Is Your Client’s Admin Platform Holding Them Back? Here’s How to Tell
In the world of employee benefits, the wrong technology can be like an old pair of shoes—once comfortable, now holding you back with every step. If your clients are still limping along with outdated benefits administration platforms, they’re likely feeling the pinch—whether they realize it or not.
As a broker, you’re in a prime position to help your clients spot the signs of a system that’s slowing them down—and recommend a solution that sets them up for long-term success. Let’s break down the telltale signs of a platform that’s past its prime, and what to do about it.
1. The System Can’t Keep Up with Growth
Your clients are expanding—new locations, new hires, maybe even new lines of business. But their platform still feels like it’s stuck in 2015.
If your clients are experiencing:
- Manual processes for enrollment, eligibility, or reporting
- Limits on the number of users or data they can manage
- Delays when adding new plans or carriers
…it’s a clear sign the tech isn’t keeping up. A strong benefits platform should scale with your clients, not slow them down.
Selerix, for example, is designed to handle complex benefits structures and growing businesses—without forcing clients to migrate to a whole new system. But whether it’s Selerix or another solution, make sure the platform is built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s challenges.
2. Compliance Feels Like a Constant Fire Drill
ACA, COBRA, state-specific mandates—your clients have a lot to manage, and a platform that drops the ball on compliance is a risk they can’t afford.
Watch for:
- Missed deadlines on ACA reporting
- Confusion over eligibility rules
- Limited tools for managing notices or audits
If compliance is becoming a constant scramble, it’s time for a platform that automates the heavy lifting. (Hint: Selerix’s compliance tools are designed to keep clients out of hot water, but the main takeaway here is that your clients need a platform that makes compliance easier—not harder.)
3. HR Teams Are Drowning in Manual Work
When HR teams are bogged down with spreadsheets and workarounds, it’s a red flag. The right platform should reduce administrative burden, not create more busywork.
Ask your clients:
- Are you still manually entering employee data or plan changes?
- Do you need IT support every time you make an update?
- How many hours a week go into benefits-related tasks that could be automated?
If the answers make you wince, it’s time to talk tech. A modern platform should empower HR teams to focus on strategy and employee engagement—not data entry.
4. Employees Struggle to Use the System
A clunky user experience can tank employee engagement with benefits. If employees:
- Struggle to log in or access the platform
- Can’t find the information they need
- Give up during enrollment because it’s too complicated
…then the platform is part of the problem. Benefits only deliver value when employees use them. Look for platforms that offer intuitive interfaces, mobile access, and tools like decision support to guide employees through the process.
Selerix prioritizes the employee experience with self-service tools and a user-friendly design—but any platform you recommend should make benefits accessible and engaging for the people who rely on them.
5. The Platform Feels Like a “Set It and Forget It” Tool
If your clients’ current platform only shows up at open enrollment—and disappears the rest of the year—that’s a missed opportunity.
A high-performing platform should support:
- Year-round engagement and communication
- Data-driven insights to refine benefits strategies
- Tools that help HR teams and brokers adjust plans proactively
Selerix, for instance, offers tools that go beyond enrollment—helping clients manage compliance, educate employees, and keep benefits top-of-mind all year long. But more broadly, brokers should look for partners who see benefits as an ongoing relationship, not just a once-a-year transaction.
Helping Clients See the Bigger Picture
Your clients may not always recognize that their platform is holding them back—but as their trusted advisor, you can help connect the dots.
Start by asking:
- Are your HR teams spending more time managing benefits than improving them?
- Are you confident in your ACA compliance and reporting?
- Do employees have a positive, accessible benefits experience?
- Is the platform adapting to your business as it grows?
If the answers raise concerns, it’s time to explore better options.
Ready for a Fresh Start?
At Selerix, we believe brokers deserve a benefits technology partner that works with you to serve clients—scaling as they grow, simplifying compliance, and making benefits engagement a year-round win.
Download The Broker’s Guide to Recommending Benefits for practical insights on building the right benefits strategy—and let’s talk about how we can help you future-proof your clients’ benefits administration.
It’s time to trade those outdated shoes for something that’s built to last.