iLend™ CSS Release Update
Our new iLend™ ‘CSS’ is nearing completion. Yes, I know, it’s a little behind schedule but it is software, and delays are an unfortunate fact in software development – we’ve had to keep our current iLend™ up to pace with lender changes at the same time develop our new system in the online environment…and those silly browser folk wouldn’t consider sharing the same language…that would be too easy.
Stage One release is the CNA (Client Needs Analysis) or Fact Find – essentially the consumer facing components or appointment process. This will be followed quickly by Stage Two release which will primarily be the Client Proposal documents with integrated NCCP compliance.
Stage Three will be the feedback review and correction process. Followed by the release of the back-end of iLend™ and this will be a whole different kettle of fish. More than likely this will be broken down into smaller sub-components.
As for the near term, our target is to have Stage One released in December. We realise many of our clients may be away however, it is a good time to release the new iLend™ CSS in a staged approach to clients who are around and while lodgement volumes are a little lighter. It is also a good time many of our clients to take stock of their business and perhaps use the slow time to improve their systems and processes – ready for the new year!
The first thing to know about iLend™ CSS is that we are using the same database. This is really important as it means there is no data transfer issues. It also means you will be able to use the new CSS system and continue to use your current iLend™. If you enter client information into the new iLend™ CSS on your iPad it will be available to edit and update in your current iLend™ system back at the office or vice versa.
Speaking of iPads, iLend™ CSS is available on all devices including tablets and phones. It is also available across all browsers such as Safari, Mozilla, IE and Chrome. It is important to note that we do not have a purpose built system for phones or tablets but the new iLend™ CSS will make use of the technologies such as touch screen and the camera. The camera will allow you to photograph (copy) documents straight into your client file. Your clients will even have access to do the same direct into your iLend™ CSS.
Although iLend™ CSS is browser based you will be able to operate the new iLend™ CSS from inside your installed iLend™ offline as well. This is really important for our many clients who don’t like to (or can’t) rely on roaming connections. If you have an installed iLend™ you will be able to use the new iLend™ CSS offline and replicate as you would normally when you are back online. This is essentially the best of both worlds – freedom to access from anywhere online with the power and speed to work offline when needed.
When you first open your new iLend™ CSS you will immediately see a much simpler, cleaner layout. We know very well the current iLend™ is plagued by a very busy layout. Our design guys have worked closely with our Client Consultant Committee to walk the fine line between ‘simple to use V accuracy’ and ‘clean layout V feature rich’.
What we came up with is the concept of Basic – Advanced – Expert views. The majority of screens will allow you to toggle between these views. So if your client is a standard husband and wife wanting to buy an investment property the ‘basic’ view will get you through the CNA quickly. If however LMI is required or perhaps you want to narrow down your product search precisely then the ‘advance’ or ‘expert’ views will be required and you will need to enter more information. This way we get to keep the super-rich features in iLend™ but get to clean up our screens and make the standard deals (who’s ever had one of those?) flow-through much quicker.
Our Chief Engineer – many of you will know Victor, has structured much of the detailed information required for (electronic) lodgement to be behind the scenes (one click away). So you can simply enter the customer owns a house and it’s worth $600k and quickly move on to the next area. Later when you collect the rates notice you can click on the property and enter the full address, property type, contact details for valuation, etc. Of course you can do this at the initial appointment as well, but for speed it’s usually better to gather the top layer of information first. Similarly, this approach is ideal for phone screening or initial info grab.
In designing the new CNA we collected every fact find, CNA and appointment pack we could get our hands on and read them all. We then threw them all out! We also threw out the concept that the CNA is paper based to start with – after all we are a software house. If the CNA was not designed as a paper based form we would have the flexibility to design the form around what had already been entered. If ‘first home buyer’ is selected as the primary reason for seeking credit question on page one the rest of the CNA adapts to the requirements of a FHO. Likewise for investors, refinance, etc. It’s also possible for someone to have six credit cards and no car or six cars and no credit cards – the CNA in iLend™ CSS simply adapts. Of course the CNA form will print nicely to PDF or paper at any time (Stage Two release).
Finware has never suggested our clients/you change from the paper interview process, especially if that’s your preference and it’s what you are comfortable with. However…with the launch of iLend™ CSS I urge you to accept the 5 Deal Challenge (5DC) – use iLend™ CSS in your client appointment 5 times and then decide if your process and efficiency is better? Either way you will still get great value and time saving tools from the new iLend™ CSS.
All our clients will enjoy the new ID and Supporting Documents tool. You will be able to take a photo of a driver’s license and upload straight into the ID section of your clients file. Once confirmed by the advisor, the clients name will show as ‘verified’. The ID requirements will be lender specific as required. Similarly, the list of required documents will automatically generate based on the CNA details. If there are four properties as security the system will generate rates notices or Titles required for the four properties; the same for liabilities such as credit cards. Furthermore, if the credit cards are being refinanced the number of statements required will increase to reflect the requirement.
An invaluable new feature you will have the option of using is to allow clients to upload their documents direct into your SHAZ – (Shared Access Zone) inside iLend™. Your clients will have access to login via your website and not only upload their documents, but also modify or update their information. Of course you will need to approve and accept their changes before they will actually update your live iLend™.
There are a host of smaller features you will enjoy such as integrated LinkedIn and Google maps. We have also provided graphic feedback for the majority of information screens such as Assets & Liabilities (Net Wealth graph), Income & Expenditure (My Budget graph), Purchase Cost breakdown graph, etc. In Stage Two these graphs will be available in the client proposal document as well.
1. Start your iLend™ CSS education now by tuning into our weekly Tune-In-Tuesday at 11am AEDT / 1pm NZDT.
2. Attend one of our Forum Roadshows in:
- Perth – Monday 10th November 2014
- Melbourne – Friday 28th November 2014
- Sydney – Thursday 4th December 2014
- Auckland – Monday 19th January 2015
- Auckland – Friday 27th February 2015
- Hamilton – Monday 2nd March 2015
- Taupo – Tuesday 3rd March 2015
- Brisbane & Adelaide – in February 2015 TBA
3. Follow us on Twitter @FinwareAUNZ
4. Call us for a chat on (AU) 1300 762 444 / (NZ) 0800 450 177, or email jason.hayden@finware.com.au.
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