The process started in October 2023 with a 7-week proof of concept (PoC) approach, built upon two key pillars of Data Preparation and Solution validation, intending to prove what the technical opportunities were with the existing dataset.
We focused on rapid iteration by testing 6 different features, focusing on technical feasibility and business value. For example, supporting legal counsellors with an intelligent solution that processes large volumes of historical claims and provides accurate draft treatment plans to shorten case treatment time. Our core team of four worked alongside the respective subject-matter experts at AND and ARAG.
The ultimate goal of the POC was to improve scalability and security. During the process, we made sure we fully grasped the structure and content of the cases so we ultimately achieved the desired value-driven solution. We worked within the AND Digital data governance framework, thus ensuring there was no compromise on sensitive data or systems, the systems aligned with fair and safe principles, and governing bodies (e.g. GDPR) were clear, open and monitored.
As the working POC convincingly proved the technical feasibility and desirability of the business case, we continued to work on the next phase, the Minimum Viable Product (MVP). We organised several interviews and workshops with legal experts, ensuring that we were not just implementing a technical solution, but were adding actual value for users and developing solutions that fit seamlessly with existing working practices. This co-creation process led to a working Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which was recently launched for ARAG’s Employment Law division.
We not only developed the software but also ensured that ARAG could take ownership of it by involving them intensively throughout the development process. We supported the ARAG team in implementing new ways of working and building the capabilities to further manage and develop this solution. Additionally, to promote organisation-wide adoption of the software, we organised workshops and an AI hackathon for ARAG teams, which were very positively rated at 4.8 out of 5. The events effectively helped to manage the initially hesitant and sometimes sceptical attitude employees might have towards big changes ahead.