ARMtech now has access to the Comprehensive Information Management System (CIMS): a vast repository of information that contains data compiled by the RMA, Farm Service Agency (FSA), AIPs, and other USDA agencies.
Given the potential of CIMS, ARMtech has worked diligently over the last six years to enhance our software. Our Systems Department has been prepping all of the AgriNet programs so that our Agents can begin accessing CIMS data immediately, taking full advantage of the quality assurance opportunities it provides.
Armed with this recently available data, ARMtech agents will see several benefits including enhanced customer service and reduced E&O liabilities. This data identifies inconsistencies between information reported to the AIPS and the FSA with enough time to correct any errors. Our agents are now able to reduce the risk of reporting errors, reduce the time it takes to map policies and reduce the time it takes to ultimately service policies quicker but with greater accuracy.
Specifically there are a couple of new features which our agents now have at their disposal:
Producer Summary
Similar to an FSA-578, the Producer Summary contains information reported by the producer to the FSA Office and certified by the FSA. The Producer Summary may be run at the Policy level for any of the CIMS Crop Years, and it provides both planting information specific to Farm and Tract Number and totals for the Gross and Net Acres of all county crops.
Common Land Unit Mapping
AgriNet Mapping adds a visual element to the data provided on the Producer Summary. If the policy has not been mapped, AgriNet will automatically map the CLUs available the next time you launch Mapping. If the policy is already mapped, you can simply turn on the Common Land Unit map layer and determine which fields have been reported to the RMA, which to the FSA, or which to both. Once the policy is mapped, you can click on a field and see the CLU information provided on the Producer Summary.
We are also currently in the process of making these additional enhancements:
• Adding CIMS data to the Acreage Map / Status report, to know at a glance which policies have CIMS data available and for which crop years
• Creating discrepancy reports that specify which information differs between the RMA and FSA, so that it can be reconciled as soon as possible
• Including Producer Summaries in the Claim Packets our Adjusters use to verify
However, even as we continue to find ways to better utilize CIMS data, we are encouraging all ARMtech Agents to begin running the Producer Summary and importing CLU data into Mapping. The sooner we can identify inconsistencies between ARMtech and FSA data, the sooner we can correct any errors and ensure the accuracy of the data, lest that data need to be verified come claim time.
If you have any questions, please contact your Marketing Representative.
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