Credit Management System (CMS)

The USAID Office of Development Credit guarantees hundreds of millions of dollars in development loans through local banks around the world. To help aid this process, Devis created The Credit Management System (CMS) in 2002. Designed, built, and managed by Devis under a fixed price contract, this system allows participating local banks to share and coordinate reporting with USAID. CMS is a secure internet-based database tool that allows banks and USAID to enter data electronically into the central monitoring system. CMS allows USAID to track the flow of information between banks and USAID. This system provides 24-hour access to information related to loans under USAID guarantee coverage. Most importantly, this system accelerates the processing of fees and claims which helps to avoid any data entry duplication. CMS ensures that USAID understands how the money is being used, and tracks fees, defaults, and claim payments.

CMS replaced a legacy client server application with a sophisticated Web database that allows over 250 commercial banks to report directly on individual loan status and losses. The n-tier architecture is comprised of application server, database server, and web server. CMS allows for large amounts of data to be uploaded in XML format using Excel spreadsheets for formatting. Users may also generate a spreadsheet to record changes and add new transactions before uploading it back into the CMS database. The system integrates data from the US Treasury Department to allow standard calculation of loans in both US Dollars and over 200 local currencies.

To test the usability and performance of CMS, trials where performed in South America, Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. After testing, the CMS application was rolled out as part of an initial pilot in several countries. During this pilot, training was provided and feedback regarding the application was passed on to the development team. Using a performance-centered web interface, the system has been implemented worldwide without requiring user training. The CMS Users Guide provides step-by-step instructions for performing tasks, which are available in English, French, Russian, and Spanish

Understanding that not every global CMS user has a T-1 internet connection, Devis modified the CMS to allow end users to download their information and work with it off line. When they are finished, they can upload the information back into CMS. This innovation saves valuable time and money for those living in a community with slow internet connection

Devis has recently applied an organizational change management approach across CMS to increase efficiency of use. Microfinance institutions that provide large numbers of very small loans averaging several hundred dollars will now only be required to track defaulted loans. These microfinance institutions send USAID spreadsheets containing loan information for each micro loan. For each typo or error in the spreadsheet, USAID staff must correct the issue. Changing the process to require only those loans that have been defaulted will save USAID staff time and effort during the validation process.

Devis staff works with other CMS team members to ensure that changing policy, newly arising needs and new or modified program implementation specifications become part of the software development life cycle. Recently, Devis initialed a complete user interface design in 2009 to enhance usability. Devis staff also provides all system administrative functions for CMS. Some of the many administrative tasks that Devis performs are maintaining database structure, adding new reports to meet USAID needs and participating in audits to ensure data quality and system integrity. Currently Devis provides tier 2 and 3 helpdesk support for CMS. This effort is coordinated with a third party vendor responsible for performing CMS helpdesk activities. Devis provides support for both day to day operations as well as TDY support. Currently the CMS helpdesk is supporting a base of 700 end users.

Supported by over $1 million in funding and an expected $300,000 in the coming year, CMS is currently being used in over 60 nations and has facilitated over 1.5 billion dollars worth of loans in developing countries.