What is ASCnet?

Simply put, ASCnet can best be summarized as "users helping users." Background In the mid 1980's, a small group of insurance agents got together on a rather informal basis because they had one thing in common -- they were all automating their offices with Applied Systems' The Agency Manager. It was a time when our whole way of doing business, running an office, and communicating with one another was undergoing a dramatic technological revolution. The biggest comfort was in knowing that others were just as confused and frustrated as they were and that there was some strength in numbers when approaching the vendor with their common needs and concerns.

Benefits

The goal of ASCnet is encapsulated in its Mission Statement: Leading insurance business practices through education and advocacy.  This work is supported by dues dollars and other sources of non-dues revenue which include, among other things, the Annual Education Conference and the production of a vast array of products designed to assist members in their daily operations. The dues rate an agency pays is based on the number of computer terminals. The majority of members pay around $220 a year which equates to about 61 cents per day. But in a tight economy, when budgets are being trimmed from every direction, it's valid, and prudent, to ask: What do I get for my money?

 

Sometimes it's difficult to justify the expenditure because many of the returns of an association membership are intangibles. It's not like buying a new fax machine or extra computer terminal -- something you can put your hands on and say, "Look. this is what I purchased today that is going to save us time in the office and help our business grow."

 

 

ASCnet  OFFERS  A  WIDE  VARIETY  OF  BENEFITS
Communication	Subscription to ASCnet Quarterly Magazine The ASCnet Quarterly Magazine is the flagship communications piece for Applied Systems Client Network. Publication began in 1991 and since that time the newsletter has increased in size and impact.  Filled with new technology news, vendor updates, software practical application and membership updates, the Quarterly provides members with a necessary reference and news source.  info Access to Member Supported Newsgroups The Newsgroups are not a list serve, but rather a bulletin board system allowing users to post questions in various specific topic areas. By utilizing them on a daily basis, users can gain help and experience from other users, without any limits to geographic location. info
Education	Discounts to Annual Conference The annual conference, a massive undertaking for our volunteers and staff. In the years since the first national convention was held, the number of attendees has multiplied ten times, typically averaging between 1,600-1,800 attendees. The numbers alone confirm the growing need for the education, training and services that ASCnet provides.info Discount to Education Summits These powerful two day educational events & seminars offer a range of basic and advanced classes, The ASCnet Regional Education Summits offer an outstanding educational opportunity for the entire office. In addition to established users, if you are a new user or a new employee you should make plans to attend!  info
Advocacy	Interface ASCnet volunteers work with Applied Systems, ACORD, and CSIO in in promoting the increased use of upload and download as well as participates in review of enhancements identified as interface. Now referred to as "Real-time" it is the position of ASCnet and the ASCnet Interface Committees to promote true SEMCI (Single Entry Multi Company Interface) as the ability to transmit and receive data to/from multiple insurance companies directly from The Agency Manager without accessing any propriety software. Visit   Applied Systems' web-site regarding Transformation Station. SAC While Applied Systems Client Network does not provide any technical support, its Service Advisory Committee can intervene on a member's behalf for a satisfactory resolution of support problems.

 

Volunteer Leadership

In addition to the executive officers, ASCnet has a diverse groups of volunteer directors who oversees the needs of individual members and the strategic vision of the organization.

 

All of these officers and directors take time from their busy offices because they have a passion for the important role the software Applied Systems has developed and how it influences their successful business operations as well as an understanding for the work that ASCnet does as a users' group. While the leadership still determines the association's direction, sets its budget, and establishes policies that will work in the interest of all users, it falls to the staff to carry out the leadership's directives.  

 

Although ASCnet has a paid staff which has also mushroomed in recent years from one part-time employee to a professional staff of over a dozen employees, ASCnet is like other trade associations in that its direction and policies are established by volunteer leaders and committees who still have one thing in common -- they are all users of Applied Systems' software.

 

Local Chapters

At about the time that Applied Systems Client Network was incorporated there were 16 local chapters. Applied Systems Client Network is now the parent organization for over 70 affiliated local chapters and fields inquiries regularly from users who wish to start up additional chapters. The chapters are providing users with an opportunity to network with others in their area throughout the year with training materials, seminars, and membership support provided by ASCnet.

 

Resources

One of the most important benefits is the collective voice of the members that ASCnet represents in communicating their common problems and needs to Applied Systems, capitalizing on the strength in numbers philosophy. While they are separate entities, ASCnet and Applied Systems consider themselves partners dedicated to bringing the best result to our members.

 

Constantly monitoring the pulse of the automation industry, volunteers and staff identify and respond to the need for the development of new products and materials. Examples this are the development of the Fast Track Guide, Month End Made Easy, Integrating Word and Applied, as well as other tools and products.

 

Applied Systems Client Network accomplishes all this and more with a dues base that is the lowest of all insurance automation user groups and continues to grow as a viable force and industry leader. It will maintain this position with the strong commitment of its membership.