Robert Gregg, Claims Manager at Lloyd’s Market Association (LMA), tells us about the new Electronic Claim File (ECF) website.
What is the purpose of the ECF website?
The new website provides a single source of all ECF related information, from basic user guides to technical documentation. The purpose of the site is to provide users with information on system stability in real time, frequently asked questions and System Process and Procedures (SP&P). Technical documents are available to download, as well as an interactive facility for users to submit change requests.
What prompted the formation of the new website?
The website was conceived and created by members of the ECF User Group and ECF Best Practice Group. These groups are populated by individuals across the Lloyd’s market and corporation.
It was developed as a result of feedback from the market’s ECF User Group calling for improved communication. Based on this feedback, the group took the initiative to launch its own site focussing purely on ECF. The website does not require a password so the information is easily accessible and open to anyone working in the London market. However, users will be required to use their Single Sign On/ECF2 log on and password to access the document repository held within the website.
What improvements have been made to the previous website?
This is the first time a separate e-initiative resource has been created in addition to the informative and collective information stored within the London Market Group website.
New information has been added to the website, which in the past has not been available to access from one central resource. This includes user guides, technical documents, information on the market-related ECF groups and links to key websites (as well as the offerings mentioned in Q1).
The site will continue to be updated regularly, and key market communications will be added to the site. There is also a latest news feature on the front page to keep users updated on the latest ECF news, service updates and announcements.
An RSS feed will be added to alert of system challenges and forthcoming events, as well as a schedule of change requests.
Who is the website aimed at?
The website is aimed at all claims professionals, the end users as well as senior management within each organisation. The two words ‘information’ and ‘communication’ are often used in today’s working day, however they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through. It is the latter that we are hoping to achieve with this website.
What are you hoping to achieve with the new format?
We feel we have created a really useful resource for the market which allows users to access all the relevant documentation, news and programme updates from one site. In the past, users have found it very difficult to navigate to their chosen documentation/topic which can be both time consuming and confusing. This website will help to reduce these issues, and allow us to push out all the key information through one gateway. Users are directed to any relevant external sites via the links page, such as the Xchanging service screen and service centre as well as all of the associations and Lloyd’s websites.
