SEGIC Inc. is a Quebec-based company that develops digital solutions for managing group insurance plans. Its integrated platform enables insurers, brokers and plan administrators to efficiently manage enrolments, premiums and claims. In addition, SegicPro IA is an intelligent module designed to automate pre-sales processes, such as quote management and offer analysis.
As part of the evolution of its business model, SEGIC wanted to integrate a new TPA (Third Party Administration) management service, to complement its TPP (Third Party Payment) services. This strategic shift implied the implementation of an accounting system capable of managing complex premium collection and remittance processes, while ensuring rigorous traceability and increased automation. It was against this backdrop that Nexus Innovations was commissioned to implement an ERP solution tailored to these new requirements.
Business objectives
The aim of the project was to replace the existing accounting system (SAGE) with a modern ERP solution, capable of supporting SEGIC’s new business model.
The main objective was to enable complete management of TPA services, including automated collection of premiums from policyholders and remittance of these premiums to insurers. But also to manage general accounting, which is becoming increasingly complex as time goes by and SEGIC’s business model evolves.
More specifically, SEGIC was looking to automate its financial and accounting processes:
- Automate accounting processes related to TPA and TPP.
- Reduce manual intervention and the risk of errors.
- Ensure complete traceability of financial transactions.
- Maintain a financial reporting structure in line with investor requirements.
Proposed solution
Nexus Innovations helped SEGIC implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (BC), a flexible and scalable ERP solution. Nexus’ involvement covered the entire implementation cycle: scoping, configuration, customized development, training and change management.
One of the project’s major challenges was to integrate the DPA process, which is not natively supported by Business Central. To meet this challenge, the Nexus Innovations team developed a specific customization allowing :
- Importing licensees and their bank details into Business Central.
- Automatic generation of CPA005-compliant PAD files for financial institutions such as BNC or Desjardins.
- Control of the collection batch generation and postponement process, preventing validation until the DPA file has been generated.
- Management of exceptions and rejections via standard Business Central processes, including transaction reversals.
This customization has been integrated directly into Business Central, without recourse to third-party solutions, ensuring greater consistency and security.
What really made the difference in this project was the transparency and responsiveness on both sides. The customer knew exactly what he wanted, and we were able to build a relationship of trust where every issue was addressed quickly and efficiently.
Silia Larab, Agile Project Manager, Nexus Innovations
Impact on the organization
The implementation of Business Central has enabled SEGIC to :
- Structure its financial operations around a modern ERP.
- Significantly reduce manual tasks by automating cash receipts and payments.
- Increase efficiency in the management of bonuses and discounts.
- Maintain accounting rigor thanks to the expertise of Nexus Innovations, notably through the intervention of a CPA specialist to ensure compliance with best practices.
The project also created a new accounting entity dedicated to TPA management, facilitating the separation of financial flows and the production of separate reports.
As a project manager, it was imperative to have fluid communication and to quickly address challenges. Working with Nexus Innovations enabled us to establish this dynamic, which is essential to a successful implementation.
John-Francis Lyons-McAlpin, Project Manager, Segic Solutions
Solution adoption
The delivery strategy adopted by Nexus Innovations is based on a continuous training approach. Each module (finance, sales, purchasing, fixed assets, etc.) was the subject of configuration and training workshops, followed by supervised testing periods. A customized test template was supplied to the customer, including both generic and SEGIC-specific scenarios.
Today, between five and ten users operate the solution on a daily basis, with ongoing support from Nexus as part of a post-implementation support mandate.
Communication and interaction with the Nexus Innovations team was a key element in the implementation of Business Central. Imagine implementing an ERP in 6 months! It was a challenge, but we achieved our goal.
Danny Boulanger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Segic Solutions
Project team
The project was led by a highly specialized team:
- Silia Larab, Agile Project Manager
- Guillaume Bouchard Lafond, Business Central Specialist
- Nancy Bisson, Business Central Specialist and Certified Professional Accountant (CPA).
This dual expertise ensured a configuration in line with best accounting practices, while meeting the customer’s specific requirements. In particular, she was able to reframe certain requests to ensure their alignment with current financial standards.
