Internally Adding an Agency
While the invitation process allows agencies to self-onboard, there are times when you need to add an agency directly into the system.
Read the step-by-step guide below or check out the video walkthrough.
When to Use Internal Addition
This method is ideal for:
- Territory managers adding agencies they've recruited
- Staff onboarding agencies over the phone
- Adding branch agencies or subsidiaries of existing partners
- Situations where the agency prefers you handle the setup
- Quick additions without waiting for agency response
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Access the Internal Add Function
- Navigate to the agency management section
- Select the option to add an agency internally
- The internal addition form opens
Step 2: Enter Agency Identifier
- Input the agency's NPN number
- The system validates the NPN
- Agency information auto-populates
- Verify you have the correct agency
Step 3: Configure Agency Type
Branch Agency Option:
- Check "Create as Branch Agency" if applicable
- Use for subsidiaries of existing agencies
- Maintains connection to parent agency
- Inherits certain settings from parent
Standard Agency:
- Leave unchecked for independent agencies
- Creates a standalone agency record
Step 4: Add Contact Information
Email Address (Required):
- Enter a valid email address
- System validates deliverability in real-time
- Prevents typos and invalid addresses
- Must be corrected if validation fails
Benefits of Email Validation:
- Saves time by catching errors immediately
- Prevents bounce-backs
- Ensures communication channels work
- Reduces back-and-forth corrections
Step 5: Set Producer Code
Producer Code Options:
- System can auto-generate a code
- Manually enter your internal tracking code
- Links to other systems if integrated
- Optional but recommended for tracking
Step 6: Complete the Addition
- Review all entered information
- Click Add Agency
- Agency is created immediately
- No waiting for agency action required
Understanding the Results
After adding an agency internally:
Onboarding Category:
- Shows as "Addition" (not "Invitation")
- Indicates internal creation method
- Affects reporting and tracking
Available Actions:
- Add additional information
- Configure data synchronization
- Set authority status
- Add agents to the agency
- Manage compliance settings
Email Validation System
The built-in validation prevents common issues:
What It Checks:
- Email format validity
- Domain existence
- Deliverability potential
If Validation Fails:
- "Email is not deliverable" message appears
- Must provide a valid email to proceed
- Helps maintain data quality
Common Use Cases
Adding Branch Agencies
- Enter the branch NPN
- Check "Create as Branch Agency"
- System links to parent agency
- Maintains organizational structure
Phone-Based Onboarding
- Collect information during call
- Add agency while on phone
- Immediate access granted
- Follow up with credentials
Territory Manager Additions
- Manager meets with agency
- Adds them on-site or after meeting
- No delay in getting started
- Maintains personal touch
Comparison to Other Methods
Internal Addition vs. Invitation:
- Faster: No waiting for agency action
- More control: You enter all data
- Different tracking: Shows as "Addition"
- Same result: Fully onboarded agency
Internal Addition vs. Bulk Upload:
- Better for: Single agencies
- Simpler process: No CSV required
- Immediate validation: Real-time checks
- Interactive: See results instantly
Next Steps After Addition
-
Configure Agency Settings:
- Authorize products and states
- Configure automation rules (if different settings are needed than the global settings)
-
Add Supporting Data:
- Upload documents
- Add agents
-
Enable Access:
- Sync licensing data
- Verify compliance status
- Activate for business
Best Practices
- Verify NPNs: Double-check before adding
- Use Valid Emails: Ensures communication works
- Set Producer Codes: Maintains tracking consistency
- Document Branch Relationships: Use branch feature appropriately
- Complete Setup: Don't leave agencies partially configured
As always, if you have any questions or something doesn't quite make sense, please reach out to us on our support channels.