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Finance Feeder Front-End

What are the benefits of using Finance Feeder Front End?

  • Providing a simpler process for submitting transaction files and allowing for real-time entry into Banner.
  • Reducing the amount of time it takes for JV and AR transactions to post to Banner.
  • Providing more intuitive error messaging for failed transactions
  • Reducing the amount of reworking needed to resolve incorrect data entered into Banner.
  • Increasing internal controls and removing the risk of an unauthorized user posting JV or AR transactions to Banner.
  • Allowing segregation of duties on reconciliations.
  • Removing the risk of having JV transactions posted to sponsored project funds that have been terminated, which addresses a federal compliance audit issue.

Do I have to change my file to match your template?

Yes. To continue to process your transactions using mass upload capabilities, your file format will need to match our template.

Where do I find the template for creating a feeder file?

You can access those templates as well as related training materials right on this page. They are located on the right side of the page in the Forms and Training boxes.

How do I name my file?

Refer to the JV Feeder Template User Guide for the file naming conventions.

How do I get access to the feeder submission process?

Click the login button on the Finance Feeder Front-End Resource homepage and enter your ID and password. If you don't have access to the application, you'll be prompted to complete a Request Authorization form. You'll be notified once you're given access.

What do I do if I already have access to submit files with one System ID, and I need to request access to another System ID?

Please submit a Service Desk Request Form.

Who do I contact if I have questions or problems with the Finance Feeder Front-End application?

Please submit a Service Desk Request Form.

How fast will my transactions post to Banner?

FFE tranasactions start to process to Banner immediately but may be delayed several days if they contain any line items that need to be routed to an approval queue. Once the Feeder Front End application has given you a successfully submitted message and the status of the transaction is "file processing is complete" you can view your posted entries in Banner form FGIDOCR (successfully posted documents).

If your feeder document does not show in FGIDOCR, your entry is likely in an approval queue. Please use Banner form FOAAINP to check if your entry is in an approval queue. If your entry shows in this form, a designated approver will review your transaction and approve or deny the entry in the following days. If your document is not showing in FGIDOCR or FOAAINP you can check your document numbers in Banner form GUAMESG for a rejection message. A designated reviewer may have also emailed the feeder contact requesting further information.

Feeder files cannot be submitted after 6pm due to Banner nightly processing. If you submit a file after 6pm you will be given the option to upload the file for the system to process at 7am the next day. Otherwise you can cancel processing and upload the file yourself at a later time.

When is the last day of the month to submit a feeder?

Feeder files cannot be submitted for the closing period on the final day of closing. For example, if the last day of closing is March 5, the feeder file must be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on March 4. See the Month-End Closing Schedule for specific dates.

Can I backdate a feeder?

Yes a feeder can be backdated as long as it is not the closing day and the period is still open. See the Month-End Closing Schedule for specific dates.

I submitted a file and didn't receive the email with the results, what should I do?

Check the status page of the feeder application (Status – JV). This page will tell you if the file is still processing, was successfully uploaded, or provide the details of any errors. If considerable time has passed and the status is still "Upload of file content to FinanceFeed begun," submit a Service Desk Request Form.

I submitted a file and received the email telling me the file was processed with a Banner Doc Code Number. How can I view its status in Banner?

Go to Banner page Document Retrieval Inquiry-FGIDOCR and type in your Document and select Go. If the page populates, it is posted to Banner. If you get an error that says “Document code does not exist on FGBTRNH; LIST is available”, that means it has not posted to Banner and may either be in an approval queue with a Complete status or sitting in Incomplete status.

Your Document might be routed to an approval queue such as Grants & Contracts' queue if your file contains a Grant Fund (Banner Fund code starts with a 4 or a 5). See Approval Process for Journal Vouchers Involving Grant Funds for details.

You can see the employee who disapproved or approved a document number by going to Banner page Document Approval History-FOIAPPH or Approval History-FOIAPHT and enter the Document Code and select Go.

How do I get set up for a new feeder file?

Please submit a Service Desk Request Form.

Do I need Banner access to use the JV Finance Feeder Front-End?

Yes, those who wish to submit files via the front-end will need the “Distributed Journal Voucher User” profile in Banner. Your Unit Security Contact can set up this access once you have completed the Journal Voucher Processing Certification track.

Do I have to use the Finance Feeder Front-End to upload a feeder file, or can I still upload a feeder file using my current process?

Now is a great time to try the new application as the current process will be phased out in the future.

Note: If you upload a file using Finance Feeder Front-End, do not place the same file on xferprod for processing. This will cause duplicate entries in Banner.

Can I view a list of users that have access to submit files for our department?

Your USC or Director should send a request to Service Desk Request Form. In the request, they should provide the System IDs for which you would like the list of users.

Will the entire file fail if there is only one record that has an error?

No, the entire file will not fail. All records that are correct will process. You will receive the lines that do not process in the report of the status page and in email.

What about automated loads we currently have running for our feeder file(s)?

For those submitting JV feeder files using a fully automated process without human intervention, you do not need to change the way your system submits files. Finance Feeder Front-End will pick up the files your system deposits on xferprod every two hours from 7 am to 5 pm for processing. You can view the status of your files by logging into Finance Feeder Front-End and clicking the Status/JV link.

Which feeder type will this new process be used for?

Any Banner JV can be run through this application, just as if you entered it using the Banner Forms FGAJVCD, FGAJVCM, and FGAJVCQ.

How do I view files that have been submitted by another user in my department?

To view users that have submitted files for your department, log into the application and go to the Status page. Delete your name from the “Submitted by” field and click “Refresh Results.” This will return all transactions that have been submitted for your System ID.

How long will I be able to view files on the status page?

Files submitted within the last 90 days are viewable on the status page.

Why are the document numbers assigned to my transactions not sequential?

The system assigns the next available document number to each transaction as a file processes. Multiple files can process at the same time, so it's possible document numbers within your file might not be sequential. This is expected and won't negatively impact your transactions.

I deleted information from my file before I submitted it, and now I'm getting an error. What's going on?

To remove information from your Excel file, you'll want to right-click and delete the entire row. If you only clear out cell content by highlighting the cells and hitting delete, hidden characters can remain and cause errors.

What are the benefits of using Finance Feeder Front End?

  • Providing a simpler process for submitting transaction files and allowing for real-time entry into Banner.
  • Reducing the amount of time it takes for JV and AR transactions to post to Banner.
  • Providing more intuitive error messaging for failed transactions
  • Reducing the amount of reworking needed to resolve incorrect data entered into Banner.
  • Increasing internal controls and removing the risk of an unauthorized user posting JV or AR transactions to Banner.
  • Allowing segregation of duties on reconciliations.
  • Removing the risk of having JV transactions posted to sponsored project funds that have been terminated, which addresses a federal compliance audit issue.

Do I have to change my file to match your template?

Yes. With immediate results and a user-friendly template, you'll find the template is worthwhile to use.

Where do I find the template for creating a feeder file?

You can access those templates as well as related training materials right on this page. They are located on the right side of the page in the Forms and Training boxes.

How do I name my file?

Refer to the AR Feeder Template User Guide for the file naming conventions.

How do I get access to the feeder submission process?

Click the login button on the Finance Feeder Front-End Resource homepage and enter your ID and password. If you don't have access to the application, you'll be prompted to complete a Request Authorization form. You'll be notified once you're given access.

Who do I contact if I have questions or problems with the Finance Feeder Front-End application?

Submit a Service Desk Request Form.

How fast will my transactions appear in Banner?

Once your file finishes processing, the information will show immediately in Banner. The size of your file will determine the processing time. Smaller files will process faster than larger files. Feeder files cannot be submitted after 5pm due to Banner processing. If you submit a file after 5pm you will be given the option to upload the file for the system to process at 8am the next day. Otherwise you can cancel processing and upload the file yourself at a later time. Files need to be processed by 5pm on the last business day of the month in order to make it into the next month's billing.

I submitted a file and didn't receive the email with the results, what should I do?

Submit a Service Desk Request Form.

How do I get set up for a new feeder file?

Submit a Service Desk Request Form.

Do I have to use the Finance Feeder Front-End to upload a feeder file?

No, you don't have to use the Finance Feeder Front-End. However, this new application eliminates errors and increases your efficiency. It's easy to use, saves you time, and will be helpful to your department.

Note: If you upload a file using the Finance Feeder Front-End, do not place that same file on xferprod for processing. This will cause duplicate entries in Banner.

How do I obtain a list of feeder submitters?

USC or Director sends request to OBFSFinanceSecurity@uillinois.edu. In the request provide the System IDs for which you would like the list of users.

Will the entire file fail if there is only one record that has an error?

No the entire file will not fail. All records that are correct will process. You will receive the lines that do not process in the report of the status page and in email.

What about automated loads we currently have running for our feeder file(s)?

Currently the new application will benefit those units that manually upload their files.

Which feeder type will this new process be used for?

For the initial go-live the process applies to AR only (SAR and GAR). GL will be in future.

Can I view a list of users that have access to submit files for our department?

Yes. As a Super User, you'll be able to view all the people who submitted files that are tied to your Banner Finance Feeder Front-End system identification (ID).

Who is a Super User?

They're able to upload more information. They have an additional three fields in their template. However, this role is typically only needed for those who process payments. If you believe you should have Super User access, see FAQ, "How do I request an additional user be designated as a Super User?" below.

Do I have to enter information in all the fields designated as Super User?

Refer to the AR Feeder Template User Guide to determine which fields are required and which are optional.

How do I request an additional user be designated as a Super User?

All AR Super User roles are determined by University Bursar. Email usfscosecurity@uillinois.edu for additional information on adding an AR Super User.