Banking & Financial Services White Paper All Items Archive--the keystone of completing the change to image check processing By Craig Sparkes, VP of Application Product Management IA Corporation Commercial banks have been investing in image check processing systems and equipment since the mid-1980's. These investments were quite substantial in terms of capital and were implemented in both departmental and enterprise environments. As sophisticated as many of these systems were, large scale operational improvements and significant savings in staff and expense have eluded many organizations. However, it should be noted that image technology employed in certain departments produced positive ROI and payback. Indeed, most banks have benefited from the implementation of image retail remittance systems for credit card and other large volume payment operations. Proof of Deposit (POD) systems have also generated savings. Despite these positive notes, when viewed as a whole, check processing operations are still a collection of independent systems that lack a synergistic core. The large scale benefits, promised by the major image manufacturers have failed to materialize. Linking to host-based data Most of the systems used in check processing are linked by two methods: one, access to host based data, such as DDA and CPCS; and/or two, access to microform media, such as rolled microfilm, fiche and COM. In order to complete the check processing cycle of capture, posting, research and adjustment, statement rendition and customer service, these systems constantly reference each other to move to the next stage of completion. What has long been needed is a centralized image archive that could store, index and retrieve images of all captured items and the reports these activities generate. Generically referred to as "All Items Archives," these repositories of images and data are the keystone for the completion of the infrastructure, and they are essential if all of the long promised savings and efficiencies to occur. What is an All Items Archive? An All Items Archive is a powerful software application that combines several different software tools and utilities with a workflow platform and a highly specialized framework to accept input, migrate images to a variety of storage media and devices, monitor and control activity and interface to all check processing applications. As shown in Figure 1, an All Items Archive is a highly sophisticated framework that leverages the power of client-server architectures and workflow software. The open API (Application Programming Interfaces) inherent in the design of All Items Archives must function with a broad suite of image check processing environments (HPTS, IIPS, SIIPS), hardware storage devices and media, as well as current check processing and customer service applications. Prominent benefits from an All Items Archive The most significant benefit from the All Items Archive is the immediate payoff of all past investments in image check processing systems and image-enabled check processing applications. At last, the missing keystone is in place for the seamless use of images by every potential user within check processing operations, as well as delivery of services to check processing related activities such as cash management. Additionally, All Items Archives replace the need for continued microform activities, providing some cost reduction. However, cost reduction is an incremental benefit and should never be viewed as a justification method. This was a historical impediment to All Items Archive development. Most All Items Archive software will cost somewhere in the area of $.05 to $.10 per monthly item volume of input. Hardware devices to establish the Archive, control migration and storage are readily available. The All Item Archive is the keystone for the full implementation of an enterprisewide image check processing environment that will truly deliver on the promises the technology has held for more than 10 years. With the tremendous merger activity by banks and the wide distribution of check processing centers, image environments are mandatory and an All Items Archive essential to their success. Craig Sparkes is Vice President of Application Product Management for IA Corporation.
	TOP OF PAGE		HOME ++ SEARCH IW ++ DAILY NEWSWIRE ++ CURRENT PUBLICATIONS ++ ABOUT IW BUYER'S GUIDE ++ DIIME ++ SUBSCRIBE ++ COMMENTS
	© 1995, 1996, 1997 Cardinal Business Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The names, logos and icons identifying CBMÆs products and services are proprietary marks of Cardinal Business Media, Inc. CBM has no liability for content or goods on the Internet except as set forth in the Terms and Conditions of Service.