Electronic Retail Delivery Solutions Data Communication File Transfer Module

The Information Technology, Inc. Data Communication File Transfer Module (DFT) allows an institution to receive or send information through regular telephone lines connected to remote processing sites.

  The files an institution may receive via data communication from a remote site include transaction files and report files.

The module processes files containing transactions and allows them to be entered automatically into item entry blocks for posting in the next update. In addition, the speed associated with data communication often allows transactions completed at remote sites and sent to an institution to be posted on the same day.

If an institution uses the module to receive reports from a remote site, the reports may be printed automatically.

The information that can be sent to a remote site through the DFT module is only limited by a remote processor's capabilities. An institution can use the DFT module to send a wide variety of data to a remote site.

System Summary

Receiving Information

Files received from remote sites include transaction files and report files. The files are received in the processor's format but are translated into standard ITI file format. If an incoming file contains transactions, they can be automatically processed and entered into item entry blocks for posting.

If an incoming file contains reports, it can be stored on the system disk, if an institution's system has printer backup capability. Otherwise, the file is automatically directed to a printer.

Sending Information

To send information to a remote site, an institution simply executes a single program. The file is then sent directly to a remote site through data communication lines.

Time and Cost Savings

  The DFT module allows an institution to receive transactions directly from a remote site, eliminating the delays associated with exchanging magnetic tapes. As a related benefit, courier costs are eliminated.

In addition, the DFT module automatically enters incoming transactions onto the system, reducing processing time and costs.