that it is mulling over a $685 million offer for U.K. rival Xchanging plc.

Source: Willis Group Holdings