Branch Maintenance

System Management System Management Branch Maintenance

Branch Maintenance in the FLEX system enables credit unions with multiple locations to configure and manage control parameters for each branch. This documentation provides a comprehensive guide for users to effectively utilize this feature.

I. Overview

  • Purpose: Allows credit unions to set up control parameters for individual branches.
  • Applicability:
    • Mandatory: For credit unions utilizing the branch accounting module.
    • Optional: Any credit union can use branch codes in workstations and member account records.
  • Functionality of Branch Codes:
    • Identifies the branch where a transaction originated when configured in workstation settings.
    • Displays in the transaction history of an account.

II. Accessing Branch Maintenance

Branch Maintenance is located within the FLEX Main Menu via the following navigation path:

  • Operations
    • Branch Administration
      • Branch Assignment
        • Branch Maintenance

III. Branch Maintenance Screen

The Branch Maintenance screen displays a list of all branches currently configured in the system.

A. Screen Actions

The following actions can be performed from the Branch Maintenance screen:

  • Add: Click to create a new branch record.
  • Edit: Highlight an existing branch and click to modify its details.
  • Delete: Highlight an existing branch and click to remove it from the system.
  • Copy Branch: Allows copying an existing branch’s configuration to create a new one.
  • Create Branch GL Accounts:
    • Function: Creates General Ledger (GL) accounts with the General Ledger Branch as a prefix for a new branch.
    • Process: Indicate the specific Branch ID to be used for the new GL accounts.

B. Branch List Columns

The main display area on the Branch Maintenance screen includes:

  • Branch ID: A credit union-defined two-character code uniquely identifying the branch.
  • Description: The name or description associated with the Branch ID (e.g., “MAIN OFFICE”, “HIGHLAND OFFICE”).

IV. Add or Edit Branch Record

When adding a new branch or editing an existing one, the “Edit Branch” screen appears, allowing for detailed configuration.

A. General Information

  • Branch: Displays the Branch ID (read-only when editing).
  • Name: The descriptive name of the branch.

B. General Ledger Information

This section configures the General Ledger accounts associated with the branch.

  • G/L Branch Number:
    • Purpose: Used by credit unions with branch accounting to post GL entries to specific branch accounts.
    • Format: A one or two-digit number prefixed to the standard GL account number.
    • Example: For Branch ID 10, a standard GL account 11100 (Income on Loans) becomes 1011100, indicating a loan transaction for Branch 10.
    • Note: If not using branch accounting, these GL accounts may be the same. However, if assigning branch codes to workstations, these GL accounts are required for interfacing transactions.
    • Important: For credit unions using branch accounting, GL accounts stored here will not change based on the branch assigned to a member or workstation.
  • Cash In Bank:
    • Purpose: Represents the Cash In Bank GL account for the associated branch.
    • Function: Serves as the credit offset for various credit union checks (teller, loan, GL, accounts payable, etc.).
  • Change Fund:
    • Purpose: Represents the Change Fund GL account for the associated branch.
  • Undistributed Payroll:
    • Purpose: Represents the Undistributed Payroll GL account for the associated branch.
  • Release Checks Default:
    • Purpose: Specifies the GL account to be used when releasing checks from teller drawers.
  • Adjust Cash G/L:
    • Purpose: Specifies the GL account to be used when tellers are out of balance and require adjustment to “over and short.”
  • Adjust Checks G/L:
    • Purpose: Specifies the GL account to be used when teller checks are out of balance and require adjustment.

C. Bond Redemption Information

This section is only required if the credit union utilizes the bond redemption program within the FLEX system.

  • Savings Bond G/L:
    • Purpose: Represents the Savings Bond GL account used by the associated branch.
  • Redemption Fees G/L:
    • Purpose: Represents the Redemption Fees GL account for the associated branch, if applicable.
  • Fee Amount:
    • Purpose: Indicates a flat fee amount for savings bond redemptions performed at the branch.
    • Usage Note: Leave this field blank and use “Fee Percent” if a percentage method is employed.
  • Fee Percent:
    • Purpose: Indicates the percentage rate used to calculate the redemption fee, if a percentage of the transaction is used instead of a flat fee.
    • Usage Note: Leave this field blank and use “Fee Amount” if a flat fee is used.

V. Important Considerations

  • Caution: If branch codes are entered into workstation configuration, General Ledger offsets must be set up on the Edit Branch screen. The system relies on these settings for interfacing transactions.
  • Confidentiality: This document is published by Computer Marketing Corporation/FLEX and is intended solely for its contracted clients. It may contain privileged, confidential, or otherwise protected information. Unauthorized dissemination, distribution, or copying is strictly prohibited.