Interesting question. Some vendor systems may print ACORD Forms when needed, but transmit data electronically to insurers. Some agents print the forms for signature, PDF the signed form for the record and shred the paper. So why do ACORD Forms continue to have legs after 40 years? ACORD Forms exist for only one reason, to replace proprietary forms created by insurers and regulators. If proprietary forms did not exist, there would be no standard ACORD Forms.
The digerati refer to ACORD Forms as the physical representation of the electronic standards. That's somewhat true, but the relationship between electronic messages and forms is more complicated. The good news is that we are updating all 700+ ACORD Forms to make them smarter. We created an eLabel database for every piece of data on every form. We provide eForms that enable online completion and we're building better integration tools for software developers. The line between the paper and the digital world is blurring.
Someday, you may never actually print an ACORD Form on paper for any reason once we all agree on electronic signatures. But you'll probably continue to see ACORD Forms because they also provide a standard view for consuming information. Don't underestimate the value of a consistent look and feel.
The Future presents itself in waves. We are engulfed in a blend of old and new technologies. Some fade away, others endure for awhile as new compounds emerge from the mix. You'll continue to see ACORD Forms in the mix somewhere.