getlyit_logo_notag
All 9 GetLYIT sessions are now on demand.
Catalyit Guide

Agency Management System

All you need to know about management systems.
Section I: AMS Basics
  
Section I

Agency Management System (AMS) Basics

An AMS is the backbone of every independent insurance agency.

It centralizes your client, policy, accounting, and communication data in one platform, helping your team serve clients, track performance, and stay compliant. A modern AMS doesn’t just store data. It connects your tools, automates workflows, and turns daily activity into measurable business insight.

Today’s AMS platforms go far beyond storage. They integrate with quoting tools, CRMs, phone systems, document management, and analytics dashboards. When properly set up, your AMS becomes the center of your tech ecosystem, giving you a clear picture of your agency’s health and performance.

“A management system is the foundational piece of an agency's tech stack. The management system largely determines an agency's overall integration and efficiency potential, so selection is critical. If you're in the market for a new AMS, get input from your team and get answers to all your tough questions before making a decision.”
Casey Nelson_circle-min
Casey Nelson

Director of Consulting

How Agencies Use an AMS

Manage client and policy data

Manage client and policy data

Automate renewals and task assignments

Automate renewals and task assignments

Issue certificates and handle ACORD forms

Issue certificates and handle ACORD forms

Track commissions and reconcile direct-bill payments

Track commissions and reconcile direct-bill payments

Produce reports on revenue, retention, and hit ratios

Produce reports on revenue, retention, and hit ratios
      
Section II

AMS in Action

Turning AI ideas into results starts with trust, process, and simple first steps. These resources show you how to put AI to work inside your agency.

Check Out:

Six Underutilized Features in Agency Management Systems
automation-connectivity

Six Underutilized Features in Agency Management Systems

Discover six powerful yet underutilized features in Agency Management Systems that can enhance efficiency, boost productivity, and uncover new revenue opportunities for your insurance agency.

Tech Stack Essentials Every Insurance Agency Needs
The graphic image depicts a modern office space within an insurance agency featuring sleek desks equipped with dual monitors displaying CRM and AMS software dashboards A team of diverse employees is engaged in a collaborative meeting around a large c

Tech Stack Essentials Every Insurance Agency Needs

Ensure your agency’s foundation is solid before adding new tech. Map workflows, fix gaps, engage your team, choose the right CRM, integrate with your AMS, and track success for lasting growth.

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your AMS for Maximum ROI
up-arrows-scaled

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your AMS for Maximum ROI

Unlock the full potential of your Agency Management System (AMS) to maximize efficiency, improve customer service, and boost ROI through AI, automation, and optimized workflows.

Getting the Most Out of Your Agency Management System
BlackWomanBusiness

Getting the Most Out of Your Agency Management System

Maximize the potential of your Agency Management System with strategic planning, comprehensive training, and seamless integrations to boost efficiency, enhance client service, and drive profitability.

     
Section III

Set Yourself Up for AMS Success

1

Document your workflows

before implementing or changing systems.

2

Clean your data

and migrate only accurate, up-to-date client and policy information.

3

Train your team

by role (producers, CSRs, accounting, leadership).

4

Integrate smartly

and start with carrier downloads, accounting, and email.

5

Establish SOPs

to create consistent naming conventions, required fields, and audit rules.

6

Measure impact

and track efficiency gains, reduced re-keying, and improved renewal timelines.

    
Section IV

AMS Insurance Solutions

Take a closer look at all your available options by visiting their profiles.

AMS360
AMS360

AMS360
by Vertafore

Power your agency with the industry's leading AMS.

AMS

Applied Epic
Applied Epic

Applied Epic
by Applied Systems

Insurance agency management software for all lines of business

AMS

Eclipse
Eclipse

Eclipse
by North American Software Associates, Inc

Easy, intuitive management program for independent agencies.

AMS

EZLynx
EZLynx

EZLynx
by Applied Systems

All-in-one agency management solution

AMS

HawkSoft Agency Management System
HawkSoft Agency Management System

HawkSoft Agency Management System
by HawkSoft

Build a powerful foundation for growth and retention on HawkSoft's insurance agency management system.

AMS

Momentum AMP
Momentum AMP

Momentum AMP
by Momentum AMP

AMS CRM Quoting Platforms - Commercial Lines Lead Generation

Momentum AMS
Momentum AMS

Momentum AMS
by Momentum AMP

User-friendly and cost-effective AMS that streamlines insurance operations

AMS

Nexsure
Nexsure

Nexsure
by Dyad

A highly configurable AMS that unifies workflows, boosts team efficiency, and drives agency growth.

AMS

QQCatalyst
QQCatalyst

QQCatalyst
by Vertafore

The foundational insurance management system for complex small agencies.

AMS

Sagitta
Sagitta

Sagitta
by Vertafore

An enterprise-class management system for your agency.

AMS

Xanatek Connect
Xanatek Connect

Xanatek Connect
by Xanatek, Inc.

Connecting the dots to maximize efficiency, increase profits and grow your business.

AMS

Agency2Go
Agency2Go

Agency2Go
by Agency Software, Inc.

AMS

AGENCYMATE
AGENCYMATE

AGENCYMATE
by AGENCYMATE

AMS

amplo AMS
amplo AMS

amplo AMS
by amplo

AMS

Encore Agency Management
Encore Agency Management

Encore Agency Management
by Encore Agency Management

AMS

Irys
Irys

Irys
by Irys

AMS

JAMS
JAMS

JAMS
by Trinilogics, LLC

AMS

JenesisNow
JenesisNow

JenesisNow
by Jenesis Software

AMS

Macaw Agency Management System
Macaw Agency Management System

Macaw Agency Management System
by Nest Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

AMS

Newton
Newton

Newton
by Agency Systems

AMS

Novidea
Novidea

Novidea
by Novidea

AMS

Partner Platform
Partner Platform

Partner Platform
by Zywave

AMS Mobile Apps

 Pro Tip

Take the Tech Assessment to identify where AMS integrations, automation, or data cleanup can have the biggest impact.

     
Section V

AMS Comparison Grid

Make an informed decision by comparing solutions side-by-side. Click the logo to take a deeper dive and learn more about the solution.

Brand/Product name
Platform Access
Mobile Device Access
Suspense/Follow-up Tracking
Task Management
Reminder Alerts
Microsoft 365 Integration
Document Creation
Purge Customer Data & Documents
Real-time Claim Inquiries
Marketing & Sales Capabilities
Carrier File Attachment
Document Management Capabilities
Accounting Integrated
Accounting Capabilities
Reporting Capabilities
Support Access
     
Section VI

Demos & Videos

Reimagining Agency Success: The Evolution from AMS to AMP
Momentum by NowCerts
AMS

Reimagining Agency Success: The Evolution from AMS to AMP

December 12, 2024
Cybersecurity Month: Protecting Your Management System
Cybersecurity data protection graphic
AMS

Cybersecurity Month: Protecting Your Management System

October 3, 2024
Vertafore AgencyOne Demo
Vertafore AgencyOne
AMS

Vertafore AgencyOne Demo

August 22, 2024
Nexsure by Dyad Demo
Dyad
Dyad

Nexsure by Dyad Demo

July 16, 2024
Encore Agency Management Demo
Encore Agency Management
Encore

Encore Agency Management Demo

July 9, 2024
Vertafore AMS360 vs. QQCatalyst Demo
AMS360 vs QQCatalyst
AMS

Vertafore AMS360 vs. QQCatalyst Demo

May 21, 2024
      
Section VII

TechTips

Six Underutilized Features in Agency Management Systems
Automation

Six Underutilized Features in Agency Management Systems

November 10, 2025 2 min read
GetLYIT 2025: Top Takeaways
AMS

GetLYIT 2025: Top Takeaways

November 3, 2025 2 min read
Getting the Most Out of Your Agency Management System
AMS

Getting the Most Out of Your Agency Management System

November 1, 2025 2 min read
Maximizing Agency Growth with an Annual Tech Checkup
AMS

Maximizing Agency Growth with an Annual Tech Checkup

October 29, 2025 2 min read
Annual Tech-Up: 21 Areas Insurance Agencies Need to Check ASAP
Budgeting

Annual Tech-Up: 21 Areas Insurance Agencies Need to Check ASAP

October 26, 2025 3 min read
AI in Insurance: Vertafore Leaders’ Key Takeaways From ITC Vegas 2025
AMS

AI in Insurance: Vertafore Leaders’ Key Takeaways From ITC Vegas 2025

October 23, 2025 3 min read
        
Section VIII

Your Tech Stack + GetLYIT

getlyit_logo_notag

GetLYIT is Catalyit’s multi-day virtual event built for the entire independent insurance community. It’s not just another conference. It’s a reset that helps you break old habits, cut through the noise, and gain the strategies and confidence to turn technology into real growth.

Check It Out

Day One_Casey_dyad

Your tech stack can either fuel growth or create roadblocks. Casey shares six brutal truths about agency tech and how you can cut redundant tools, improve data hygiene, and create a smoother, more efficient operational ecosystem—without adding complexity.

Watch Now

Day Two_Angela_dyad

Start strong with a 21-point tech check that keeps your agency secure, compliant, and efficient. Angela cuts through the clutter and walks you step-by-step through the essentials from budgeting and cybersecurity to operations and marketing so you can spot risks, fix gaps, and fuel growth.

Watch Now

      
Section IX

State of Tech Report

93%

of Catalyit agencies are using an AMS as the backbone of their tech stack. Are you one of the ones who isn't?

For the fourth year, Catalyit is partnering with Big “I” state associations to survey independent insurance agencies nationwide about their current tech stack. Agencies are sharing which AMS they use, how they rate it, and where they see the greatest opportunities for improvement.

Take the Agency Tech Assessment and tell us what powers your agency’s operations. See the results this spring in the 2026 State of Tech in Independent Insurance Agencies Report.

         
Section X

Catalyit's AMS FAQ

What agents are asking.

Q: What’s the difference between an AMS and a CRM?

A: An AMS manages operations, policies, and accounting. A CRM focuses on marketing and sales. Agencies benefit most when the two systems are integrated.

Q: How do I know if it’s time to replace my AMS?

A: If your system requires heavy re-keying, lacks integrations, or can’t support automation, it’s time to explore options.

Q: How long does AMS implementation take?

A: Most agencies complete implementation in 3–6 months, depending on size, data complexity, and training needs.

Q: How can I improve the quality of reports from my AMS?

A: Start by standardizing data entry, defining key metrics, and exploring dashboard or analytics integrations.

Q: What’s the biggest AMS mistake agencies make?
A: Under-training staff and skipping SOPs. Consistency is key to maximizing the value of your AMS.
    
Section XI

Next Steps

Ready to put your AMS to work in your agency?

Talk to Us
Connect with Catalyit Consulting to review your current AMS and create a plan for optimization or migration.

Take the Agency Tech Assessment
Identify where AMS improvements and integrations can strengthen your agency’s performance.

Join Our Next Webinar
See how agencies are leveraging AMS technology to boost efficiency, accuracy, and client service.

Catalyit laptop mock-up

 Bottom Line

Start small, stay curious, and keep learning. Each step builds a smarter, more efficient agency.

Contributors:

Casey Nelson

Casey Nelson

Angela-Ford_circle-min

Angela Ford

Guide Last Updated: November 2025

Sorry, you'll need Full Access to see this content!

To view this guide, upgrade to Full Access starting at $17/mo.

Sign In
Get Access
Go Home