UK Paperless Direct Debit module

The Paperless Direct Debit (PDD) module in ProgressCRM enables you to collect new direct debit mandates from supporters, and lodge them with the bank electronically, without signautres or the need to send the form to the bank.

There are several advantages to using the AUDDIS* collection system, the most significant being that it improves cash flow with lead times down from 14 to 5 days. There are also significant cost savings from reduced errors and distribution costs.

*AUtomated Direct Debit Instruction Service

The module enables ProgressCRM users to speed financial transactions using the UK's BACS process which enables you to:

• Save consultancy costs- Eliminate or reduce third-party services
• Lodge new direct debit mandates with the banks electronically
• Collect payments from bank accounts and credit cards automatically via a file of transactions that are sent to BACS via a modem or internet link.

The direct debit batch generation operates by selecting outstanding transactions based upon their due date. Using the utility in the module you generate transactions prior to running the generate a Direct Debits batch.

A BACSTEL compatible software package is needed to perform the transmission of data to BACS, and additional training should be sought from the supplier of this package.

Setting up Direct Debit details

To use the BACS or PDD functionality you set up the details of your Bank and DD Originator reference.

The Paperless Direct Debit functionality can be turned on or off by the system administrator. Any Bank Accounts added when this feature is disabled are considered Active, and therefore DD payments can be collected from them.

Payment Methods

Applying the functionality is as simple as setting the correct criteria:

• Collection Method set to D/Debit
• Generate Transactions ticked to ensure that this payment method is picked up when generating transactions

PDD failures

ProgressCRM can automatically report when any transactions fail, and for what reasons. These can be set by the system administrator

You can minimise failures by using the optional BankFinder Add-in which uses sophisticated checks to prevent these errors and highlight potential fraud attempts while speeding up data entry.

The result is better customer service, sound financial administration, improved accuracy, lower reject rates and lower costs.

What is Direct Debit?

Each year BACS processes 2.7 billion Direct Debit payments. A Direct Debit is an instruction from a customer to their bank or building society authorising an organisation to collect varying financial amounts from their account.

A simple, trusted payment method, Direct Debit can be used to ensure regular, safe and efficient payments of anything from household bills to charitable donations.

It is the preferred, regular payment method for over half of the UK bill paying population

What is BACS?

BACS Payment Schemes Limited is a not for profit, membership based, industry body. BACS has been at the heart of the payments industry for over 40 years providing the two principle electronic payment services; Direct Debit and BACS Direct Credit.

BACS is responsible for the processing of 5 billion payments a year with over 75 million on a peak day. In order to cope with this demand the system is constantly reviewed and updated..

What's different about a Direct Debit Instruction set up by AUDDIS?

There's only one major difference with AUDDIS - the signed Direct Debit Instruction is retained by your organisation, not the paying bank. You simply enter your supporter's details into ProgressCRM and send them electronically, via BACSTEL-IP, to their bank.

What difference does AUDDIS make to your supporters?

Since it's automated, AUDDIS lets banks and the organisation you are paying process Direct Debit Instructions more effectively by reducing paperwork and the possibility of human error. Therefore it provides them with a more efficient service.