ABN AMRO North America
The Retail Sales and Services Support (RSSS) division within ABN AMRO focuses on incentive compensation plan design, tracking and measurement of key performance indicators (KPI) and performance to incentive. The team’s role is to assist in the local market management planning process, which is a process to bring learning and understanding to the market (branch) level. This is accomplished by helping the branches understand what their markets look like in terms of customer makeup, demographics and psychographics.
The Retail Sales and Services Support (RSSS) division within ABN AMRO focuses on incentive compensation plan design, tracking and measurement of key performance indicators (KPI) and performance to incentive. The team’s role is to assist in the local market management planning process, which is a process to bring learning and understanding to the market (branch) level. This is accomplished by helping the branches understand what their markets look like in terms of customer makeup, demographics and psychographics.
Account Analysis & Billing System
At ADS, providing the best support and customer service to financial institutions is a top priority. Your business will receive the custom tailored solutions it deserves. Account Analysis is the billing system for all cash management products that includes ACH, ARP, Wire Transfers, Lock Box, Controlled Disbursements and On-Line Banking. Customers’ accounts, commercial or retail, can be analyzed at various levels.
At ADS, providing the best support and customer service to financial institutions is a top priority. Your business will receive the custom tailored solutions it deserves. Account Analysis is the billing system for all cash management products that includes ACH, ARP, Wire Transfers, Lock Box, Controlled Disbursements and On-Line Banking. Customers’ accounts, commercial or retail, can be analyzed at various levels.
Account Reconciliation Process
At ADS, we have an outstanding reputation for supporting financial institutions with our custom-tailored Account Reconciliation Processing (ARP) solutions and services. Account Reconcilement is a service provided by most financial institutions that ensures account accuracy by enabling commercial clients to compare their own accounting records against their bank’s. While reconciliation itself is not an overly complex process, the bank’s reconciliation software must support both multiple and varied inputs – as well as multiple output and reporting options.
At ADS, we have an outstanding reputation for supporting financial institutions with our custom-tailored Account Reconciliation Processing (ARP) solutions and services. Account Reconcilement is a service provided by most financial institutions that ensures account accuracy by enabling commercial clients to compare their own accounting records against their bank’s. While reconciliation itself is not an overly complex process, the bank’s reconciliation software must support both multiple and varied inputs – as well as multiple output and reporting options.
Avoiding the Perfect Storm: Modeling & Capacity Planning Analysis
ADS was engaged to perform a modeling and capacity planning analysis project of a multi-site check processing enterprise to determine the optimal configuration of occupancy, equipment, staff, and transportation resources required to support a high priority consolidation project. As a result of this engagement, ADS provided the bank with detailed analysis required to realize a 30% reduction in yearly check processing operational costs (resources, equipment, and facilities), and earn a 3 to 1 return on investment within the first 12 months.
ADS was engaged to perform a modeling and capacity planning analysis project of a multi-site check processing enterprise to determine the optimal configuration of occupancy, equipment, staff, and transportation resources required to support a high priority consolidation project. As a result of this engagement, ADS provided the bank with detailed analysis required to realize a 30% reduction in yearly check processing operational costs (resources, equipment, and facilities), and earn a 3 to 1 return on investment within the first 12 months.
BISYS
As an implementation partner, ADS has provided BISYS and its clients with a plethora of services, including business consulting, technical evaluation, development, implementation, customization, integration, conversion, testing, training, support, and knowledge transfer. At ADS, we regularly produce these deliverables for BISYS by combining our industry experience and banking acumen with our high-level project management, product management, and information system core competencies.
As an implementation partner, ADS has provided BISYS and its clients with a plethora of services, including business consulting, technical evaluation, development, implementation, customization, integration, conversion, testing, training, support, and knowledge transfer. At ADS, we regularly produce these deliverables for BISYS by combining our industry experience and banking acumen with our high-level project management, product management, and information system core competencies.
BISYS
The BISYS Platform and Teller software systems used DOS-based software. In order to upgrade their client offerings, a major project was initiated to replace these systems on new platforms using Windows-based software. Platforms selected by BISYS to accomplish the upgrade included the Siebel CRM system, with the goal of integrating new account opening functionality into the system and the integration of Zeus Teller software from S1 with the BISYS host applications.
The BISYS Platform and Teller software systems used DOS-based software. In order to upgrade their client offerings, a major project was initiated to replace these systems on new platforms using Windows-based software. Platforms selected by BISYS to accomplish the upgrade included the Siebel CRM system, with the goal of integrating new account opening functionality into the system and the integration of Zeus Teller software from S1 with the BISYS host applications.
Branch Automation Services
At ADS Financial Services Solutions (ADS), we have an outstanding reputation for providing financial institutions with innovative branch automation services and solutions. We accomplish this by combining our deep branch office automation experience with our banking, project and product management and information systems skills.
At ADS Financial Services Solutions (ADS), we have an outstanding reputation for providing financial institutions with innovative branch automation services and solutions. We accomplish this by combining our deep branch office automation experience with our banking, project and product management and information systems skills.
Branch Banking Services
ADS professionals are specialized in providing services to a diversified client base and because the financial services landscape is a place of constant change, our portfolio of services is constantly expanding and evolving to respond to those changes. With our deep understanding of the banking industry, we are able to stay ahead of evolving needs, from replacing retail branch systems and managing charter collapses, to back-office integration.
ADS professionals are specialized in providing services to a diversified client base and because the financial services landscape is a place of constant change, our portfolio of services is constantly expanding and evolving to respond to those changes. With our deep understanding of the banking industry, we are able to stay ahead of evolving needs, from replacing retail branch systems and managing charter collapses, to back-office integration.
Business Case Development: Do You Know How to State Your Case?
Done right, a Business Case is a powerful tool that gets your project closer to reality; it covers all business requirements and sells your vision to project stakeholders. Conversely, poor Business Cases are silent killers that morph fact and fantasy by overstating benefits and underestimating costs. In many situations Business Cases are rejected not because the proposal wasn’t a good idea, but because the case failed to demonstrate a 360o view of benefits, costs, and impacts to the organization.
Done right, a Business Case is a powerful tool that gets your project closer to reality; it covers all business requirements and sells your vision to project stakeholders. Conversely, poor Business Cases are silent killers that morph fact and fantasy by overstating benefits and underestimating costs. In many situations Business Cases are rejected not because the proposal wasn’t a good idea, but because the case failed to demonstrate a 360o view of benefits, costs, and impacts to the organization.
Check 21 Strategies, Practically Speaking
ADS' premise is simple - Check 21 business objectives can be achieved incrementally, but you must focus on more than the technology domain. While imaging technology is a key enabler to the potential benefits, Check 21 is a business opportunity and must be treated as such.
ADS' premise is simple - Check 21 business objectives can be achieved incrementally, but you must focus on more than the technology domain. While imaging technology is a key enabler to the potential benefits, Check 21 is a business opportunity and must be treated as such.
Citizens Banking Corporation
Citizens had purchased the F&M banking operations in Wisconsin and Iowa. The F&M franchise was made up of 21 separate banks with different operating systems. Citizens wanted to achieve the economies of scale that it had in Michigan by collapsing the F&M charters and centralizing the operations and support functions while maintaining the community bank tradition of quality service in each unique market.
Citizens had purchased the F&M banking operations in Wisconsin and Iowa. The F&M franchise was made up of 21 separate banks with different operating systems. Citizens wanted to achieve the economies of scale that it had in Michigan by collapsing the F&M charters and centralizing the operations and support functions while maintaining the community bank tradition of quality service in each unique market.
Citizens Financial Group
Citizens has been engaged in an aggressive growth strategy since the mid-1990s. It has since acquired 20 regional banks – accompanied by millions of new accounts and a wide assortment of systems. These new acquisitions have been converted to integrate under Citizens’ corporate umbrella, but at this rapid pace, concurrent conversions are likely to occur.
Citizens has been engaged in an aggressive growth strategy since the mid-1990s. It has since acquired 20 regional banks – accompanied by millions of new accounts and a wide assortment of systems. These new acquisitions have been converted to integrate under Citizens’ corporate umbrella, but at this rapid pace, concurrent conversions are likely to occur.
Colonial Bank
Colonial Bank had a long-term project to convert their item processing operation from film to digital imaging. The project scope involved system conversions of the item capture and research/archive functions, as well as installing image-enabling enhancements to related processes. The scope of related processes ranged from exception item processing to fraud management to statements. The introduction of new distributed systems and interfaces was complicated by fragmented documentation by operational silos with varying effective dates. As a result, key participants were not up to speed on decisions made in other areas of the project.
Colonial Bank had a long-term project to convert their item processing operation from film to digital imaging. The project scope involved system conversions of the item capture and research/archive functions, as well as installing image-enabling enhancements to related processes. The scope of related processes ranged from exception item processing to fraud management to statements. The introduction of new distributed systems and interfaces was complicated by fragmented documentation by operational silos with varying effective dates. As a result, key participants were not up to speed on decisions made in other areas of the project.
Conversion Testing
ADS was engaged to spearhead Testing processes for a complex converstion that included a newly publicly owned bank and two key acquisitions.
ADS was engaged to spearhead Testing processes for a complex converstion that included a newly publicly owned bank and two key acquisitions.
Data Warehouse Standards and Architecture Review
A large bank in the southeast developed a Data Warehouse/Data Mart environment a number of years ago to provide critical input into processes for defining, quantifying, analyzing, and meeting the business objectives of the organization.
A large bank in the southeast developed a Data Warehouse/Data Mart environment a number of years ago to provide critical input into processes for defining, quantifying, analyzing, and meeting the business objectives of the organization.
Harris Bank
Bank of Montreal outlined a broad expansion plan for the U.S. market emphasizing bank acquisitions to build its presence in the retail, commercial, investment banking and private client services sectors. The growth would be aggressive, but selective, and while interested in deals of all sizes, Harris would only entertain very large transactions. Harris’ experience in converting previous acquisitions had left management with the challenge of improving the quality of its conversion processes, and establishing a model for consistent consecutive conversions to meet the new growth strategy.
Bank of Montreal outlined a broad expansion plan for the U.S. market emphasizing bank acquisitions to build its presence in the retail, commercial, investment banking and private client services sectors. The growth would be aggressive, but selective, and while interested in deals of all sizes, Harris would only entertain very large transactions. Harris’ experience in converting previous acquisitions had left management with the challenge of improving the quality of its conversion processes, and establishing a model for consistent consecutive conversions to meet the new growth strategy.
Is your Program Management in shape to handle M&A opportunity?
The importance of an overall Program Management capability cannot be overstated. In our experience with all types of M&A projects, the single most critical success factor has been the clear definition, establishment, and utilization of the Program Management function.
The importance of an overall Program Management capability cannot be overstated. In our experience with all types of M&A projects, the single most critical success factor has been the clear definition, establishment, and utilization of the Program Management function.
Old National Bank
After completing a series of bank acquisitions, ONB made the decision to consolidate the data processing and back office operations functions for these banks in order to realize cost efficiencies and improve service delivery capabilities to customers.
After completing a series of bank acquisitions, ONB made the decision to consolidate the data processing and back office operations functions for these banks in order to realize cost efficiencies and improve service delivery capabilities to customers.
Project Management Office
ADS has led numerous data/system conversions, management of complex projects and initiatives, and established project management capabilities for both conversions and consolidations. The establishment of a Program Management Office function carries with it several benefits. It provides value to an organizations project teams and management by providing an improved form and flow of information throughout the organization. ADS professionals are expert in evaluating requirements and providing the necessary level of support each project demands.
ADS has led numerous data/system conversions, management of complex projects and initiatives, and established project management capabilities for both conversions and consolidations. The establishment of a Program Management Office function carries with it several benefits. It provides value to an organizations project teams and management by providing an improved form and flow of information throughout the organization. ADS professionals are expert in evaluating requirements and providing the necessary level of support each project demands.
Quantifying the Costs/Benefits of Image Exchange
This National bank’s business objective was to leverage emerging Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act initiatives and image processing operational opportunities. By utilizing new image exchange processing methods, this National bank would gain a competitive advantage and increase back-office operational efficiencies. Advantage areas included back-office image enablement, cost savings, remote distributed image capture, and image settlement and exchange.
This National bank’s business objective was to leverage emerging Check Clearing for the 21st Century Act initiatives and image processing operational opportunities. By utilizing new image exchange processing methods, this National bank would gain a competitive advantage and increase back-office operational efficiencies. Advantage areas included back-office image enablement, cost savings, remote distributed image capture, and image settlement and exchange.
Request For Proposal Management
In the ever-changing environment of the financial services industry, the ability to integrate new technology while remaining competitive is crucial. The time and capital investment associated with vendor and platform selections and implementations carry long-term implications and relationships that directly impact your return on investment, efficiency, customer delivery, and most importantly, your bottom line.
In the ever-changing environment of the financial services industry, the ability to integrate new technology while remaining competitive is crucial. The time and capital investment associated with vendor and platform selections and implementations carry long-term implications and relationships that directly impact your return on investment, efficiency, customer delivery, and most importantly, your bottom line.
Riggs Bank
Riggs National Bank had recently completed a bank-wide operational assessment desgined to determine methods for reducing operational costs, enhancing business performance, and providing a higher degree of service to their customers both domestic and international.
Riggs National Bank had recently completed a bank-wide operational assessment desgined to determine methods for reducing operational costs, enhancing business performance, and providing a higher degree of service to their customers both domestic and international.
SunTrust
When SunTrust’s internal users, PC Banking clients, and ATMs began experiencing intermittent system slow-downs in system response time it became a matter of great concern. Adding to the complexity of the problem was that the problem was random, and intermittent and impacted performance on all mainframe, client/server and Web based systems within the bank.
When SunTrust’s internal users, PC Banking clients, and ATMs began experiencing intermittent system slow-downs in system response time it became a matter of great concern. Adding to the complexity of the problem was that the problem was random, and intermittent and impacted performance on all mainframe, client/server and Web based systems within the bank.
Testing - Plan, Design and Execution
Strategic corporate acquisitions and new and improved products and services help banks sharpen their competitive edge. However, organizations proceeding with new applications, conversions and installation-integration activities now realize that testing has evolved from a luxury to an absolute necessity. The consequences of a system failure caused by a bug-infected rollout are damaging to any institution and may create internal political turmoil, the erosion of customer confidence and trust, and the potential tarnishing of the bank’s reputation.
Strategic corporate acquisitions and new and improved products and services help banks sharpen their competitive edge. However, organizations proceeding with new applications, conversions and installation-integration activities now realize that testing has evolved from a luxury to an absolute necessity. The consequences of a system failure caused by a bug-infected rollout are damaging to any institution and may create internal political turmoil, the erosion of customer confidence and trust, and the potential tarnishing of the bank’s reputation.
The Impact of Item Electronification - A Balancing Act
There is no question about it, the financial services industry is on the cusp of a major shift as the banking payment landscape evolves from paper-based check processing to a digital imaging environment. Three market drivers are stimulating this change: 1) Consumer acceptance of check conversion into electronic payments, 2) Regulatory and industry promotion of image presentment and interchange, and 3) The cost benefits that can be realized through image capture and processing.
There is no question about it, the financial services industry is on the cusp of a major shift as the banking payment landscape evolves from paper-based check processing to a digital imaging environment. Three market drivers are stimulating this change: 1) Consumer acceptance of check conversion into electronic payments, 2) Regulatory and industry promotion of image presentment and interchange, and 3) The cost benefits that can be realized through image capture and processing.
Thought Leadership - Taming the M&A Beast
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A), like an untamed beast, have a reputation for being unpredictable and unstable. However, proactive planning and a clear view of your M&A Lifestyle can help ease anxiety and limit the risk of failure during an integration project. It is safe to say that all of us in the Financial Services industry have seen, lived and perhaps survived an M&A. Conversely, it’s no wonder why any time the words “merger” or “acquisition” are mentioned, many professionals cringe and look for ways to avoid the effort.
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A), like an untamed beast, have a reputation for being unpredictable and unstable. However, proactive planning and a clear view of your M&A Lifestyle can help ease anxiety and limit the risk of failure during an integration project. It is safe to say that all of us in the Financial Services industry have seen, lived and perhaps survived an M&A. Conversely, it’s no wonder why any time the words “merger” or “acquisition” are mentioned, many professionals cringe and look for ways to avoid the effort.
Vendor Selection Process
Our client’s small business lending group realized tremendous growth and acknowledged their existing system risked further potential business and competitive expansion.
Our client’s small business lending group realized tremendous growth and acknowledged their existing system risked further potential business and competitive expansion.
Washington Mutual
The servicing process for the majority of WAMU's loans is outsourced to ALLTEL. Ongoing costs and system constraints associated with the ALLTEL relationship have prompted WAMU to make a strategic decision to bring loan servicing in-house.
The servicing process for the majority of WAMU's loans is outsourced to ALLTEL. Ongoing costs and system constraints associated with the ALLTEL relationship have prompted WAMU to make a strategic decision to bring loan servicing in-house.
Zions Bancorporation
Zions was in the process of implementing a data warehouse, Oracle’s Market Manager (OFSA), and encountered problems with data integrity and the progress of the implementation effort. Finding it difficult to get the project on track, Zions asked ADS to evaluate their data warehouse assets and propose a high-level approach to get the project moving in the right direction based on ADS having demonstrated a clear understanding of the data warehouse initiative from both a strategic and technology perspective.
Zions was in the process of implementing a data warehouse, Oracle’s Market Manager (OFSA), and encountered problems with data integrity and the progress of the implementation effort. Finding it difficult to get the project on track, Zions asked ADS to evaluate their data warehouse assets and propose a high-level approach to get the project moving in the right direction based on ADS having demonstrated a clear understanding of the data warehouse initiative from both a strategic and technology perspective.
Zions Bancorporation
Zions had an outdated, internally developed Loan Information System (LIS). LIS was built using a relational database that grouped loan and deposit accounts into relationships to support the credit management functions of the bank. While the basic functionality of the LIS was adequate, it did not provide many of the controls Zions needed such as balancing and definition controls. In addition, Zions was implementing an OFSA data warehouse as their repository for enterprise level customer information and wanted to take advantage of the technology involved in that effort.
Zions had an outdated, internally developed Loan Information System (LIS). LIS was built using a relational database that grouped loan and deposit accounts into relationships to support the credit management functions of the bank. While the basic functionality of the LIS was adequate, it did not provide many of the controls Zions needed such as balancing and definition controls. In addition, Zions was implementing an OFSA data warehouse as their repository for enterprise level customer information and wanted to take advantage of the technology involved in that effort.
