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This User Guide has been designed to provide the Government of South Australia ("SA Govt") with a brief and concise overview of the Direct Entry (DE) System so that it can take full advantage of its features and benefits. The information contained in this guide covers the most important aspects of the product that the SA Govt should be aware of.
A complete list of definitions associated with Direct Entry (DE) has been included to assist the SA Govt in gaining a better understanding of the product. These explanations can be found in the Direct Entry definitions section of this guide.
It is important for the SA Govt and it's Agencies to note that its use, or continued use, of the DE System shall signify its understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions contained within this User Guide.
"The Bank" refers to Westpac Banking Corporation.
The DE system has the ability, where all accounts and file details are correct, to electronically credit or debit accounts at virtually all Australian Banks, Building Societies and Credit Unions on the day nominated by the User ("Agency"). The day nominated is also known as the processing date or release date.
DE files can also be processed through either the GDES or standard Direct Entry processing channel. Refer to the GDES and standard Direct Entry processing channels section for more information.
The DE System permits the Agency in emergency situations to effect recalls of payroll and other credit transactions where obvious processing errors have been made when creating the file.
The DE System produces reports detailing those transactions that have been processed in addition to exceptions and rejected transactions.
One advantage of the DE System over paper based payment systems is the ability to readily trace transactions that have not been credited or debited to the account they were intended for.
Late processing and recalls
Direct Entry Operations
1 King Street
Concord West NSW 2138
Ph: 1300 360 406 (Select option 1 from the Voice Response Unit)
Fax: (02) 9767 1113
Sonya Richardson
Client Enquiry Manager
SA Government Client Service
Westpac Institutional Bank
Level 19 Westpac House, 91 King William St
Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8230 2107
Fax: (08) 8113 2070
Email: sonyarichardson@westpac.com.au
Fiona Barty
Client Enquiry Manager
SA Government Client Service
Westpac Institutional Bank
Level 19 Westpac House, 91 King William St
Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8230 2109
Fax: (08) 8113 2070
Email: jfbarty@westpac.com.au
Gordon Sparrow
Associate Director, Westpac Institutional Bank (SA & NT)
Westpac Institutional Bank
Level 19 Westpac House, 91 King William St
Adelaide SA 5000
Ph: (08) 8230 2106
Fax: (08) 8113 2070
Email: gsparrow@westpac.com.au
Transactional Solutions Team
Ph: 1800 150 140
Fax: 1800 150 121
Email: transactionalsolutions@westpac.com.au
Deskbank Support Team
Ph: 1300 361 891
Email: deskbank@westpac.com.au
This team is staffed from 8.30am – 5.30pm (ACST/ACDT) weekdays.
Only Agencies using Masterpiece Mainframe transmit Direct Entry files using this method. Treasury and Finance will contact Westpac or refer to the 'SA Govt XCOM Banking Server Technical Usage Guide' should there be any problems with Transmission.
GDES stands for "Government Direct Entry System". Following changes to the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) in January 2002, Westpac is now able to process credit only files for the SA Govt so that beneficiaries receive value into their accounts by 9am on the processing day nominated by the Agency in the file.
The Agency's account will receive two debits to the nominated account by 9am on the processing day nominated by the Agency in the file. One debit will relate to the transactions processed by Westpac and the other debit will relate to the non-Westpac transactions contained in the Agency's file.
For Westpac to offer this service, it is necessary for it to receive the credit only file by 4.30pm Adelaide time at least one day before the processing date in the file. Both GDES and Standard Direct Entry Files can also be future dated up to 14 calender days prior to the nominated processing date.
Transactions and/or files may not be directed through the GDES processing channel, but rather, directed through the standard Direct Entry processing channel if the file
If the file is not processed through the GDES channel the funds are posted overnight and are generally accessible (in the case of credit payments) the following morning by the recipients. The Agency's account is also debited overnight and is "visible" the following morning.
Please note: It is the Agency's responsibility to advise a registered Bureau that they wish their files to be processed through the GDES processing channel and that the Bureau should contact Westpac.
It is important for you to note that it is the Agency's responsibility to ensure that the contents of any files lodged by it or on it's behalf are accurate and that it has performed appropriate reconciliations and checks. See Appendix C for a copy of the standard DE file format.
Appendix C - Direct Entry File Format (PDF 89KB)
The DE System is "date sensitive" - the processing date that is included in the header record of the file is the only indication from the Agency that this is the day when it wants the Bank to release the funds. This date should be the current or a future working day. See here for how processing dates and cut off times relate to the GDES processing channel.
Please note:
User Identification Number (User ID) and Business Name The User ID is a six-digit number that together with the Business Name is used to uniquely identify the Agency's file within the DE System. The Business Name must always be in upper case.
Both the User ID and the Business Name must be included in the header record of the file and should remain unchanged within the Agency's system at all times. Together they form part of the bank's validation and security procedures used during the processing of the file.
The User ID and Business Name will have been advised to the Agency in a separate letter or advice from the Bank – please use this information to set up the details within the Agency's system.
If there are any enquiries on the User ID or Business Name, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager who will be happy to assist.
Please note: Any variations in the User ID and Business Name contained in the file to what has been advised to the Agency in the above mentioned letter or advice will cause the file to be delayed and could result in late payments.
Currently, the Bank will accept DE files up to 4.30pm Adelaide time on the Agency's nominated processing date. We recommend that the file be sent to us in the morning to avoid peak processing times.
It is possible for the Agency's DE file to be accepted after the cut off time of 4.30pm Adelaide time. There is no guarantee that the file will be processed if it contains errors.
This facility is made available on a strictly limited basis and must be organised before 4.30pm Adelaide time.
If you wish to request an extension of your processing time, please contact the Direct Entry Operations Team on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) and have the following information ready:
The authorisation of any late file processing requests is at the discretion of the Direct Entry Operations Team Leaders. DE files that are received after 4.30pm Adelaide time may not be released until the late evening and a late processing fee will be charged. Also, if the file was originally meant for the GDES processing channel, the file may be processed as a standard Direct Entry file depending on the processing date in the file.
There are currently two types of Agencies transmitting DE files to Westpac:
Agencies have been advised in a separate advice or letter the transmission method for each DE User ID. If you do not have this advice, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager.
The DE Files for Masterpiece Mainframe Users should be transmitted to Westpac using the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server. For more information on Transmissions using the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server please contact the FAST Helpdesk or refer to the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server Technical Usage Guide.
It is essential that Agencies and the FAST Helpdesk liase with Westpac before any changes or additions be made to transmissions to Westpac using the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server. The first point of contact for the Agency or the FAST Helpdesk is the Customer Enquiry Manager.
If files are transmitted to Westpac using the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server and Westpac has not been advised that the files will be transmitted by this method there is a chance that the files will not be processed correctly.
The DE Files for Masterpiece Users not on the Mainframe (UNIX or other) or non-Masterpiece Users will be transmitted to Westpac using Deskbank. For more information on transmission of DE files to Westpac refer to the Deskbank Direct Entry Services Quick Reference Guide or the online Help feature of Deskbank.
In the event that the Deskbank system or the SA Govt XCOM Banking Server is down, you may arrange for your DE files to be delivered to Westpac by email. If the file is large it may be necessary for it to be 'Zipped' (www.winzip.com) to compress the file.
Your Customer Enquiry Manager can coordinate the delivery of the DE file.
The file delivered to Westpac must be in the agreed DE file format and must be accompanied with a "Manual Lodgement of DE File" form.
Appendix C - Direct Entry File Format (PDF 89KB)
Appendix D - Manual Lodgement of DE File Form (PDF 59KB)
The production and delivery of the file should be carefully monitored, as Westpac will not be able to amend the payment data contained in the file.
Westpac is unable to detect the duplication of files processed using the GDES processing channel. Any file received by Westpac for processing through the GDES processing channel will be processed. It is therefore very important for the Agency to ensure no duplicate files are lodged with Westpac.
It will not be possible to reverse any duplicate files.
If the Agency is unsure as to whether a transmission has been received by Westpac then, before transmitting another file, the Agency should either contact the Deskbank Help Desk (if this is the method of file transmission) or the Customer Enquiry Manager.
A TNA limit gives the processing Financial Institution authority to draw funds up to the value of the TNA limit from the nominated account for the total value of all Direct Entry Credit files processed plus any fees within the current cycle, regardless of the amount of cleared funds in the nominated account.
It is extremely important that the TNA limit is sufficient to cover unexpected increases in the value of the Agency's Direct Entry Credit files (we would suggest a margin of 20%). The TNA Limits have been provided to Agencies in a separate letter or advice from Westpac. If you do not have this advice, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager. Any amendment to these limits is agreed between the Agency and the Customer Enquiry Manager.
We ask that the Agency monitor the TNA limit and take steps to arrange an increase in the limit before it is required.
Exceeded TNA limits cause the Agency's file to be held aside while we seek the necessary approval to continue processing. This impacts on our ability to provide smooth and efficient processing, which is our prime objective. When the value of the Agency's file exceeds the current TNA limit a fee is charged automatically to the Agency's account. Please refer to the fee schedule for further details or contact your Customer Enquiry Manager.
If you anticipate that you will be exceeding your limit, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager before transmitting the file to Westpac so either a temporary or permanent increase in limit can be arranged. To implement a temporary or permanent increase in limit, completed documentation is required by your Customer Enquiry Manager at least 10 days prior to the effective date.
If you are unsure of the file limit allocated to your Direct Entry Credit files, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager.
Please note: The processing of Agencies' files will be delayed and late payments could result if the value of the files exceed the approved limit during the specified current cycle.
The recall facility is an emergency process that can be used to delete individual items in a file or an entire file once all other avenues have been exhausted eg adjustment to subsequent payments or settlement direct with the beneficiary.
A single credit transaction within the file or the entire file can be recalled if requested within the timeframes listed below. Amendments to amounts or account details are not permitted.
A fee applies for all recalled transactions and files. Refer to the fee schedule or contact your Customer Enquiry Manager for more information on these fees.
Please note:
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 by 3.30pm Adelaide time the day before the processing date.
Appendix F - Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) also no later than 3.30pm Adelaide time the day before the processing date to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will be debited the amount of the file less any recalls made. Individual transactions recalled will be listed on the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report and indicated with an "R". Refer to the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report for more information.
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 as soon as possible after the file has been transmitted to Westpac.
Appendix F - Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will be debited the amount of the file less any recalls made. Individual transactions recalled will be listed on the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report and indicated with an "R". Refer to the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report for more information.
The file is lodged by a Registered Bureau
If the Agency lodges it's file with a registered Bureau and it is for GDES processing then the procedures for Standard Direct Entry will apply for recalls of individual credit transactions.
If the Agency lodges it's file with a registered Bureau and the file is not for GDES processing then the following procedures will apply for recalls of individual credit transactions:
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 no later than 10.30am Adelaide time on the processing date in the file.
Appendix F - Request for Recall of an Individual Direct Entry Credit Transaction (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) also by 10.30am Adelaide time to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will be debited the amount of the file less any recalls made.
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 by 3.30pm Adelaide time the day before the processing date.
Appendix G - Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) also no later than 3.30pm Adelaide time the day before the processing date to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will not be debited if the file is successfully recalled. All the transactions recalled will be listed on the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report and indicated with an "R". Refer to the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report for more information.
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 as soon as possible after the file has been transmitted to Westpac.
Appendix G - Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) as soon as possible after the file has been transmitted to Westpac to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will not be debited if the file is successfully recalled. All the transactions recalled will be listed on the Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report and indicated with an "R". Refer to the DirectEntryDisbursements Effected Report for more information.
The file is lodged by a Registered Bureau
If the Agency lodges it's file with a registered Bureau and it is for GDES processing then the procedures in the GDES section above will apply for recalls of entire credit files. If the Agency lodges it's file with a registered Bureau and the file is not for GDES processing then the following procedures will apply for recalls of entire credit files:
Step 1
The Agency must complete all sections on the 'Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File' document and fax it to Direct Entry Operations on (02) 9767 1113 by 10.30pm Adelaide time on the processing date in the file.
Appendix G - Request for Recall of an Entire Direct Entry Credit File (PDF 51KB)
Step 2
The Agency will need to telephone Direct Entry Operations on 1300 360 406 (Select Option 1 from the Voice Response Unit) also no later than 10.30pm Adelaide time the day before the processing date to confirm that the fax has been received and all details are correct.
Step 3
The Agency's nominated account will not be debited if the file is successfully recalled.
Please note:
The reports detailed below are automatically made available through the Direct Entry Services Module of Deskbank. These reports are a good starting point to query what transactions have and possibly haven't been processed.
Samples of the reports:
Appendix A - DeskBank Direct Entry Exception Report (PDF 126KB)
Appendix B - DeskBank Direct Entry Disbursements Effected Report (PDF 99KB)
For more information on how to access reports refer to the Deskbank Direct Entry Services Quick Reference Guide or the online Help feature of Deskbank.
Reports for files processed using the GDES processing channel are available by 9am on the processing date in the file.
This report shows a summary of all Direct Entry Credit payments as well as all errors identified when the payments are processed in the Direct Entry system. A narrative underneath the relevant transaction will indicate the reason for the reject.
The Agency should amend any transaction details that appear on the Exception Report to ensure that the transaction does not reject when the file is next transmitted.
The Agency will receive 3 reports per GDES Direct Entry Credit file.
Report 1
Includes transactions paid to Westpac accounts. If there are no payments to Westpac accounts then this report will not be supplied. The amount will be less any recalled Westpac transactions.
Report 2
Includes transactions paid to accounts at other Banks. If there are no payments to other Bank accounts then this report will not be supplied.
Report 3
This report will show the single debit to the agency bank account for the value of the other bank transactions. The amount will be less any recalled other Bank transactions. If there are no payments to other Bank accounts then this report will not be supplied.
All three reports will be made available to download via the Direct Entry Services Module of Deskbank by 9am on the processing date.
This report lists all the details on the Direct Entry Credit payments contained in the file. The Agency will receive 3 reports per GDES Direct Entry Credit file.
Report 1
Includes transactions paid to accounts at Westpac. If there are no payments to Westpac accounts then this report will not be supplied. Individual transactions recalled will be listed on the report and indicated with a 'R'.
Report 2
Includes transactions paid to accounts at other Banks. If there are no payments to other Bank accounts then this report will not be supplied. Individual transactions recalled will be listed on the report and indicated with a 'R'.
Report 3
This report will show the single debit to the Agency's bank account for the value of the other Bank transactions. The amount will be less any recalled other Bank transactions. If there are no payments to other Bank accounts then this report will not be supplied.
All three reports will be made available to download via the Direct Entry Services Module of Deskbank by 9am on the processing date.
Only one Disbursements Effected Report per Standard Direct Entry file will be produced. The report will be made available to download via the Direct Entry Services Module of Deskbank within two hours of release of the file on the processing date.
The report lists all disbursements made and any recall(s) the Agency requested.
Only one Exception Report per Standard Direct Entry file will be produced. The report will be made available to download via the Direct Entry Services Module of Deskbank within two hours of receipt of the file at Westpac.
The report lists rejected transactions that for any reason failed to be credited/debited to an account.
A narrative underneath the relevant transaction will indicate the reason for the reject. The Agency nominated account will be debited/credited with the value of the file less any reject(s) on the processing date.
The Agency should amend any transaction details that appear on the Exception Report to ensure that the transaction does not reject when the file is next transmitted.
Please note: The Exception Report for both GDES and Direct Entry processing channels lists only the Bank' s transactions or transactions unable to be sent to other Financial Institutions because of invalid details in the BSB field. Other Financial Institutions will return items with invalid account details to the nominated Trace Record Account.
Should the User wish to enquire as to the destination of an overdue amount from a file lodged with the Bank by the User, the first place to start would be to check the:
Refer to the section above for more information on these reports.
If you require further assistance, please contact the Transaction Solutions Team on Ph: 1800 150 120. Alternately, you can complete the Tracing Request form located in Appendix E and fax to the Statement Enquiry Team on Fax: 1800 150 121.
Appendix E - Tracing Request (PDF 66KB)
Please note: May we suggest that all new employee bank account details be checked closely before adding them to your payroll system.
At the end of each month Agencies' nominated accounts will be debited for most fees and charges relating to Direct Entry. An Account and Analysis and Fee statement will also be provided to Agencies showing an itemised listing of all activities.
If you have any questions or concerns with charges relating to Direct Entry, please refer to the fee schedule for further details or contact your Customer Enquiry Manager.
We have included a list of the terms commonly used when referring to Direct Entry.
Bank State Branch (BSB)
Denotes the Bank, State and Branch number, of where the account is held.
Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS)
The systems and procedures contained in the Regulations for the purpose of coordinating, facilitating and protecting the conduct and settlement of exchanges of items between participating members and all aspects of the related clearing cycle and the exchange of financial data.
Bureau
A Bureau creates and transmits electronic files (usually payroll files) on behalf of companies. A bureau will process both single and multi-user files.
Business Name
This may also be known as the User Preferred Specification (UPS) or the Service Name. It is a 26 character name that is used in conjunction with the User ID Number to uniquely identify the User's Direct Entry File. Some systems, such as Masterpiece, can only create Direct Entry Files with a 16 character business name. In this instance, the User will need to ensure that the Business Name that it requests Westpac to establish is 16 characters or less.
The nominated account for fees to be drawn from. This does not need to be the same as the drawing account.
Refers to the processing cycle of a service. The first live file transmitted measures the start of a cycle. Valid cycles are- Daily, Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly, Bi-monthly, Quarterly, Half-Yearly and Yearly.
Drawing Account
The User's account where the value of the User's file is debited or credited. The TNA/TAC limit is linked to the drawing account.
Exceeded Transaction Negotiation Authority (TNA)
The total of all files received within the cycle has exceeded the approved TNA limit.
Header Record
Part of the format of the User's file. It contains the date when the User wishes to have their file processed. This is the only indication we have of the date the file is to be processed.
In House
A User that transmits their files directly to the Bank via DeskBank/Leased Line.
Any files received after the cut off time of 5pm Sydney time.
Information provided on the statement regarding the transaction.
Refers to the date that the User has nominated for their file to be released. This should not be a weekend, national public holiday or a date that has already passed.
Release Date
Another term for Processing Date.
Recall - File
Facility whereby the User can request their file be deleted before it is processed.
Recall - Transaction (Credit Items Only)
Allows the effective removal of a transaction(s) from a file upon request from the User. This does not allow for changes to the transaction details (BSB or Account Number).
Service Name
Another term for Business Name.
Transaction Negotiation Authority (TNA) Limit
A Transaction Negotiation Authority (TNA) limit allows the User to draw on a nominated account within an approved limit, regardless of the amount of available cleared funds in the account.
Designates the narrative on a statement. In the case of Direct Entry files, they also inform the system of the type of file that is being transmitted.
Allowable transaction codes for each Direct Entry User ID has been advised to Agencies in a separate advice from Westpac. If you do not have this advice, please contact your Customer Enquiry Manager
Each User ID has valid transaction codes loaded against it. If the User includes a trancode that is not valid then the transaction and/or file may be rejected.
Trace/Tracing
The procedure used to track the destination or origin of a transaction that has already been processed.
Trace Record Account
Account nominated for the return of items rejected by other Financial Institutions.
User
A participant within the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS) for the purpose of processing Credit or Debit items.
User ID Number
A six-digit number assigned to a User that uniquely identifies that User within the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS).
User Preferred Specification (UPS)
Another term for Business Name.
From time to time, Direct Entry transactions will be returned from other banks because the bank account number in the DE file provided by the Agency is invalid or closed etc.. You will be able to view any Direct Entry Returns the banking day after the file has been processed.
Direct Entry Returns can be viewed individually on the Agency's Bank Statement. The following information will be provided:
Each Agency has also been provided with two special Deskbank Crystal reports in the Account Information Module. These reports are called:
These reports simply takes all the individual Direct Entry Credit or Debit Returns shown individually on the Agency's bank statement and lists them on the one report for easy viewing.
Valid Direct Entry Return Reason Codes are:
Return reason code | Description |
---|---|
1 | Invalid BSB number |
2 | Payment stopped |
3 | Account closed |
4 | Customer deceased |
5 | No account or incorrect account number |
6 | Refer to customer |
7 | (Deleted) |
8 | Invalid User ID number |
9 | Technically invalid |