​A fundamental building block for today's successful independent insurance agency is a good agency management system that can provide a framework for all the necessary business processes. The most effective independent agencies have maximized the ability to operate as digitally as possible, minimizing double entry and moving paper. Agency management software can range in cost from less than $1,000 to $5,000 for a start-up operation with monthly fees of $60 to $600, depending on the level of sophistication you desire. It is advised that a new agency should not skimp on agency management software since it will pay in the long run to operate as electronically as possible. When you join MAIA, you also become a member of the Independent Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA). IIABA sponsors an organization made up of independent agencies, carriers and technology vendors called the Agents Council for Technology. The ACT website has numerous resources to help agencies harness technology to maximize productivity and profitability.