There are many frequent questions concerning the implementation of the SEPA transition program in the EU zone. While many of them reflect technical aspects (such as generating the XML format etc, changes in the ERP), some appear around elements like testing and training.  Some of the guides issued on this topic seem to bring more light upon these questions, while others seem to  completely ignore them. Find out more info about the SEPA migration process, through one of the first banks in EU that developed such financial solutions.

 

Being considered the third stage (following planning and implementation), training and testing consist of a few main aspects.

Training

Does all staff require such training, before the final launch? It is recommended that all staff that is going to be impacted by SEPA (in a way or another) must take part in such preparations.  By including the back office and the help desk teams (the call center as well), possible errors can be reduced. Moreover, all staff has to understand and learn to operate within the limits of the SEPA operations.  To conclude,  proper training is a must, for most of the teams - because the migration  may impact their current processes.

 

Testing

A important step is the testing - this has to assure your payment system is SEPA compliant (proper testing with the bank is recommended as well). The IT department also has to run tests and do the routine follow-ups. The software  vendor may also play an important role in the testing process - different types of configurations may be needed.  Some experts recommend setting up a project team that would consist both of internal IT resources and representatives  from the departments of Accounts. Its purpose would be set according to the needs and to the complexity of the business in itself.

 

If these two aspects seem to overwhelm you, as a business owner,  there are multiple solutions - choosing standard options, pre-tested with vendors

- best test approaches, through the expert teams of banks who offer such support.

 

By choosing or creating an efficient roadmap towards SEPA, many advantages may follow - increased consistency and interoperability can be assured. The testing programs can improve changes of an easier, faster, more cost efficient transition  towards  Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). Participants from all over the euro zone, that have  chosen such solutions have observed a smoother  transition.

 

More information concerning the SEPA migration process can be found on online portals - from the European authorities, on one side and from the banks that offer such consultancy and solutions, in the EU and non-EU  countries. Special guides, advices,  recent news, case studies and other useful info may be found at BNP Paribas the SEPA division. Other important questions that can be answered through such  portals may vary:

- If a business operates in several European countries, how should we start the migration process?

- When should the SEPA migration be implemented?

- How can a banking partner be chosen?

 

In order to find the proper solutions, the first step is developing the project plan - management and guidance trough the implementation process can be provided by the banking partners expert teams.  For a local and a global coverage, always choose the best solutions, tools and additional services.