HawkSoft 6 > Feature Differences


This page explains which features in HawkSoft 6 will be different than the current version of HawkSoft. Click below to learn about different types of features. 

On this page:

 

 

Watch our feature overview video and hear thoughts from an agency using HawkSoft 6!


See more thoughts from agencies who have seen & used HawkSoft 6 here

 

 

New features


This section includes completely new features that did not exist in previous versions of HawkSoft.


Agency data stored in the cloud
The biggest change in HawkSoft 6 is that your agency data will be stored in the cloud by HawkSoft rather than on a local server (for local installations) or on HawkSoft Online through a third-party hosting partner. See all the benefits that brings for existing local and online users here.


Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
HawkSoft 6 will have its own multi-factor authentication process upon login to HawkSoft, enabled for all users by default. Recognized devices will be allowed to log in, while unrecognized devices will be sent a verification code by email. This provides an important layer of security for agency data in the cloud. See our blog on MFA for more details about what MFA is and why it’s important.



Reimagined features


Reimagined features have significantly different workflows compared to prior versions of HawkSoft, with major enhancements to increase efficiency and ease of use. These features may require some additional training for users.

 


Tasks (replaces Suspenses & Documents for Review)
Browser accessible elements: user and agency tasks

The Suspenses features has been completely reimagined as Tasks, making time-based tasks more flexible and easier to manage in one consolidated place in HawkSoft. 

  • The new Tasks tab shows all open tasks on a client
    View all open tasks for a client at a glance, or select to view closed tasks as well.
  • The new Task Center makes it easy to view individual and agency tasks
    Quickly sort and filter the list of tasks assigned to you, or all agency tasks (for admins).
  • Create tasks quickly with task templates
    Create templates assigned to agency roles, or due dates based on policy dates. Tasks can be assigned to multiple people!

 


Activity Tags (replaces Communications & Tfile customized lists)
Browser accessible elements: activity tag management (in Agency Setup), activity tag report (in Reports)

Activity tags are the new way for HawkSoft users to track and report on specific actions performed by a user during a client interaction. 

  • Better activity tracking
    Multiple activity tags can be added to a single log note, and tags are highlighted in the log list, making it easier to tell at a glance what a log note is about.
  • Enhanced activity reports
    The updated activity Reports make it easier for agencies to see and report on what activities their users are performing.

 


Quick Reports (replaces Advanced Reports & Activity Report)
Browser accessible elements: Included Quick Reports and Activity Reports

The new browser accessible Quick Reports interface will allow you to easily run the same types of reports agencies previously created using Advanced Reports, with less complexity and a more user friendly interface.

  • Streamlined  report view
    The report view has an updated look, but includes the same report summarizing and filtering options with some added enhancements.
  • Simpler report creation with Quick Reports
    Quick Reports make it much faster and easier to run frequently used reports. Rather than creating Saved and Memorized reports using filters, agencies can run high-level preset reports by client, policy, profile, claim, tags, or activity. These reports can still be summarized to drill down further or exported to Excel, as with the previous Advanced Reports.
  • Faster report processing
    Reports run much faster than in previous versions of HawkSoft, and do not require additional processing when data columns are added to a report, as they did previously.

 


Carrier Downloads (replaces current download processing, configuration, reporting, and Unmatched Downloads)
Browser accessible elements: dashboard, reports, download settings, unmatched downloads

In HawkSoft 6, carrier downloads have been completely reimagined to make downloads a seamless background process that requires far less manual work for the agency.

  • Downloads are now retrieved automatically as they occur
    Downloads are retrieved continuously 24/7 via Ivans Web Services, so agencies will no longer need to manually process downloads on a daily basis.
  • New Downloads Dashboard
    The all-new Downloads Dashboard lets users see recent downloads and analytics at a glance, identify action items, and access important links.
  • Enhanced Download Viewer
    The updated Download Viewer makes downloads easier to view and get the data you need.
  • Enhanced Configuration Rules
    There are now more options for managing Y-accounts, applying rules globally or by carrier, and adding carrier exclusions to individual download rules.
  • Enhanced Unmatched Downloads process
    Matching logic has been enhanced, and a new process for unmatched documents makes them easier to view and match in one click.

 


Trust Accounting (replaces current Trust Accounting workflows)
Browser accessible elements: end of period processing & reports, QuickBooks transfer, settings

HawkSoft’s Accounting workflows have been redesigned to be more consistent throughout the system and to incorporate feedback from agencies on the challenges with existing workflows. While Accounting workflows will be available by Phase 2 of the HawkSoft 6 release, migration of open items from an agency's current HawkSoft database to HawkSoft 6 will be available in Phase 3. Closed transactions (history) will not be migrated to HawkSoft 6, and reporting will not include any closed transactions prior to migration (learn more here). 

  • Reimagined transaction list
    The new Trust Accounting tab (replacing the previous Invoicing tab) has a refreshed look and enhanced options. All accounting items on a client now appear in the transaction list on this tab.
  • New: draft invoices
    Agencies can now create agency bill draft invoices, allowing for invoices to be created on a client that do not affect the client’s balance and that can later be modified and issued.
  • Streamlined workflow for voiding items
    Voiding an accounting item can now be done within a single workflow, rather than needing multiple steps and workflows in various locations to void an item.
  • Enhanced Trust Accounting report
    Items now display more consistently on the report, as all items (invoice, credit memo, Receipt, payable/Checks) have their own reference number.
  • Enhanced QuickBooks integration
    The new QuickBooks integration now has a 1:1 item ratio between HawkSoft and QuickBooks, allowing payments and credits to be applied to invoices. 

 


Commissions workflows & reporting (replaces current Commissions workflows)
Browser accessible elements: commission reports

Commissions workflows and reporting will be rebuilt in HawkSoft 6, making the commissions process easier and more intuitive. Commissions features will be added throughout Phase 2 and 3 of the HawkSoft 6 release, with additional new features planned after Phase 3; please see details here.

Commission settings and past reconciled commission transactions (history) will not be migrated to HawkSoft 6, and reporting will not include any transactions prior to migration. Migration of unreconciled statements will be available by the end of Phase 3.

  • Easier commission entry
    The process for importing or manually entering commission transactions has been streamlined.
  • Configurable roles & rules
    There will be more flexibility in commission tracking and reporting, with the ability to configure commission roles and set up rules for more robust and accurate commission compensation calculation.
  • Streamlined statements & comprehensive reporting
    The process for creating paid commission statements will be streamlined, and more comprehensive commission reporting will be available.

 


Agency Setup (replaces Agency & User Management)
Browser accessible elements: offices, users & permissions, seats, settings

Agency and user management settings and configuration options have been streamlined and are now accessible by web browser, making large user lists faster to load.

  • Searchable office & user lists
    The user and office list are now searchable, for faster access to specific users and offices.
  • Easier permission management
    User permissions across offices are now easier to view and edit for agencies that have user permissions by office enabled.  
  • Client lock management
    Users with permission to the user list can now view which client files are locked for editing, and unlock files if needed.

 


Carrier Setup (replaces Policy Company Setup)
Browser accessible elements: carrier profiles/settings

Carrier Setup will have an updated look and feel and will be accessible by web browser. There will no longer be Base Policy Types (Auto, Home, Boat, etc), which allows for more robust and flexible policy management. Users can configure all lines of business relevant for a carrier in a single profile rather than creating duplicates for each state or Base Policy type. This also allows for the ability to add multiple homes on a dwelling policy, home and auto on the same personal package policy, and more.

  • Simplified carrier profiles (one profile for all LOBs and states)
    A single carrier profile can now be created for all states and LOBs, with customization of coverages, limits, and deductibles by state.
  • Enhanced carrier list
    The carrier list is now searchable and can be filtered by state. It displays carrier state, status, and whether the carrier is certified by HawkSoft for downloads.
  • Enhanced profile creation options
    HawkSoft Download Certified Carriers now autopopulate their names, Writing Carriers, and NAIC Codes when selected. Multiple addresses and a customer website can now be added to carrier profiles, and enhanced LOB options are available.

 

Enhanced features


Enhanced features have updates to their look and feel or functionality, but are structured similarly to prior versions. Little to no additional training should be needed on these features. 

 


Policy Management
All client and policy main views and detail screens will have an updated look and feel for the cloud platform, but will retain similar structures and workflows as the previous versions of HawkSoft. Now utilizing data in the cloud, this is a major milestone to making more client and policy data available via web browser in the future.

Policy management has also been simplified by removing the concept of Base Policy Types, like auto or home, that had fixed edit screens. Any combination of LOBs can now be added to any policy (e.g. Home and Auto on a single package policy), and Home policies can have multiple locations and enhanced schedules.


Log Notes
Log notes have a new look and feel, with enhancements that make them easier to view and track. You can now sort your logs to filter out downloads, quickly search for logs and see how they fit into your main log list, or create a new log without going through the Action Menu. It’s also now easier to read logs with multiple references like Activity Tags, attachments, or tasks.


Customized Toolbar
Enhanced toolbar customization options combine the features of the current Action Menu hot buttons and External Tools buttons and makes them customizable at the agency level, not just an individual level. Users can create custom toolbar buttons to launch websites, applications, or Action Menu shortcuts.


Agency Intelligence and Sales & Retention Reports
Browser accessible elements: included dashboards/reports

These reports will have an updated look and feel with the same workflows and metrics displayed as in current versions of HawkSoft. Now powered by data in the cloud, reports will be faster to generate, and it will be easier to add further functionality to the reports in the futures.


Custom Client Fields (previously Client Miscellaneous Info)
Browser accessible elements: custom client field management (in Agency Setup)

Custom Client Fields will allow multiple miscellaneous info fields to be added to a client at a time, with up to 30 possible fields and the ability to archive fields.

 

 

Features added during later phases of HawkSoft 6 release


While HawkSoft 6 will be released with the majority of the features and workflows that most agencies use in HawkSoft today, a few less-used features and services will be added during later phases of the release, based on development complexity and agency utilization. This approach allows agencies to move to HawkSoft 6 more quickly, depending on their feature needs. 

The below features will be added incrementally throughout Phase 2 and 3 of the HawkSoft 6 release (see phase information here). The timing of migration of existing customers to HawkSoft 6 will be partially determined by which features each agency utilizes and when those features will be available. Please be aware that the exact timing for the release of each feature is fluid and subject to change. 

Features added throughout Phase 2 & 3


Commissions workflows & reporting (features to be added throughout Phase 2 & 3, and after Phase 3)
Comprehensive commissions capabilities currently used by less than 30% of agencies

Due to extremely high development complexity and the fact that many agencies currently track commission outside of HawkSoft, comprehensive commissions workflows and reporting are not available upon the initial release of HawkSoft 6. Features and reporting will be added throughout Phase 2 and Phase 3, with additional new features planned after Phase 3, as outlined below.

Commission settings and past reconciled commission transactions (history) will not be migrated to HawkSoft 6, and reporting will not include any transactions prior to migration. Migration of unreconciled statements is expected to be available by the end of Phase 3.

Available now: agency-level commission capabilities (commission statement creation & reconciling; Agency Commission Paid reports)

  • Commission transactions created from commission statement downloads from carriers, with the ability to match transactions to a client/policy. 
  • Ability to import commission statements from carriers via spreadsheet, or manually create commission statements.
  • Ability to reconcile commission statements, including the ability to edit or void commission transactions on statements.
  • Agency Commission Paid reports in Quick Reports that allow the agency to view all reconciled commission transactions for a carrier within a date range, and filter or summarize further as needed.

    Important: During this phase, the agency will be responsible for calculating agent commission payout outside of HawkSoft, and no commission data or history will be migrated to HawkSoft 6. If an agency migrates during Phase 2, commission data can NOT be migrated retroactively at a later date. Previous commission data (aside from attachments) will never be available in HawkSoft 6, and will only be accessible in the agency's read-only copy of HawkSoft 5. 

To be added throughout Phase 3: agent-level commission capabilities (agent splits & payouts)

  • Ability to set up commission rules for agent splits using Agent 1/2/3.
  • A new “Agent Payout” workflow that determines how much commission should be paid to each agent.
  • Agent Paid reports (can be used to create agent commission paid statements).
  • Late Phase 3: commission data migration available for certain items:
    • Migration of unreconciled commission statements (downloaded and imported commission statements)
    • Migration of term overrides or agent-specific overrides set on individual policies
    • No migration of past reconciled commission statements or transactions (history)
    • No migration of unreconciled commission transactions (e.g. "estimated" transactions)
    • No migration of commission settings (carrier/company settings or user settings)


To be added after Phase 3: compensation tracking capabilities (commission roles & triggers)

  • Complex commission rules, commission roles, and triggers for commission transactions.
  • Additional reports, such as a comparison report for paid commissions against commission statement downloads.

 

 

Accounting data migration (to be added during Phase 3 of release)

Due to the significant changes to the accounting workflows in HawkSoft 6 and the inherent complexity involved, migrating all previous accounting data and items to HawkSoft 6 will not be feasible. Specifically, closed transactions and history will not be migrated to HawkSoft 6, and reporting will not include any closed transactions prior to migration. In Phase 3 of the release, accounting settings and open transactions can be migrated. 

Additionally, all client attachments in the agency’s HawkSoft database will be migrated to HawkSoft 6, including PDFs (receipts, invoices, credit memos, etc). Upon moving to HawkSoft 6, agencies will retain a read-only copy of their previous HawkSoft accounting data, allowing agencies to refer to their accounting history at any time.

The level of accounting migration available in each phase is listed below.

  • Phase 2: No accounting migration available
    In this phase, agencies who wish to use the accounting workflows in HawkSoft 6 will be starting fresh in a new accounting system, and will need to recreate any necessary settings and transactions in HawkSoft 6.

    Important: If an agency migrates during this phase, accounting data can NOT be migrated retroactively at a later date. If an agency migrates during this phase, previous HawkSoft accounting data (aside from attachments) will never be available in HawkSoft 6, and will only be accessible in the agency's read-only copy of HawkSoft 5. 

  • Phase 3 or later: Accounting settings and open transactions will be migrated
    In this phase, migration is available for accounting settings (configuration) and all open transactions (all open invoices, credit memos, and payables). 

    Important: Closed transactions and history will not be migrated to HawkSoft 6 (aside from attachments), and reporting will not include any closed transactions prior to migration. Any reporting on non-migrated transactions must be done in the read-only version of HawkSoft 5 available to the agency after migration.


 

Different user permissions set by office (to be added during Phase 3 of release)
Currently used by less than 10% of agencies

Due to high development complexity and low agency usage, agencies with multiple offices will not have the ability to set different user permissions per office in earlier stages of the release. Agencies may set up multiple offices if desired, but users will have the same permissions across all offices they are associated with. We plan for different permissions by office to be available for multi-office agencies in Phase 3.


 

Default tasks (replacing default suspenses) - to be added during Phase 3 of release
Currently used by less than 15% of agencies

In HawkSoft 5, agencies could set up default suspenses that would be automatically created up certain actions such as policy creation, change form created, etc. Due to high development complexity and the current ability for users to create these manually, this functionality will be added to tasks during Phase 3. 

 

 

Book of business merges/acquisitions (to be added during Phase 3 of release)
Currently needed by less than 4% of agencies

Because our current focus is on migrating customers from HawkSoft 5 to 6, we have not yet developed the ability to merge multiple HawkSoft 6 databases, which could be needed for agencies who are merging or acquiring a book of business. Due to high development complexity and the low number of agencies needing this ability, this functionality will be added during Phase 3. 

 

 

Multiple QuickBooks Company Files (to be added during Phase 3 of release)
Used by less than 6% of agencies

Due to high development complexity and low agency usage, the ability to migrate agencies that have multiple QuickBooks company files will be added during Phase 3 of the release.


CSV Data Importer (now available - added during Phase 2 of release) 
Currently used by less than 2% of agencies

Due to high development complexity and low agency usage, the HawkSoft Data Importer, which allows users to import new clients and policies in bulk by CSV, was not available during Phase 1 of the release. This feature was added during Phase 2 and is now available. 

 


Batch email sends from reports (now available - added during Phase 2 of release)
Currently used by less than 1% of agencies

Due to high development complexity and very low agency usage, the ability to send emails in bulk from a report will be excluded from the initial release phases of HawkSoft 6. Please note that the ability to send individual emails from the client file, including the use of Correspondence Templates and merge fields, will remain available. 

We have found that it is not an immediate need for most agencies, as most send bulk emails through a separate email or marketing automation provider rather than their personal email address. HawkSoft also offers 2-way integration with several API Partners that provide email automation, which fulfills this need more comprehensively than the current Batch Email feature in HawkSoft.

Batch email was released during Phase 2 and is now available.

 

 

Agent Portal website for client data access (now available - added during Phase 2 of release)
Currently used by less than 2% of agencies

Due to high development complexity, the Agent Portal website for accessing client data will likely not be available for use with HawkSoft 6 during the earlier release phases. Because HawkSoft 6 can be installed and accessed on computers or laptops outside the office, we believe this addresses the immediate needs of most agencies and have assigned Agent Portal a lower development priority than other more vital features. 

Agent Portal was released during Phase 2 and is now available.

 


Self-service Certificates add-on in HawkSoft Marketplace (now available - added during Phase 3 of release)
Currently used by less than 4% of agencies

Due to high development complexity and low agency usage, the Self-service Certificates add-on available in the HawkSoft Marketplace, which allows insureds to access and create certificates for new cert holders via a web browser link, will not be available in Phase 1 of the release. No other Certificates workflows will be impacted. 

Self-service Certificates was released during Phase 2 and is now available.