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OTCnet Connect Newsletter, Fall 2017, Issue 32
Overview of Fall 2017 NewsletterWelcome to the 32nd issue of OTCnet Connect, a Bureau of Fiscal Service Over the Counter Division publication that covers the latest news of the OTCnet application. This issue features information on the following new system features and updates: OTCnet Release 2.6, the new version of the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) 1.1.0, and the new RDM EC9100i series scanner (model EC9111f). In addition, this issue provides information on OTCnet compatibility requirements for Firmware installed on workstations running the OLB and a reminder on the same-day credit (ACH feature).
New to OTCnet: Release 2.6 & OLB Version 1.1.0The newest update of the OTCnet Application, Release 2.6 is now available to all users of OTCnet. Release 2.6 introduces the RDM EC9100i scanner (model EC9111f) and provides a series of upgrades the OTCnet databases and servers. Below is a full listing of Release 2.6 features:User-Facing Changes:
A new version of firmware that supports the introduction of the new RDM 9100i (EC9111f) single-feed scanner to the OTCnet scanner hardware environment.
Non-User Facing Changes:
An upgrade of the OTCnet databases from Oracle Version 11g to Version 12c.
The newest version of the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB), Version 1.1.0, was made available to OTCnet users concurrently with Release 2.6. For more information on OLB 1.1.0, please see next section.
New OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) 1.1.0This December, a new version of the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB) was released to OTCnet users. The new 1.1.0 version streamlines the process of setting up the OLB application on a terminal. This update eliminates the need for a workstation administrator to assist when creating or updating an OLB user profile, allowing all users to manage their own OLB user profiles.
What is the OLB?Per the May 10, 2017 memo issued by the Director of the Bureau of Fiscal Service Over the Counter Division, the OTCnet application upgrade includes a new component called the OTCnet Local Bridge (OLB). The OLB is an application that is available for download from OTCnet Online. The OLB application must be installed on all workstations performing check capture, check processing, and terminal configuration operations. The OTCnet Local Bridge is designed to remove the OTCnet application’s dependency on the Java browser plug-in. With OLB installed, users will no longer need to install Java for OTCnet check processing.
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OTCnet Connect Fall 2017 Newsletter Bureau of the Fiscal Service
OLB Transition Period
Between August 2017 and July 2018, users will have a Transition Period in which the OTCnet Team will help Agency POCsand Agency IT support staff coordinate a timely roll-out schedule to ensure a smooth transition for users performing check capture, check processing, and terminal configuration operations. Support of the dual architecture will continue as needed for those agencies engaged in an extended rollout period beyond July 31, 2018.
OLB PrerequisitesThe OLB cannot properly run with the default IE configuration settings. As a result, agencies will need to change their IE configuration settings prior to running the OLB. The agency’s IT team may be required to perform this action via group policy modification. Users are required to have the OLB certificate installed on their workstations. These prerequisites are only applicable to users accessing OTCnet Online and will need to be completed when setting up the OLB:
1. Change IE Configuration Settings 2. Install the OLB CertificateFor detailed step-by-step instructions, please refer to:
• Release 2.5 System Requirements Guide (https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/rvnColl/otcNet/Release2.5SystemRequirementsGuide.pdf)
• Appendix A of the OLB Webinar Presentation (https://www.fiscal.treasury.gov/fsservices/gov/rvnColl/otcNet/rvnColl_otcnet_releaseinfo.htm)
Scanner Firmware Compatibility
Please note, it is highly recommended that Firmware 2.0.0 is installed when using the OLB. Be sure to uninstall any old versions of Firmware before attempting to install Firmware 2.0.0 on a workstation. To ensure your check scanning and check processing activities are not impacted, please be sure to pass this information along to your agency’s IT POC.
OLB Informational Webinar SeriesTo help prepare the OTCnet stakeholder community for the changes featured in Release 2.5 and the rollout of the OTCnet Local Bridge, the OTCnet Team is hosting a series of webinars to prepare users for the new features and system enhancements. Sign up and register for a Webinar at http://eepurl.com/cOd3-X. If you are unable to access the link, you may RSVP via the OTCnet Deployment Team by providing the names, emails, and desired registration date to [email protected]. It is highly encouraged to attend a webinar if you are a Check Capture Administrator, Check Capture Supervisor, Check Capture Lead Operator, Check Capture Operator or IT Administrator. These users will greatly benefit from learning about the new changes in this release. Please note, OLB only impacts Online and Offline users; OLB does not impact Deposit Processing or Interface users. Below is a listing of future Webinars.
December 12, 2017
January 18, 2018
February 13, 2018 March 15, 2018 April 17, 2018
May 17, 2018 June 19, 2018
Same Day Credit ACHReminder: Same Day Credit ACH Policy Update
We would like to make you aware of a recent policy change regarding Same Day ACH. Though the policy was adopted by the Department of Treasury’s Fiscal Service, it does not impact OTCnet.
On September 11, 2017, Fiscal Service published a final rule 31 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 210, "The Federal Government's Participation in the ACH." Starting on September 15, 2017, Fiscal Service will begin accepting Same Day ACH credits for tax and other payments to federal agencies. However, OTCnet will not participate in Same Day ACH at this time and this policy change does not impact OTCnet operations.
OTCnet User Interface Redesign Focus GroupsCalling all users! We want to hear your ideas!
Join the OTCnet Team for a web-based focus group to influence the next-generation User Interface redesign of OTCnet. The goal is to better understand you and your agency, make OTCnet more intuitive, and allow you to achieve your business goals easier and more efficiently. If interested, sign up for one of the scheduled 90-minute web focus groups, which will cover ideas for an Interactive Home Page and more robust Reporting capabilities. The
focus groups will be held on the following dates in December 2017 and January 2018. All focus groups begin at 1PM Eastern Time:
12/5/2017 12/7/2017 12/12/2017
12/14/2017 1/9/2018 1/11/2018
To register, click or copy and paste the following link into your browser URL bar: http ://eepurl.com/c9GEof . If you are unable to use the registration link or have any comments or questions, please email [email protected].
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OTCnet Connect Fall 2017 Newsletter Bureau of the Fiscal Service
New to OTCnet: RDM EC9000i SeriesNew Scanner: RDM EC9111f
As part of Release 2.6, The OTCnet Team will offer a new scanner model through RDM for check processing: the EC9111f model of the EC9100i series check scanner. The EC9100i series uses a vertical feed transport to conduct single-pass Document imaging, preventing skewing and jamming. This scanner operates at up to 30 DPM (documents per minute), produces an image quality above industry requirements, and has industry-leading MICR rates.
RDM will no longer sell the single check feed EC7000i scanner after December 2017. However, RDM will still cover the two year warranty for all EC7000i scanners for the foreseeable future. The OTCnet Team will support agencies who still wish to purchase the EC7000i scanners as long as inventory remains available. Please contact the Deployment Team if you have any questions.
Reminder: Deposit Processing-Check Processing InitiativeAs a reminder, Fiscal Service requests that all eligible US checks, if possible, be processed and settled electronically within the OTCnet Application. Electronic Check Capture allows for easy electronic processing of personal and non-personal checks, shifting away from Deposit Processing eliminates the need for costly carriers, armored car services, or postage required to mail checks. Reach out to the OTCnet Deployment Team to learn more about this initiative and transition to electronic check capture today.
Has Your OTCnet POC Changed? Let Us Know!Is your OTCnet Agency PoC new? Is your Agency PoC retiring or leaving your Agency? Please let us know! The OTCnet Deployment Team is always updating the Agency POC roster. Send an email to [email protected] and provide us with the name, email, and organization of your new and outgoing OTCnet Agency POC.
Have a question? We’re here to help! The OTCnet Customer Service TeamToll free phone: 866-945-7920DSN phone: 510-428-6824, Options 1, 3, 4Email: [email protected]
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