Resources
eFile Modernization: Creating an improved experience
Principal® is enhancing our Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) platform to deliver a more efficient, automated experience. The demand for EDI solutions continues to grow throughout the industry, so we are modernizing our process to create a better experience for our customers.
What are the benefits of modernization?
- Faster processing times
- Increased transparency
- Improved error handling
- Reduced manual intervention
- Enhanced customer experience
- More consistent processing across channels
- Better scalability
What's changing?
In the past, we requested confirmation if the data provided was unclear. Moving forward, Principal will rely on the accuracy of the data reported through the Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) without verification. Therefore, accurate data must be sent to avoid issues with claims, billing, or member records.
Current Process
What is the process changing to?
Quality review of data provided
EDI data was previously reviewed by Principal and a manual discrepancy report was generated if data needed to be verified or fixed in the feed.
Automatic Processing
Principal will now update the file with the data provided by your benefits administrator without verification.
Member level discrepancy report
Discrepancy reports, which were used to identify errors and request action on how to resolve them, will be eliminated.
Vendor error reports
If there are errors to fix, a vendor error report will be created and sent to the recipients of the discrepancy report. The only action required is to update the feed.
Here are improvements already underway for clients using the modernized process:
- Increased automation from 65% to 90%+ without manual intervention
- Enhanced visibility, including detailed member level transactions, through eService
- Immediate vendor error notifications generated, if needed
Current timings - modernized
Standard goal
Work on items received
Goal for the week
Adjudicated eFile transactions
Within 24 hours of file being received
Member level non-adjudicated eFile transactions
(approximately 10% of total transactions)
5 business days
11/24
12/1
Customer inquiries
5 business days
11/24
12/1
*Updated weekly, last updated 12/1/25
Project timeline
Below, you can view a timeline of our modernization efforts. Note that modernization efforts are prioritized based on platform volume of business to maximize efficiency.
Completed in 2024
2025 initatives underway
- Modernized file specifications for ANSI and XML/Employee Navigator
- New operational workflow for our internal servicing team
- 30% of our clients modernized in 2024
- New broker microsite launched
- 90% of member transactions processed without manual intervention
- 80% of files received processing without manual intervention
- Employee Navigator broker webinars (May-July)
- Complete Employee Navigator modernization by year-end
- Target 75% of all accounts modernized
Future improvements
- Enhanced eFile onboarding process to improve the overall customer experience
- Expanded vendor compliance to get more of our files into modernization
- Additional self-service options
- Improved amendment process
- Refined reporting capabilities
- Self-funded and self-accounting capabilities
- Continuous refinement of technology solutions based on employer, broker and vendor feedback
File feed requirements
File specifications:
- Follow modernized file specifications
- Ensure proper data formatting
- Maintain data quality standards
Data requirements:
- Accurate effective dates
- Complete benefit elections
- Precise signature dates
- Current salary information
- Termination dates when applicable
- Proper dependent information
- Correct effective date of your qualifying life events
- To process the Periodic Benefit Increase (PBI) for Voluntary Term Life, the updated benefit amount must appear on the file feed. Sending the same benefit amount will not trigger the PBI increase. The Principal system requires a change in benefit amount to process the increase in benefit.
Error management:
- Review vendor error reports within 5 days
- Make corrections in benefits administration system
- Monitor transaction history
- Conduct regular audits
View our error report guide for more information.
Employee Navigator brokers: Ready to move all your accounts?
Principal® Lifetime
Income Solutions II
Income Solutions II
Modernization Webinar Recording
Employee Navigator Files
Modernization Webinar.mp4SEGMENT
TERM
INDEX
OPTIONS
INVESTMENT
PROTECTION
OPTIONS
GROWTH
POTENTIAL
FEATURES
Fixed segment
N/A
Fixed rate
S&P 500®
10% buffer
Cap
S&P 500®
10% buffer
Participation
rate
rate
1 YEAR
S&P 500®
0% floor
Participation rate
S&P 500®
10% floor
Participation rate
Russell 2000®
10% buffer
Participation rate
1 YEAR
MSCI EAFE
10% buffer
Participation rate
2 YEAR
S&P 500®
10% buffer
Participation rate
S&P 500®
10% buffer
Participation rate
Russell 2000®
10% buffer
Participation rate
6 YEAR
MSCI EAFE
10% buffer
Participation rate
1 YEAR
SG Smart Climate
10% buffer
Participation rate
For questions or support, contact your Principal representative or email groupbenefitsadmin@principal.com and include 'FEED' and account number in email subject lines.