Falvey Systems

Q&A With Matt Rebello, Vice President, Technology & Innovation

Matt Rebello has been an integral part of Falvey’s technology team for 19 years, beginning his journey as a programmer analyst. With a Bachelor of Science in Computer Software Engineering, Matt’s expertise and dedication have played a significant role in shaping our IT landscape. His technical skills and innovative thinking have been key to our many successes in the software and IT domains.

How does Falvey Systems support Falvey Insurance Group (FIG) as a whole? 

Falvey Systems plays a crucial role in supporting the FIG by leveraging technology to stay ahead in the insurance marketplace. This is achieved through the development and management of proprietary, in-house technology systems, a strategic decision that stems from the founder Mike Falvey’s early recognition of the importance of an IT department within the company.

The proprietary nature of FIG’s technology systems is a key advantage. By having systems built internally, the development team, which comprises software developers, quality assurance analysts, and network administrators, is well-versed in insurance industry jargon and market intricacies. This deep understanding enables the team to create tailored technological solutions that meet the specific needs of both the employees and clients of FIG.

Falvey Systems contributes to FIG’s efficiency and market leadership through various innovations. These include the creation of one of the early APIs for electronic transfer of insurance policies and documents, development of a home-grown Intranet system for Falvey Cargo, and even more advancements in our roadmap. Our technology’s flexibility and adaptability also allow for customized solutions, setting Falvey Systems apart from more rigid, one-size-fits-all systems prevalent in the market.

Falvey Systems’ forward-thinking approach and continuous pursuit of innovation are a reflection of FIG’s broader ethos of seeking improvement and maintaining a competitive edge in the insurance industry. This strategic focus on technology not only enhances FIG’s operational efficiency but also its ability to offer innovative and effective insurance solutions to its clients.

What is your department’s area of expertise?

The department’s area of expertise centers on providing value-added technological solutions that enhance the efficiency of all other departments within FIG. This is achieved through a deep understanding of both the insurance business and the specific needs of FIG’s employees and clients. By developing and managing in-house, proprietary technology systems, the team at Falvey Systems can offer tailored solutions that directly address the unique challenges and requirements of the insurance industry.

Our expertise extends to creating systems that streamline operations across various departments within FIG, ensuring that each department can function as effectively as possible. This internal synergy is a significant strength, allowing Falvey Systems to create integrated solutions that optimize overall organizational performance.

The ability of Falvey Systems to align technology with business needs, and its comprehensive understanding of insurance jargon and market intricacies, further strengthens its role as a pivotal player in supporting and advancing the operational capabilities of FIG. This expertise not only fosters internal efficiency but also contributes to FIG’s competitive edge in the insurance market, underpinning the company’s reputation for quality and efficiency.

How has your department evolved over time?

Over the years, Falvey Systems, a part of the Falvey Insurance Group, has undergone significant evolution in both its team structure and technological infrastructure. The department, which began with just three members nearly two decades ago, has expanded ten times that size. This growth reflects not only an increase in personnel but also a diversification of roles and expertise. The department now encompasses various specialized teams, including System Solutions, Project Execution, Software Development, Software Quality Assurance, Network Administration, and a collaborative DevOps team.

This expansion of the team is a direct response to the growing needs and complexity of the insurance industry. Each team within the department focuses on specific aspects of technology and software development, ensuring a comprehensive approach to creating and managing technology solutions for the company.

From an infrastructure perspective, Falvey Systems has transitioned from relying solely on on-premise servers to leveraging cloud-based services for critical operations. This shift to cloud computing reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards more scalable, flexible, and secure IT solutions. It indicates a forward-thinking approach to technology that aligns with the dynamic nature of the insurance market.

Furthermore, the department adapted swiftly to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the ability to transition to a fully remote work environment when necessary. This adaptability not only ensured continuity of operations during a critical period but also highlighted the department’s resilience and readiness to embrace new working paradigms.

The evolution of Falvey Systems mirrors the growth and dynamism of the Falvey Insurance Group itself. By expanding its team, diversifying its expertise, and adopting advanced technological infrastructures like cloud services, the department has solidified its role as a foundational element of the company, crucial to its continued success and adaptability in a fast-changing industry.

What differentiates Falvey Systems from others in the market?

Falvey Systems distinguishes itself in the market through its highly flexible and customizable technology, which contrasts sharply with the more rigid and standardized solutions typically found in the industry. This flexibility allows Falvey Systems to tailor its solutions to meet the specific needs of FIG and its clients, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all product.

One key aspect of this differentiation is the ability of Falvey Systems to create and adapt technology solutions that are specific to the unique requirements of the insurance market. This bespoke approach ensures that their technology aligns closely with the operational needs and strategies of FIG. It also demonstrates a deep understanding of insurance-specific challenges and opportunities, something that more generic, “black box” solutions may not fully address.

Additionally, Falvey Systems’ commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements is evident in their proactive approach to addressing software issues and monitoring industry trends. By integrating Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Falvey Systems is not only automating routine tasks but also harnessing AI’s capabilities for complex data analysis and decision-making. This integration enhances operational efficiency and adaptability, ensuring that FIG remains competitive in the marketplace. The ability to rapidly respond to changing market conditions and technological advancements, augmented by the innovative use of RPA and AI, further underscores our distinct position in the market. This synergy in our technological strategy highlights a forward-thinking approach, emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and a deep understanding of emerging tech trends

In essence, Falvey Systems’ approach of developing flexible, customized, and forward-looking technology solutions not only sets us apart from other players in the market but also plays a crucial role in driving the competitive edge and market success of FIG.

What is your favorite Falvey Systems success story?

Falvey Systems has continued to build upon its record of innovative successes, achieving several notable milestones that showcase our commitment to technological advancement and efficient business operations.

A key achievement has been our expansion into Cloud computing. This strategic move has significantly enhanced our resilience, stability, and redundancy. By leveraging the Cloud, we’ve ensured that our business operations can continue with minimal downtime, a critical factor in today’s fast-paced and interconnected world. This transition has not only safeguarded our data but also provided us with the flexibility needed to respond quickly to changing market dynamics and customer needs.

Furthermore, we have evolved to become a central data aggregation hub. This development represents a significant stride in our capabilities, allowing us to assimilate a vast array of data points. By effectively meshing this data, we’re able to not only analyze and learn from our historical activities but, more importantly, use this information to guide our future direction. This predictive capability, driven by data analysis, is crucial in positioning us to anticipate market trends, adapt to customer needs, and make informed strategic decisions.

Perhaps most notably, we are developing a new FIG System, a comprehensive platform that encapsulates all of Falvey Insurance Group’s business operations, both current and future. This system is a testament to our forward-thinking approach. It’s not just about addressing current needs; it’s designed to be scalable and adaptable, ensuring that we can quickly adjust to new opportunities or challenges. This level of flexibility and scalability is a game-changer, allowing us to remain agile and competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

These achievements highlight how Falvey Systems remains at the forefront of innovation in the insurance industry. By embracing new technologies, becoming a data-driven organization, and maintaining a forward-thinking approach, we continue to set new standards and pave the way for future successes. 

What’s something that excites you about the future of Falvey Systems?

One of the most thrilling aspects of the future at Falvey Systems is the remarkable transformation and expansion of our IT department. We’ve actively brought together a diverse array of talents and expertise, forming a team rich in knowledge, creativity, and drive. This group of individuals doesn’t just have the necessary skills; they possess the right mindset and motivation to propel Falvey Insurance Group (FIG) to unprecedented heights. Being around this team, witnessing their innovative ideas, unique perspectives, and the tangible outcomes of their efforts, it’s hard not to be extraordinarily excited about the potential they have to revolutionize our company.

Furthermore, our unwavering commitment to innovation continues to fuel our progress and enthusiasm. Under the guidance of visionary leadership, Falvey Systems has cultivated a culture that deeply values experimentation and the pursuit of new ideas and technologies. This ethos has been crucial in driving the growth and enhancing the efficiency of our operations. We’re in an environment where creative thinking is not just welcomed, but encouraged, fostering an atmosphere ripe for breakthrough solutions and ongoing enhancement of our services.

This synergy between our talented IT team and our dedication to innovation is a powerful combination. It lays the groundwork for a future where Falvey Systems isn’t just keeping pace with industry changes but is at the forefront, leading and defining the direction of the insurance sector. This prospect is not just exciting; it’s a testament to our potential to reshape the landscape of our industry.