technology – ��Ĵ�ý

The Automation Advantage: Protecting People as Manufacturing Risk Evolves

��Ĵ�ý — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 19:27:37 +0000

Jacki Surguine, Healthcare & Manufacturing
Market Segment Strategy Director at ��Ĵ�ý

Walk through a modern manufacturing plant and the automation advantage is visible in motion. Robots lift heavy components. Sensors detect subtle changes in heat or vibration. Computer-vision systems inspect products at a speed the human eye cannot match. Together, these technologies can make work more consistent, precise and less physically demanding.

During , that progress offers an opportunity to recognize not only how manufacturing is changing, but the people adapting alongside it. As new technology takes on more of the repetitive, strenuous and precise work, protecting the people who build, maintain and work around these systems remains at the heart of that progress.

But as the work changes, the risk changes with it.

For years, workplace safety has moved in an encouraging direction. , the lowest rate in the current federal series. Employers reported approximately 2.5 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses that year, down 3.1% from 2023. Yet contact incidents still accounted for 860,050 cases involving days away from work, job restriction or transfer across 2023 and 2024. The trend is positive, but the numbers also point to a changing challenge: understanding where serious consequences may now be concentrated.

The Automation Advantage Changes the Equation

Industrial automation is already operating at scale. , more than double the level recorded seven years earlier. In the United States, .

That growth can remove employees from repetitive, strenuous or hazardous tasks. , illustrating automation’s potential to improve safety when the technology—and the work surrounding it—is thoughtfully designed and managed.

Yet an automated line can also concentrate activity around sophisticated equipment and tightly connected systems. A routine strain may be prevented when a robot performs the lift. But when an employee enters the system to diagnose a fault or clear a jam, a routine intervention can involve stored energy, unexpected movement and multiple connected components.

“Automation can create meaningful safety gains by moving people away from repetitive and physically demanding work,” said Jacki Surguine, Healthcare & Manufacturing Market Segment Strategy Director at ��Ĵ�ý. “The next step is making sure the controls, training and decisions around that technology evolve just as quickly.”

Critical Work Begins When the Line Stops

A technician approaches a guarded cell to diagnose a fault. An operator clears a jam so production can restart. A contractor tests a newly integrated system. These moments take place outside the predictable rhythm automation was designed to create. And they demand the closest attention.

, including programming, maintenance, testing, setup and adjustment. During those tasks, an employee may enter or reach into a robot’s operating space while stored energy, unexpected movement or an incomplete shutdown remains possible.

The distinction between production and intervention matters. A safeguard designed for normal operation may not control the exposure created when someone troubleshoots a sensor, overrides a fault or services connected equipment. A meaningful risk assessment must therefore follow the work beyond the standard production cycle and account for how people actually interact with the system when something goes wrong.

Lockout/tagout remains central to that effort. during servicing and maintenance. In an integrated plant, however, the difficult question is often not whether a procedure exists. It is whether that procedure identifies every energy source, control and connected component that could affect the task.

One Industry, Many Automation Journeys

There is no single automation journey. Automotive and electronics manufacturers have spent years building highly integrated environments. Metal, machinery, plastics and chemical operations are advancing through broader cell- and process-based applications. Food, beverage and packaging operations are accelerating as employers respond to labor pressure, consistency requirements and throughput demands. Smaller or highly customized manufacturers may still rely more heavily on manual work.

Every position along that spectrum carries a distinct risk profile. In a lower-automation environment, repetitive motion, material handling and manual interaction may continue to drive more frequent losses. During a transition, new equipment can arrive faster than procedures, training or safeguards mature. In a highly integrated plant, routine exposure may decline, but the employees who interact directly with automated systems may face more complex—and potentially more consequential—conditions when something goes wrong.

The meaningful question is not simply, “How automated is the plant?” It is, “How has automation changed the way people encounter risk?”

Expertise Must Move With the Technology

As automation expands, safety and operational knowledge can become concentrated in smaller groups of maintenance technicians, programmers, system operators and equipment specialists. Their decisions carry greater weight, and their expertise can be difficult to replace.

Training must evolve at the same pace as the technology. A one-time equipment orientation is rarely enough for a system that changes through new tooling, programming, sensors and integrations. Manufacturers can build resilience through role-specific qualification, hands-on practice, clear escalation authority and refresher training whenever the equipment, process or nature of the work changes.

The people closest to the work are also a vital source of insight. Operators know where a process routinely hesitates. Maintenance employees know which faults recur. Contractors may recognize integration challenges across equipment from different vendors. Inviting those perspectives into risk assessments and pre-task planning can reveal exposures that may not be visible in a manual, diagram or standard operating procedure.

“The strongest safety conversations begin with the work as it actually happens, especially during setup, maintenance and troubleshooting,” said Surguine. “When manufacturers listen to the people closest to those moments, they can turn experience into action before a near miss becomes a serious loss.”

Design the Safe Decision

An effective safety system does more than define the right action. It makes that action clear and practical—even when production pressure is high. That may mean designing easier isolation points, verifying energy control before work begins, limiting access to overrides, documenting temporary changes and establishing an unambiguous stop-work expectation.

It also means treating near misses as information, not simply relief that no one was hurt. A jam cleared without injury may feel like a successful recovery. It may instead reveal a process that repeatedly draws employees into a hazardous position. Recognizing and addressing that signal can help prevent the next intervention from becoming a claim, an outage or a life-changing injury.

The automation advantage is realized most fully when technology and human judgment advance together. People need the expertise, authority and protection to work confidently around increasingly sophisticated systems. The goal is not to slow innovation. It is to build safety into every decision that keeps innovation, and the operation, moving.

Looking Ahead

Discover how ��Ĵ�ý’s manufacturing expertise, proactive Risk Management and specialized insurance solutions can help businesses understand emerging exposures, protect employees and build more resilient operations around evolving technology.

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Manufacturing Automation Download

Workplace Safety Strategies: Turning Risk Insights Into Action

��Ĵ�ý — Mon, 24 Aug 2026 20:21:35 +0000

How can everyday insights prepare teams for the moments that matter most?

In the latest issue of Safety Connect®, we explore how can improve driver performance, why timely reporting supports better workers’ compensation outcomes, and how and can help businesses move from understanding risk to strengthening workplace safety.

Explore practical guidance from ��Ĵ�ý Risk Management and Claims professionals designed to help organizations protect their people, improve operations and turn insight into action.

Your Safer Workplace Starts Here

Safety Connect V2 2026 Download

��Ĵ�ý Highlights Trusted Partnerships in 2025 Annual Report

��Ĵ�ý — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:46:38 +0000

��Ĵ�ý’s 2025 Annual Report

Farmington Hills, Mich., May 15, 2026 — ��Ĵ�ý Insurance announces the release of its , featuring financial strength and a commitment to delivering exceptional value through trusted partnerships, superior service, and specialized expertise.

The report highlights momentum across the organization, including growth in key business segments, technology modernization efforts, and ongoing improvements designed to make the insurance experience easier, more responsive, and built around the needs of agency partners and policyholders.

“2025 was a year that reinforced the strength of our partnerships and the dedication of our people,” said Greg Crabb, ��Ĵ�ý President and CEO.

“This report reflects the progress we’ve made across our business and our continued commitment to helping our agency partners and policyholders move forward with confidence.”

The annual report also highlights ��Ĵ�ý’s “A” (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating from AM Best, more than $55 million in surplus growth, expanded risk management and claims capabilities, and ongoing community support efforts through the ��Ĵ�ý Charitable Foundation.

About ��Ĵ�ý Insurance

��Ĵ�ý is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. ��Ĵ�ý has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

��Ĵ�ý Appoints Amjed Al-Zoubi as Chief Information and Data Officer

��Ĵ�ý — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information
and Data Officer at ��Ĵ�ý

Farmington Hills, Mich., January 10, 2026 — ��Ĵ�ý has appointed Amjed Al-Zoubi Chief Information and Data Officer (CIDO), broadening his leadership responsibilities as the company continues to strengthen how insight, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) inform decision-making across the organization.

In this capacity, Al-Zoubi will lead ��Ĵ�ý’s analytics and AI efforts, aligning technology, information, and security capabilities in support of the company’s long-term strategy. His work will focus on turning complex information into clear, actionable insights—supporting underwriting, claims, and operational teams—while advancing responsible AI use, sound data practices, and cybersecurity.

“I am pleased to announce that Amjed Al-Zoubi will be taking on an expanded leadership role as our new Chief Information and Data Officer,” said Greg Crabb, President and CEO of ��Ĵ�ý. “This appointment reflects ��Ĵ�ý’s commitment to harnessing the power of data, analytics, and AI to help better serve our agents and policyholders.”

Al-Zoubi’s appointment builds on ��Ĵ�ý’s continued investment in analytics-driven insight and digital platforms—helping teams make more informed decisions, respond more quickly to risk, and deliver consistent service.

“I’m very proud to step into this expanded role and energized by the opportunity ahead,” said Al-Zoubi. “Our focus is not just on advancing technology, but on making data more meaningful and usable for the people making critical decisions every day. When analytics and AI are aligned with business strategy, they become powerful tools for clarity, consistency, and long-term performance.”

With this evolution, ��Ĵ�ý continues to build on a disciplined approach to innovation—using insight and technology to support informed decisions, strong partnerships, and lasting value for the policyholders and communities we serve.

About ��Ĵ�ý Insurance

��Ĵ�ý Once Again Named One of the Best Places to Work in IT

��Ĵ�ý — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 18:18:08 +0000

Farmington Hills, Mich., December 10, 2025 — ��Ĵ�ý is proud to once again be named one of for the fourth year in a row. The annual program recognizes top work environments for technology professionals, highlighting organizations that excel in culture, career development, benefits, and overall employee experience.

In the rankings, the company placed 5^th overall among small organizations (1,000 or fewer employees), with additional distinctions placing ��Ĵ�ý among the top ten across key categories, including Workplace Modernization, Career Development & Training, Benefits & Compensation, Employee Retention & Engagement, and Workplace Culture — demonstrating how ��Ĵ�ý’s IT teams continue to thrive in a high-impact, people-first environment.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition for a fourth consecutive year,” said Amjed Al-Zoubi, ��Ĵ�ý’s Chief Information Officer. “Our technology teams play a vital role in delivering best-in-class service to our employees, agency partners, and policyholders. This award reflects their expertise, their commitment to innovation, and the strong culture we’ve built together.”

Computerworld’s Best Places to Work in IT program evaluates organizations through a comprehensive survey covering training and career growth, DEI initiatives, hybrid work strategies, retention and engagement, and competitive benefits. ��Ĵ�ý’s recurring placement in the rankings highlights the company’s sustained investment in developing IT talent and creating an environment where employees can advance their skills and contribute to meaningful enterprise transformation.

“Innovation thrives when people are trusted and challenged,” said Erin Buddie, Chief Human Resources Officer at ��Ĵ�ý. “We’re proud to continue strengthening a workplace where employees feel supported, empowered, and confident in the impact they’re making.”

This honor adds to ��Ĵ�ý’s growing list of national workplace awards. Recently, the company was also named among the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For^® and recognized by Business Insurance as a Best Place to Work in Insurance.

To read the full 2026 Computerworld results and special report, visit

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About ��Ĵ�ý Insurance

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Automation in Action: Meg Palchak Named Guidewire All-Star

��Ĵ�ý — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:06:15 +0000

At ��Ĵ�ý, innovation isn’t a buzzword—it’s a commitment to making the insurance experience stronger, smarter, and more seamless for everyone we serve. That commitment is brought to life through people like Meg Palchak, Loss Sensitive Programs Experience Manager, who has been named to the .

The Guidewire^® All-Star program recognizes professionals who transform complex technology into meaningful business results. Meg has done exactly that. Over the course of ten years, she has helped reshape ��Ĵ�ý’s billing landscape, guiding a series of behind-the-scenes changes that culminated in the automation of Loss Sensitive billing—one of the most intricate and consequential areas of the business.

It was a change that mattered. For decades, Loss Sensitive billing was handled manually, an exacting process requiring countless hours of detailed oversight. Under Meg’s leadership, ��Ĵ�ý transitioned to a fully automated system in Guidewire BillingCenter^® (ABC). The shift wasn’t just operational—it was transformational.

For agency partners and policyholders, it meant new conveniences that reflect the way people want to work today:

24/7 online access to billing information
Automated payment options and account visibility through
Paperless billing with customizable notifications
A clear view of balances and payment history at their fingertips

For ��Ĵ�ý’s production and billing teams, the benefits have been equally powerful. Collateral management, invoicing, cash application, and delinquency processes are now automated, reducing errors and freeing up teams to focus on what matters most—serving customers and solving challenges with speed and care. Each milestone marked progress in ��Ĵ�ý’s digital transformation , reinforcing our commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Meg shared:

“This was a long road, but one worth taking. If we hadn’t completed the earlier automation projects, bringing the SR book of business into ABC would not have been possible. I’d like to thank the billing team—Jason Matz, Miu Lee, Elizabeth Tuttle-Janes and Craig Calkins—whose hard work and collaboration made all the �徱�ڴڱ��Գ��.”

“We were on a very tight timeline, yet we went live with minimal defects, fewer than 20 each time. That’s a testament to the incredible people on this project.”

The project began in July 2024 and, with remarkable precision, Large deductible policies went live in ABC April 2025 and Retrospective policies by August 2025. Each go-live had fewer than 20 defects—a rare feat for projects of this complexity. And today, the results are clear. Processes once known for painstaking manual steps are now streamlined, accurate, and efficient. Policyholders have more control, agencies have better tools, and ��Ĵ�ý has strengthened its ability to serve.

Congratulations to Meg on this well-deserved recognition. Her perseverance, expertise, and leadership embody the spirit of innovation that defines ��Ĵ�ý—and continue to shape not just our future, but the future of the insurance industry.

Support in Every Step: ��Ĵ�ý’s Role in the Future of Workplace Safety

��Ĵ�ý — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 13:08:01 +0000

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant challenge in workplace safety, with the private sector 976,090 musculoskeletal disorder cases that led to days off of work in 2021-2022. These injuries, often caused by repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions, can result in severe sprains, strains, and back injuries.

According to and the , workers in warehouse and distribution roles also face some of the highest rates of serious injury, particularly from overexertion. Reducing these risks not only protects physical health, but also contributes to stronger retention and overall employee well-being.

Innovative Risk Management Solutions

��Ĵ�ý’s commitment to pioneering innovative safety solutions has recently seen remarkable advancements under the . With a focus on cutting-edge technology to combat workplace injuries, ��Ĵ�ý was awarded a safety grant to pilot , designed to mitigate lower back injuries—a prevalent concern in MSD-related claims.

“��Ĵ�ý is proud to support the NSC’s efforts to develop repeatable, real-world safety solutions,” said Ryan Anderson, Risk Management Technology Programs Manager at ��Ĵ�ý.

“We see firsthand how physically demanding jobs take a toll on workers. That’s why we’re so focused on prevention—especially through emerging technologies that help our policyholders protect their teams.”

Real Results

��Ĵ�ý partnered with several policyholders across various regions to evaluate the impact of HeroWear exosuits in real-world work environments. Two organizations participated in a 90-day pilot program, while another conducted an extended 12-month evaluation.

During this time, employees integrated these cutting-edge exosuits into their daily routines; extensive feedback was collected through employee surveys, alongside critical HR metrics like injury rates, productivity levels, absenteeism, and turnover rates. This comprehensive data collection allowed the study to capture both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of the exosuit technology in real-world applications.

The results were compelling:

One company reported a 40.74% decrease in worker fatigue from heavy lifting and a 26.92% reduction in lower back discomfort
Another detailed a 42.19% reduction in fatigue from heavy lifts alongside a 32.84% reduction in lower back discomfort
Among nearly 100 workers using exosuits for over a year, zero back strain injuries were reported, along with an average 42% reduction in lower back discomfort and a 26% drop in work-related fatigue

“At ��Ĵ�ý, my goal in working with each of my clients is to mitigate any potential risks to their business—which includes protecting each of their workers,” said Anderson. “It’s exciting to see measurable results in the data—but even more meaningful to witness firsthand how this technology is improving safety, comfort, and confidence on the job.”

Promising Results and Future Plans

Following a successful showcase at the National Safety Council’s Annual Congress and Expo last fall, plans are underway to expand the use of the HeroWear exosuits across more policyholders—bringing this proven safety innovation to more workplaces where it can have a meaningful impact.

“We are thrilled to be identified among the nation’s top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, Vice President of Risk Management at ��Ĵ�ý. “Our participation in the grant program reflects a core part of our service philosophy—delivering emerging safety technologies that help our agency partners and policyholders create safer, more resilient workplaces.”

For more updates and to explore how we’re working together to make safety a priority, visit amerisure.com

Cereen Varghese Joins ��Ĵ�ý��as Vice President of Application Engineering

��Ĵ�ý — Sat, 24 May 2025 10:47:00 +0000

Farmington Hills, Mich., May 19, 2025 — ��Ĵ�ý is pleased to announce the appointment of Cereen Varghese as Vice President of Application Engineering.

In this role, Ms. Varghese will lead the strategy and execution of ��Ĵ�ý’s application engineering initiatives, helping to accelerate innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and drive digital transformation across the enterprise. She brings more than 20 years of experience in technology leadership, product innovation, and engineering operations.

“Cereen brings a deep understanding of how to align technology with business goals to deliver meaningful impact,” said Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information Officer at ��Ĵ�ý. “Her extensive leadership experience, proven ability to drive innovation, and commitment to building high-performing teams make her a tremendous asset to ��Ĵ�ý as we continue to transform and modernize our digital capabilities.”

Before joining ��Ĵ�ý, Cereen held senior leadership roles at organizations including Infosys Technologies, Société Générale, Concentrix, Our Daily Bread Ministries, and most recently, Caresoft Global as Chief Product Officer. While serving at Caresoft, Cereen led the development and launch of an AI-enabled idea platform and built and scaled a global engineering and technology team while driving innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to deliver customer-centric solutions.

Recognized among the Top 50 Women Leaders in Technology, Ms. Varghese is known for her strategic vision, disciplined execution, and people-first leadership style. She holds certifications in EFQM, Agile Practices, and CMMI benchmarking, and is passionate about mentoring talent and fostering agile, results-driven cultures.

About ��Ĵ�ý Insurance
��Ĵ�ý is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. ��Ĵ�ý has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit amerisure.com.

��Ĵ�ý Advances Workplace with Exosuits in NSC-Sponsored Pilot Program

��Ĵ�ý — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 15:12:53 +0000

��Ĵ�ý Risk Management team members attend
the National Safety Council’s recent Annual Congress
and Expo in October 2024.

Innovative Pilot Program Launch

��Ĵ�ý’s commitment to pioneering innovative safety solutions has recently seen remarkable advancements under the MSD Solutions Lab. With a focus on cutting-edge technology to combat workplace injuries, ��Ĵ�ý was awarded a safety grant to pilot , designed to mitigate lower back injuries—a prevalent concern in MSD-related claims.

“As pioneers in workplace safety solutions, we always prefer to help prevent an employee’s injury altogether. This is why we are very excited to assist the NSC’s with their work to develop repeatable solutions that improve workplace safety,” explained Ryan Anderson, a risk management technology programs manager at ��Ĵ�ý.

Selection and Testing of Policyholders

��Ĵ�ý partnered with two policyholders in the Midwest and Southeast, providing each with ten HeroWear Apex 2 exosuits for a 90-day evaluation period. During this time, employees integrated these cutting-edge exosuits into their daily routines; extensive feedback was collected through employee surveys, alongside critical HR metrics like injury rates, productivity levels, absenteeism, and turnover rates. This comprehensive data collection allowed the study to capture both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of the exosuit technology in real-world applications.

Promising Results and Future Plans

The preliminary feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, with early indicators promising a significant reduction in lower back stress. ��Ĵ�ý is now preparing a detailed case study, which will soon be published to share insights and outcomes from the pilot program.

Following a successful showcase at the National Safety Council’s recent Annual Congress and Expo in Orlando, plans are underway to expand the use of these exosuits across more policyholders, underscoring our role as a leader in proactive workplace safety measures.

“We are thrilled to be identified among the nation’s top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, ��Ĵ�ý’s vice president of risk management. “Our company’s participation in the grant program speaks to our service differentiator of identifying and offering emerging safety technologies to the benefit of our agency customers and policyholders.”

For more updates and to explore how we’re working together to make safety a priority at: https://bit.ly/3BldDFl.

��Ĵ�ý’s SureConnect® Portal Wins Prestigious 2024 Datos Insights Technology Award

��Ĵ�ý — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:00:00 +0000

Farmington Hills, Mich., September 27, 2024 — ��Ĵ�ý Insurance is proud to announce that its flagship customer portal, SureConnect^® has received a prestigious Datos Insights 2024 Insurance Technology Impact Award in the Digital category. This accolade underscores ��Ĵ�ý’s commitment to leading digital innovation in the insurance industry, enhancing customer satisfaction and streamlining operational efficiency.

SureConnect^®is designed to enhance the insurance management process for policyholders, employees, and agency partners alike. It allows users to efficiently file claims, access loss data, and check claim statuses with reduced wait times and minimal manual intervention.

The recent enhancements to SureConnect^®have yielded remarkable improvements: a reduction in customer onboarding time by over 60%, an increase in user satisfaction scores from 83 to 91, and a 16% increase in the value of the portal to agency customers. These advancements have not only improved the daily operations for ��Ĵ�ý’s partners but have also significantly enhanced their overall experience.

“We are focused on the customer experience at ��Ĵ�ý and recognize the growing importance of digital interactions in insurance,” said Amjed Al-Zoubi, Chief Information Officer at ��Ĵ�ý. “This award reflects our approach to partnering with customers and applying feedback to extend the SureConnect^®�徱�ڴڱ��Գ��.”

The ongoing development of the comprehensive, usercentric SureConnect^®portal is a testament to ��Ĵ�ý’s dedication to innovation and excellence. As the digital landscape evolves, ��Ĵ�ý continues to anticipate and respond to the needs of the modern insurance customer, ensuring that each update not only addresses current challenges but also sets new standards in the insurance industry.

technology – ���Ĵ�ý

The Automation Advantage: Protecting People as Manufacturing Risk Evolves

Critical Work Begins When the Line Stops

One Industry, Many Automation Journeys

Expertise Must Move With the Technology

Design the Safe Decision

Looking Ahead

Workplace Safety Strategies: Turning Risk Insights Into Action

Your Safer Workplace Starts Here

���Ĵ�ý Highlights Trusted Partnerships in 2025 Annual Report

About ���Ĵ�ý Insurance

���Ĵ�ý Appoints Amjed Al-Zoubi as Chief Information and Data Officer

���Ĵ�ý Once Again Named One of the Best Places to Work in IT