For many insurers, agility and profitable growth is hampered by inflexible systems and inefficient processes that create execution gaps in underwriting operations. Even today, a large portion of the underwriting process is still performed using time-consuming and often redundant manual processes. According to Deb Smallwood, founder of Strategy Meets Action, a connected environment is essential for efficient and effective underwriting. "Moving away from disconnected systems and paper to be able to automate the workforce - whether human or systems - and taking action in context keeps us connected," she says.