Three-Mode Architecture
A platform design pattern that creates C-suite value from underwriting systems by providing different entry points for different stakeholders.
The Problem
Most underwriting platforms position themselves as productivity tools—systems that help underwriters work faster. This limits the buying conversation to operational efficiency, which is a mid-level procurement discussion with IT and operations.
Carrier boards don't buy underwriting workflow tools. They buy business management systems that demonstrate capital deployment discipline to investors. The architecture must reflect this reality.
The question isn't "how do we make underwriters more productive?" It's "how do we give the board visibility into how capital is being deployed?"
The Three Modes
Manager Mode
Strategic oversight and governance. Manager Mode provides executives with real-time visibility into how the business plan is being executed across the organisation.
- Business plan as living object with cascade governance
- Capital deployment visibility across portfolios
- Risk appetite monitoring and automatic adjustment triggers
- Strategic target tracking against board-approved plans
Performance Mode
Real-time analytics and portfolio management. Performance Mode enables portfolio managers to understand how their book is performing against targets and where intervention is needed.
- Real-time exposure tracking against limits
- Appetite monitoring with automatic alerts
- Portfolio composition analysis
- Performance attribution and trend identification
Action Mode
Transaction execution informed by portfolio context. Action Mode gives underwriters the tools to assess and bind risks while understanding how each decision affects the broader portfolio.
- Risk assessment with algorithmic decisioning support
- Portfolio context for each underwriting decision
- Automated referral routing based on authority and appetite
- Transaction execution with real-time limit checking
Cascade Governance
The key innovation is treating business plans as living objects that cascade through the organisation. Each level inherits targets from above and distributes them below, creating accountability at every level.
When performance at any level triggers a threshold, the system automatically adjusts appetite and authorities. A portfolio that's approaching its limit doesn't need manual intervention—the cascade governance model automatically restricts new business until the position improves.
Why This Matters
Three-mode architecture repositions the platform from a productivity tool to a strategic business management system. This changes the buying conversation:
Before: "This system will help your underwriters process submissions faster."
After: "This system gives your board real-time visibility into capital deployment and creates internal champions at every level of the organisation."
The architecture creates value for C-suite executives before procurement conversations begin. When the CUO and CFO are already using the system for strategic oversight, the procurement discussion is about expansion, not evaluation.
Create internal champions at every level. The best way to win enterprise deals is to be indispensable before the RFP arrives.
Related Concepts
Three-mode architecture works in conjunction with The Inversion Insight for subscription market support and Cascade Governance for business plan management.