Absa Life Deploys Sapiens Platform for Core Modernisation

Absa Life has completed implementation of Sapiens International Corporation's insurance platform across multiple distribution channels, marking the completion of the first phase of the South African life insurer's core systems modernisation programme.

The deployment covers Absa Life's funeral line of business and includes Sapiens CoreSuite for Life & Pensions, Sapiens DigitalSuite, Sapiens DataSuite and Sapiens Cloud Services. The platform will serve as the foundation for future product expansions across the insurer's portfolio.

Digital integration targets multichannel growth

The implementation includes integration between Sapiens DigitalSuite and Salesforce through deep linking capabilities, supporting Absa Life's multichannel distribution strategy. 

The integration allows the insurer to maintain unified customer data across touchpoints whilst expanding digital engagement capabilities.

Sapiens DataSuite has been rolled out across both the new CoreSuite platform and existing legacy systems, creating consolidated data management infrastructure. 

The unified approach provides Absa Life with integrated business intelligence capabilities spanning its entire technology estate.

Two new AI models are being developed specifically for the DataSuite implementation, designed to deliver real-time insights and predictive analytics through cloud-based architecture. 

The AI capabilities will operate alongside the existing platform infrastructure to support advanced data analysis and decision-making processes.

Michelle Niemand, Absa Life Future Fit Programme Director, says the platform represents a foundation for operational simplification. 

“The successful implementation of this platform is an important milestone for Absa Life,” says Michelle. “It simplifies our core operations, supports our digital ambitions, and allows us to respond more effectively to customer needs in a dynamic market.”

Platform architecture supports phased modernisation

The Sapiens Insurance Platform operates as an integrated suite rather than standalone components, allowing Absa Life to manage policy administration, digital engagement and data analytics through unified workflows. The architecture supports both individual and group products across life, health, and retirement segments.

The CoreSuite implementation handles end-to-end policy administration processes, while the cloud services component provides elastic scaling capabilities for business growth. 

The modular design allows Absa Life to add functionality and expand product offerings without requiring significant infrastructure changes.

Sapiens has structured the platform to enable gradual migration of existing products and processes through a phased approach. 

This methodology allows the insurer to maintain operational continuity whilst building upon the modernised technology foundation, ultimately supporting consolidation of legacy systems over time.

The implementation follows Sapiens' strategy of providing integrated platforms rather than point solutions to insurance clients. The company has focused on developing AI capabilities within its existing suite architecture rather than creating separate AI products.

Market positioning and strategic outlook

Roni Al-Dor, Sapiens President and CEO, describes the deployment as part of a broader transformation strategy for the South African market. 

"This is a key moment in Absa Life's transformation journey and it is extremely exciting that Sapiens is developing two new AI models as part of Absa's platform," says Roni.

The Sapiens platform serves insurers across multiple markets, with the company reporting implementations across life, property and casualty, and workers' compensation segments. The integrated approach allows insurers to manage multiple product lines through unified technology infrastructure.

Absa Life operates as part of Absa Group, one of South Africa's largest financial services groups. The insurer provides life insurance, funeral cover and investment products to retail and corporate clients across the South African market.

The modernised infrastructure positions Absa Life to expand its product portfolio whilst maintaining integration with existing distribution channels and operational processes. 

The platform's modular architecture supports both current business requirements and future growth initiatives across different insurance segments.

"Our partnership reflects a shared vision of building a modern, agile insurance business, able to respond quickly to market needs and customer expectations," says Roni. 

"This successful go-live positions Absa Life to further consolidate legacy systems, scale new offerings, and leverage the power of AI-driven innovation."

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