SAN DIEGO, CA (June 24, 2016) — Vantage Credit Union successfully completed a conversion of its core operating system. After much research and deliberation, the credit union chose the Episys core platform from Symitar®. Symitar’s ability to integrate with hundreds of vendor applications initially attracted Vantage Credit Union to the product. Its ability to simplify the data processing system sealed the deal.
The conversion to Episys was completed in early May after 13 months of hard work and planning by credit union staff. Due diligence for the project began over four years prior. The implementation process included creating a large group of subject matter experts (SMEs) and a small group of super SMEs from each area of the credit union to handle, test, and suggest customization for their individual pieces of the conversion package.
It was important to the Vantage management team that staff be engaged in personalizing the individual pieces to better meet their member’s needs. Throughout each phase of the process, from selection to post-conversion, a team of professionals from Symitar worked around-the-clock with Vantage staff to ensure the transition would be seamless.
Symitar is the leading provider of core systems for U.S. credit unions with assets exceeding $50 million. More than 680 credit unions currently rely on the Episys platform for their data processing needs.
“This product is well designed to improve our overall operations,” said Debbie Meyer, Vantage Project Manager. “If we can cut costs and reduce back-office workloads, then we can spend more time focusing on our members and their needs.”
The new account opening and loan processing system improves processing times and efficiencies, provides better marketing capabilities and allows the credit union to serve its members with enhanced, secure services without adding staff.
Member-facing account management tools through which transactional data flowed had to be “unplugged” and retrofitted to accommodate Episys core data as seamlessly as possible. These tools included the eBranch, internet loan application, mobile app, and automated phone access.
The new lending system allowed the credit union to upgrade its internet loan application. It’s now a guided, simple, and mobile-responsive application that includes the ability for members to calculate their estimated monthly payment based on loan type, loan amount, term, and credit score to help them decide whether or not they’d like to proceed with their application.
The automated phone access system is also new and incorporates two former systems into one, making it more efficient from a support and enhancement standpoint.
The new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system will improve communications and work flow to better serve members. It reduces the need for multiple systems. Employees essentially can learn one system as opposed to the original three, enabling them to better nurture each customer relationship.
Symitar, a division of Jack Henry & Associates, Inc. ® , is the leading provider of integrated computer systems for credit unions of all sizes. Symitar has been selected as the primary technology partner by more than 725 credit unions, serving as a single source for integrated, enterprise-wide automation and as a single point of contact and support. Additional information is available at www.symitar.com.
Jen Burke
Public Affairs & Communications Manager
Maine Credit Union League & Synergent
703.403.3828
jburke@mainecul.org
