RDM has developed a Payment Automation solution which draws upon RDM's experience in Electronic Check Conversion (ECC).

RDM's Payment Automation solution simplifies the ECC process, while providing our customers with a more robust, full-featured ECC solution.

Here's how it works

The consumer presents a paper check at the point-of-purchase.  The check is passed through an EC6000i series scanner, which is typically connected to a credit card terminal or PC workstation.  RDM's EC6000i scanner captures the MICR information, (including the sale amount) and the image of the check.

At this point the information can be handled in a number of ways

The MICR information and check image can be sent to RDM's Image & Transaction Management System (ITMS), where it will be stored. 

The relevant MICR information will be forwarded to the ACH processor for processing, without the use of an authorization service.

The MICR information can be sent to a 3rd party authorization service and the transaction will either be approved or declined.

The client can choose to establish their own database with ITMS, and use only their database for check authorization. 

As with the 3rd party service the transaction will either be approved or declined.

The client can choose to use their own database in conjunction with a 3rd party database for check authorization.  

The transaction will either be approved or declined.

If approved the consumer signs a receipt authorizing the transaction, as well as any associated fees that apply if the check is returned by the bank.

Images will be uploaded from the RDM EC6000i scanner to RDM's Image & Transaction Management System (ITMS), either in real-time throughout the day, or batch mode at the end of the day, after the merchant closes the check batch.  

The check transactions are forwarded from ITMS to the ACH processor nightly.

The ACH processor then forwards the transactions through the banking system electronically (in ACH format) for clearing and payment into the merchant's account.

The ACH processor has access to RDM's Image & Transaction Management System to request any check images which are required in the processing of returned check items, as a result of NSF or Administrative returns.

Images can be viewed on-line via www.itms-online.com website or in an automated batch request.

Payment Automation diagram - Click here to view PDF

RDM's Payment Automation Solutions

Increased functionality and a streamlined ECC process for large corporations, organizations, and government agencies, were the key considerations in the development of RDM's Comprehensive Check Electronification Platform.

Payment Automation provides all the advantages of ECC with additional features such as a corporate driven verification database, unlimited and customized verification qualifiers, as well as a more direct ECC process.

RDM has streamlined the ECC process by sending the MICR data and image directly to ITMS, and forwarding the relevant information to the ACH processor for transaction processing.

A more streamlined ECC process means decreased transaction times and facilitating the use of an internal authorization system.  The ability to develop an internal authorization database has many advantages for larger corporations.  The system is continually updated, and a client driven database provides unlimited flexibility with respect to the approval and denial criteria.

The corporation, or other organization, can choose their requirements for approval or denial, and give the local sites the authority to override the system. While the entire database resides on ITMS, portions of that database can be broken down by geographical location, or any other client specified criteria and can be distributed accordingly to the local sites. This will ensure that transaction times do not increase and the connectivity costs are kept to a minimum.