CUDP continues to work on our goals to move to an SQL database and then to a Graphical User Interface (GUI).   
   Our current focus is to get the SQL database optimized with the PDCU software.   We have a  Alpha Test site Credit Union working live on the SQL database and has been for several months now.  We will soon be moving to several beta test sites.   We hope to have the testing completed by the Annual Meeting and then start moving all of our credit unions to the SQL Database after that point. 
   There are great advantages to being on a SQL database, one of which is that we can gain some speed advantages in areas of the system when we optimize the software for the  SQL database.   

We have been working on optimizing many  areas in the system.  This process has been time consuming, but will be well worth the advantages.
   The next phase when we have the SQL database migration completed is to move to a GUI interface.  We will be starting that process this fall.   As we migrate in the GUI interface, we will gain many small benefits including a tighter interface and use of the PC capabilities, and very importantly, we will be able working to keep our product viable with other products on the market.   We will keep you updated on our progress at our Annual Meeting.

    Some of you may not know that the PDCU system can use 'payment tables' for calculating loan payments.   These are typically used on Open-End HELOC loans where you need the payment to adjust when an advance is made.
   This is in addition to the option to use a percentage payment where the payment changes every month. 

   With the Payment Tables, you can either specify tiered repayment terms based on the balance or just setup one tier for all balances. The Monthly program will recalculate the payments for loans that have had advances during the month based on the current payment term in the table.

    CUDP recently enhanced the PDCU software to make it a lot easier for you to clear the credit union checks through a members draft account. Clearing your own checks gives you a lot of control over this process, and saves you the cost of having a 3rd party clear your checks as well as the reconciliation time.
   The enhancements we have made include automatically clearing the checks in the general ledger Check Register and automatically transferring to the draft account the necessary funds for the checks drawn that day. This means that the draft account balance should always be equal to your float at any time. 


   We also verify the check information in the register before clearing the check to identify possible fraudulent checks.
   As an added bonus we have also made it possible to check a members check against a members check register before clearing. This 'Positive Pay' feature provides the business a valuable added security feature against fraud which a business should be willing to pay for through fees.
   We think all credit unions should consider clearing their own checks.  There is no cost from CUDP to use these features so contact CUDP support for more information on setting this up.