Positive Balance File

Transmissions Lessons Positive Balance File

This document provides a comprehensive guide to generating and managing Positive Balance Files (PBFs) within the FLEX system. PBFs are essential for updating card balances with your processor, especially when processing cards through batch methods. They can also be used for online processors that do not utilize their own offline limits.

1. Overview of Positive Balance Files

A Positive Balance File (PBF) is a crucial component for card processing within the FLEX system.

  • Purpose: PBFs update your card processor with the latest account balances.
  • Included Balances: These balances can include:
    • Draft
    • Shares
    • Overdraft (if configured)
  • Block Codes: PBFs can also transmit block codes, provided the card processor supports this functionality.
  • Application:
    • Batch Processing: Primarily used for updating balances when processing cards via batch.
    • Online Processors: Can be generated for online processors if they do not use their own offline limits.

2. Accessing Card Processing

To initiate the generation of PBF worksheets and to build/send the file, you must access the “Card Processing” section of the FLEX system.

  1. Navigate to the FLEX Main Menu.
  2. Locate and expand the “Cards” section.
  3. Select “Card Processing” from the list of options.
    • Path: Cards > Card Processing

3. Initiating Card Transmission

Once in the “Card Processing” screen, you will need to access the “Transmissions” tab to begin the PBF process.

  1. Click on the “Transmissions” tab within the “Card Processing” screen.
  2. The “Initiate Card Transmission” window will appear.

4. Configuring Positive Balance File Transmission

Within the “Initiate Card Transmission” window, configure the necessary options for your PBF.

4.1. Transmission Type

  • Card Processor (Case):
    • Function: Indicates the specific card processor you are working with.
    • Action: Select the appropriate card processor from the dropdown list (e.g., “P – Pemco Online”).
  • Transmission:
    • Function: Specifies the type of transmission to be performed.
    • Action: Select “Build/Send Positive Balance” from the dropdown list.

4.2. Transmission Options

These checkboxes control the actions performed during the PBF process.

  • Build Positive Balance File:
    • Function: When checked, the system will generate a Positive Balance File.
    • Note: If “Send Positive Balance File” is not checked, only a worksheet will be generated for verification.
  • Send Positive Balance File:
    • Function: When checked in conjunction with “Build Positive Balance File”, the generated PBF will be sent to the i:Drive.
    • Prerequisite: It is recommended to verify the worksheet before checking this option.
  • Refresh:
    • Function: When checked, the system will send a refreshed PBF.
    • Behavior: A refreshed file includes data for all accounts, regardless of whether changes have been made since the last transmission.

4.3. i:Drive Location

These fields specify the destination for the Positive Balance File on the i:Drive.

  • IDrive Folder:
    • Function: Indicates the folder where the PBF will be placed (e.g., CARDS).
  • IDrive File:
    • Function: Specifies the filename for the Positive Balance File (e.g., tgp0487.pbf).

5. Processing and Post-Transmission Steps

After configuring all transmission options, you can initiate the PBF generation and sending process.

  1. Click “Process” to build and send the file to the i:Drive.
  2. Credit Union Responsibility: Once the file has been successfully sent to the i:Drive, it becomes the credit union’s responsibility to further send or upload the file to the card processor.