InsNet has completed core development for the first phase of its Sunrise program.

Chief Executive David Brawn said an InsNet team has already begun testing the system, with one underwriter involved in formal testing. External testing of the new system, using two customers, will begin at the end of this month.

Phase 1 of the Sunrise Program involves a full policy transaction system that can provide quotes, new business, closings, closings with endorsements, cancellations, lapses and renewals. Referrals are not included at this stage, but will be added in the future.

The tight timetable set by Mr Brawn calls for the phase 1 testing program to be finished by April 26, with further customer testing on new enhancements and functionality taking place over the next few months.

Mr Brawn said InsNet will gather feedback from brokers and underwriters involved in the pilot program during the test phase. Their comments will allow InsNet to continue to refine the system.

National Business Manager Perry Gretton said Sunrise phase 1 replaces the existing capabilities on all current InsNet transaction systems. This includes TRC, Brokerlink, Brokerlink Plus and BimNet. “It combines the best features from all these systems,” he said.

Sunrise is intended to combine products from all insurers currently connected to InsNet systems. Mr Gretton said current TRC users will now be able to print schedules from FormWork, and multi-connectivity will be possible from any PC within a broker’s office using a browser on their desktop. “A key benefit will be the enhanced performance of the genuine web-based products over FormWork products,” he said.

InsNet technology partners who supply broking systems will have a technical specification issued to them. “We expect to have the first broker interface available later this year,” Mr Brawn said.