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New System Update
Interested in helping AgStar select an Online Banking vendor and ensuring a successful system? See the sidebar to the right for information on joining the Vendor Selection Advisory Group. Or contact us at 800-705-6603 or email CustomerSupport@AgStar.com.
We are pleased to announce that our Request for Proposal (RFP) for a new online banking system was sent out to a select list of three vendors on April 21. We developed the list by meeting with a number of vendors to determine who would best match AgStar as a partner. Some of the items that we considered in choosing the vendors that would receive the RFP include:
- Versatility. Both in client platforms (Mac, Windows XP, Vista, etc) and browsers (IE, Firefox, Safari, etc.)
- Functions supported. Obviously the standard functions of online banking need to be supported, but we also need specialty functions, such as money transfers that handle unique loan types and payment options.
- Vendor reputation and financial status. We want a partner with a solid reputation and a history of quality service with the ability to support AgStar and our clients’ needs. The vendor needs to be financially stable as well.
- Security. The vendor we select needs to be able to protect AgStar and client information and to meet or exceed security best practices.
The following is the schedule for the vendor selection process:
- May 4 – Vendors respond that they intend to submit a proposal.
- May 6 – Vendors submit any questions about the RFP.
- May 10 – Conference call to answer questions.
- May 13 – Proposal due date.
- June 3 – Vendor notification of selection.
The vendors have also been notified that AgStar may decide to conduct site visits in order to obtain a more detailed understanding of the company’s operations and capability to deliver the requested online banking services.
The RFP also specifies that AgStar plans to implement the chosen system in as efficient and as timely a manner as possible.
Donna Boatman
Director of E-Business Marketing
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Your Input
AgStar is still seeking participants for its Vendor Selection Advisory Group to assist with assessing vendors who respond to the Request for Proposal (RFP). After the last issue of the Online Banking Monitor, three users contacted us offering to help. However, we would like to have a group of 8 to 15 people. This group will be vitally important to the success of the new online banking platform.
Although the total time commitment hasn’t been determined, we will make sure it is not intrusive. Tasks will include review of materials, review of demos, some meetings and testing the new system. We’ll have more information about these aspects shortly.
If you are interested in being part of this Advisory Group, we encourage you to contact us at 1-800-705-6603 or email CustomerSupport@AgStar.com.
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Current Online Banking
System Update
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Tips for Current Online
Banking System
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Here are a few updates regarding the current online banking system:
- Version 3.8. Testing continues on the next release from the current vendor which is known as version 3.8. The managing workgroup (composed of AgStar, other association representatives and AgriBank) is meeting with the vendor early in May to review this version as well as the next version release called 5.0.
- Transfer/Payment. Transfer/Payment is the focus of the next round of enhancements. The workgroup is currently analyzing which enhancements need to be made.
- System Usability. We are looking at changing the buttons within the icon toolbar to text instead of icons in an effort to make them more easy to identify. This means that instead of a button with a magnifying glass to view account info, the button would simply say ‘View.’ Another example is the button with ‘A’ and a magnifying glass to view account detail would simply say ‘Account Details.’
* Note: Effective June 1, Online Banking support hours will change to 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Once a transaction has been submitted, it goes through three stages: Pending, Posting and Completion.
Pending
In the Pending stage, the transaction may be viewed (  ), modified ( ), or deleted ( ) at any time. The purpose of this stage is to show when your transfer is scheduled to take place.
Posting
The purpose of the Posting stage is to show that your submitted transaction is being processed. In this stage, your transaction may be viewed under Transaction Details. You can access Transaction Details by doing the following:
- Click the Account Info/Payment tab on the main navigation bar
- Select the Account you made the transaction to or from (once selected, it should change color)
- Click the blue magnifying glass icon ( ) to view your Transaction Details
- Once your Transaction Details are displayed, scroll to the date your transaction is scheduled to post. It will appear as an Internal Transfer, Transfer In, or a Transfer Out with a specific dollar amount only in this stage because it is currently being processed.
***It is important to remember that it will not show specifically how it will be applied to the loan (under Transaction Details) at this stage.
Completion
In the Completion stage, the submitted transaction becomes a transfer and is posted to your account. This transfer can also be viewed in Transaction Details but it will not be listed generically (as in the Posting stage). Your transfer will now have all the details of your transaction (how the transaction was applied and whether it is a debit or credit). To access Transaction Details, follow the steps below.
- Click the Account Info/Payment tab on the main navigation bar
- Select the Account you made the transaction to or from (once selected it should change color)
- Click the blue magnifying glass icon ( ) to view your Transaction Details.
- Once your Transaction Details are displayed, scroll to the date your transaction is scheduled to post.
*If you have any questions, please call 1-800-705-6603, Monday through Friday, 7 am. to 6 pm.(Central Time) and we will be happy to assist you. |
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This update is being sent bi-weekly to keep you informed, help support the current Online Banking situation and involve you as we drive towards a better online banking situation. This email is not for promotional purposes. Please email AgStarEteam@AgStar.com to add others in your business who need this information.
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