The Need
As part of a Phase 2 effort for a previous workflow application created by Adage, Cornerstone asked Adage to bring all of their appraisal forms online including input by the appraisers to the output generated to their insurance clients. Cornerstone needed a solution that would allow them to adjust forms and rules for the forms without programmer involvement. In addition, output needed to be customized based on the format specified by each insurance firm.
The Solution
Building upon an existing web-based workflow application, Adage integrated a rule engine from InRule Technology into the existing application. Using the rule engine, Cornerstone now has the ability to author, manage, and test their appraisal rules without custom programming. Most importantly, the rule engine removes the programmers' dependency on having the rules completely defined. It lets programmers work in parallel with business users who are authoring rules and reduces the amount of time it takes to complete a project. Now forms validation is controlled via the rule engine and maintained by Cornerstone business users.
For example, the appraisal forms in STARS include checkboxes for special items in a home, such as a pool, spa, and so on. Based on the boxes checked, the rules build a narrative for the home using grammatically correct sentences. The new appraisal system is self-correcting. Cornerstone reviewers check the work of the field staff, and notify the rule builder of any problems. Rules are updated quickly and easily, and errors are never repeated.
Technology
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Operating System:
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Microsoft Windows 2003 |
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Web Server:
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Microsoft Internet Information Server 6.0 |
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Software:
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InRule Technology |
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Development Environment:
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.NET Framework, C#.NET |
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Database:
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Microsoft SQL Server 2000 |
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