In order to ensure security of data, the security features of CCD v4.0 have been enhanced. Centralised management of individual logins plus enforced password changes will mean added data security. CCD v4.0 will also mask passwords when entering them into the login screen. It will be mandatory for every new staff member added to the system to set a password.

The file menu available at the top of the screen has been reduced to improve the security throughout the system. The main options used such as modifying finds, deleting and sorting records can be found under the Data section.

Technology continues to develop at a pace equalled only by the Financial Services sector, with the release of the Microsoft Vista® operating system representing one of the most significant developments of recent years. Virtually all new PCs come with Vista® loaded and it is vital that the software used by Advisers remains compatible.

CCD v4.0 is built on the latest version of the Filemaker Pro software, which is fully Vista® compatible, ensuring firms can plan for the future with the confidence that systems will remain compatible and they will be able to take advantage of new features offered by Vista®.

The latest version of the Filemaker Pro software also allows CCD to take advantage of new technical developments, many of which address changes in the way in which Advisers are beginning to work, one of which is remote access to their systems.

Historically, accessing systems from outside the office on anything other than an occasional basis was impractical without a significant investment in hardware and software. Yet the increasingly stringent requirements of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) mean that it has never been so important for all staff have access to client information and the ability to record all activity on the client’s record. CCD v4.0 allows access to the system via a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN allows remote users, whether individuals in the field or based at another site, to access the system in the same way as if they were on the office’s Local Area Network (LAN), replacing the normal cable or wireless connections within the office with a connection via the Internet. Although speed will be dependent on the bandwidth available, this offers users exactly the same experience of use as if they were in the office, removing the need for additional training or complex procedures. As users are accessing the same system, there is no need for synchronisation of data and any changes are presented immediately to all users. Unlike an ‘online system’ however, the full range of features including the graphically rich environment and simple, fast navigation is maintained for all.

Please refer to an IT specialist company for advice on setting up a VPN.

The commission split functionality has been enhanced and now enables you to record payaway amounts (commission splits) to members of staff. You also have the ability to record commission splits for up to 5 advisers against each commission item.

In addition, we have added greater flexibility for specifying the commission splits according to the type of commission. This facility allows you to record commission splits due against the type of commission, i.e. you could specify an introducer to receive a split of the ‘initial’ commission due and specify nil commission for any future renewal commission payments received.

The collection of client information, particularly at the beginning of the business relationship can be very time-consuming and feedback from users is that, during the initial meeting, the sheer scope of the existing CCD Fact find, although powerful from an ongoing client management perspective, was too complex for initial data capture. CCD v4.0 therefore offers a new ‘short’ Fact find, to allow easier capture of relevant data on clients and their position. The short Fact find does not include the detailed, structured planning questions that feature in the full Fact find.

The existing Fact find will naturally continue to be available.

Enhanced charting and reporting ability

CCD has long provided a range of powerful charting facilities and these have now been enhanced to allow charts to be rotated to present the information to clients in the most effective way. In addition, the requirements of TCF to communicate with clients in an effective and timely fashion means firms are increasingly using email as a way of providing reports. CCD v4.0 provides new PDF generation facilities, meaning any report can now be generated in a PDF format, which can then be emailed to a client.

Although the range of standard reports, which can be generated quickly and simply continues to develop, it is also recognised that, on occasion, users need to extract information to create bespoke reports or to utilise data within other systems. In CCD v4.0 we have introduced enhanced extract facilities, offering the ability to extract data from a wide range of areas by means of an ‘extract wizard’ which allows you to manipulate the data in XML format. There have also been improvements to the standard export facility, allowing you to export the data you view on screen into Excel complete with the field headings. This will allow users to enter data into the system secure in the knowledge that they can manipulate or present it in any way needed.