The Association for Co-operative Operations Research and Development (ACORD) has hailed its first Australia Implementation Forum as “a tremendous success”.

Allianz Data Architect Steve Tuften gave a presentation on the group’s implementation of standards and Suncorp’s Troy Filipcevic – who heads the ACORD general insurance steering committee – reported on progress implementing standards in his area, as did life steering committee head Anne Garlick of CommInsure.

“Australia will be ahead of the game and 2013 will be a very exciting year in the implementation of ACORD standards,” ACORD Program Manager Alan Stitzer told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

ACORD is working to harmonise data between the US and European Union, and has formed a strategic alliance with the US National Association of Insurance Commissioners to aid the process.

In southern Africa ACORD has produced a new standard for transaction specifications, which is ready for use. It covers claims registration, claim bordereaux, premium bordereaux, policy synchronisation and claims synchronisation.