Automated Data Flow (ADF) / Centralised Information Management System (CIMS) Reporting: A Technical Framework

Updated On : July 2024

Banks are required to submit returns to RBI according to regulatory requirements set within preset time periods. Banks need to be able to build systems and processes that can automatically extract data from the source systems/platform, create CDR/Data mart in a bank specific ecosystem so as to manage metadata in the centralized data repository, generate returns automatically, and standardise reports in forms which are universally acceptable such as XML and XBRL.

According to the most recent announcement of the CIMS, banks should use a reliable ADF system to generate XBRL files for returns required by that system and adopt SFMS' existing infrastructure in order to carry out returns submission automatically. To make sure that various reports are generated and submitted without any errors in prescribed format and frequencies, a reliable ADF reporting system needs to be integrated by banks.

ADF / CIMS Reporting System

ADF / CIMS reporting system combines several key components like data acquisition, data processing, and reporting.

Features and procedures involved in ADF Reporting:

Data Acquisition & Integration: The foundation of ADF / CIMS reporting lies in its ability to extract data from various banking systems automatically. This includes core banking systems (CBS), cash management, cards, digital wallets, treasury, and credit systems. The system can also pull data from centralized data warehouses.

For this, ADF Reporting employs multiple connection methods:

• Scheduled jobs that run at predetermined time intervals
• Custom scripts tailored to each data source
• Stored procedures within the database systems
• File-based imports supporting various formats (Excel, CSV, pipe-delimited files)

Furthermore, the system offers workflow screens for manual data input and thus handling exceptions or data that is not available in automated systems. This is a very important feature. Upload of data files taking on a workflow means security is ensured and additional data can be accommodated.

Data Transformation:

When data is acquired, it involves a series of transformations to be in line with RBI reporting requirements:

• Parameter tables make for easy configuration changes without entering the core system
• GL (General Ledger) and product mappers help adapt bank changes
• Data validation and cleansing rules ensure data quality
• Combination and transformation data from multiple sources
• Mapping of data to match RBI report final specifications
• Reuse of data transformations for a consistent report across multiple reports
• Loading processed data into intermediate or destination tables for further use

Data Repository:

The central data repository of ADF / CIMS reporting complies with the requirements of the RBI. It consists of:

• Multiple data marts that are actually subsets for the full data
• Interim tables that enable audit trails and data lineage

Report Generation:

This component generates actual RBI reports. The software includes features that:

• Generate reports in the formats demanded by RBI
• Presents reports for review by human users beforehand
• Comprises a multi-level authorization process
• Stores authorized reports for submission
• Series of quality control checks on them before they are dubbed in as finished

Report Submission and Archival:

ADF Reporting offers various types of output format according to RBI requirements, including XBRL, XML, PDF, Excel files, Word documents, etc. It keeps a complete inventory of all reports submitted with version control, so that one can easily trace the history of a certain report. It also saves past outputs and reports generated for later use or reference in the future.

Data Security:

Security is a critical aspect of ADF/ CIMS Reporting

• Implement role-based access controls on data and report generation
• Possibility of configuring access rights depending upon individual client needs
• Maintain records and voluminous logs of all manner of system transactions, constantly reviewing for suspect activities

Additional Features:

These are additional features that can be added to enhance ADF / CIMS reporting:

• A reporting calendar to monitor submission deadlines
• Automatic reminders and escalation processes for unfinished duties
• Dashboards for monitoring the status of reporting and important metrics
• Extensive training materials and user manuals

The ADF / CIMS Reporting system effectively reduces the manual labour required in regulatory reporting, while greatly improving accuracy and punctuality. By automating the production of reports, it ensures that there are fewer errors made by human beings and that all reports maintain a uniform standard. Its system is also flexible enough to handle new regulatory requirements and the reorganisation of the banking industry.

In addition to the centralized data repository, audit trails provide a single source of truth for regulatory data. In other words, it makes easier for auditors to examine regulatory matters. The role-based access control and security features protect sensitive financial data while allowing only those with permission for report generation and submission access to see it.

As a whole, ADF / CIMS reporting not only solves the problem of how much time banks and financial institutions spend on meeting their regulatory obligations, but also provides a comprehensive way in itself for RBI reporting.

Nelito Systems’ ADF / CIMS reporting solution provides an end-to-end automated enterprise reporting to perform independently in a holistic way for timely regulatory reporting. Visit Nelito System to learn more about ADF / CIMS solution.

For more information, contact marketing@nelito.com or visit our website.