Technology assists knowledge work, but it doesn't replace it. Denis Smith, a VP and executive adjuster at Cunningham Lindsey in Vancouver, says this: “without understanding doctrines of proximate cause, proper policy interpretation/application plus strong people and communication skills, you just don't get there.” Which is to say, you've got to understand the information you're dealing with, and use it purposefully in real life.
Barry Zalma hits the nail on the head in the same article: “Technologically, the adjuster should be able to type using all ten fingers, understand and use effectively the insurer's computerized log system; understand how to estimate—using computer programs—the cost to repair buildings and vehicles; and most importantly how to read and interpret an insurance policy.”
Technology means “tools”. The fanciest power tool in the world won't make you an accomplished handyperson. Yes, you need to know how to use it. But you also need to know what to use it for, when, and why.
The common term in the two quotes is interpretation. Systems don't do interpretation. I don't know if artificial intelligence will ever do interpretation. AI still seems stuck at inference. So, our tools keep getting better, but we still need people with brains to exploit their power.
Comments