I am in the process of putting in my first CRA submission, and I was hoping to get a little guidance.

We've compiled our data using the free FFIEC software, and I can't find any option to remove the micro data for my submission. Is there one on the FFIEC software or do I have to use my dreaded ancient copy of CRA Wiz 5.0?

The FFIEC software has an option to export a file for submission either by diskette or internet email. It will prepare the data that you need to send. On the Front Page, go to "Export" and follow the instructions. The software will prepare an encrypted file, which you attach to an email and send off to the FRB.

Arye,

Thanks for the response. I did that, and submitted the encrypted file, but received an e-mail stating my submission was not compliant. The e-mail inferred, but did not confirm, that my micro data was still in the file.

Any suggestions for sending files to the FRB without the micro data and without using CRA Wiz?

Hmmm...I'm stumped. Did they give you any other information with the email(transmittal incomplete, assessment areas not complete, batch edit check not completed, etc.)? I would go through the export process again, resubmit, and if you still get the message, I would call the CRA Help desk.
The only way that I know of to get a file of micro data is to use the "Export for Other Purposes" selection. If you are submitting via email, and use the option for "Export to Federal Reserve Board via internet email" the program should not prepare a file that contains micro data. Sorry I can't be of more help. Do anyof the CRA gurus have any thoughts?

You must first Run "Batch Edit" Then run the error reports and clear up anyting on the individual items. Then go to Export and Export Via Internet E-Mail.

When you run this program it creates an Encrypted file in the program Directoty under the directory INT. Copy the CRA Encr.enc file and attach it to the e-mail being sent to the CRASUB@FRB.GOV

Why are you not using Wiz? 5.0 is fine for submission, we're using it with no problems at all.

You need to take that away from your IT department You pay an awful lot of money for that product, and if it's not being used, well why not save the bucks?

We are running both 5.0 and 6.5 so we could submit with 5.0. We perform our own updates because our IT department isn't capable of supporting the software. (Do they spend the money to train on it? nopers) You might consider that for a future idea. It sounds like you're not using Wiz to it's full capacity if you're too busy to install, but still, if you pay for it, why not be able to use it?

I've only been here 2 months. It was purchased before I got here, and I've only just started making all the changes I want - I just haven't gotten to IT yet. Little steps.

Now you know why my tongue is hanging out in my avatar

Ohhhhh now I see I've been in your shoes! A little advice...GO TO TRAINING ON THE WIZ AS SOON AS YOU CAN! When I started at the bank I had Wiz, but we weren't using it much. Complete waste of money! But, I took the training and now I use it pretty much daily for many reasons. It's a great program if you know how to use it, but it's a complete waste of the bank's money if you leave it in a box

Your eyes look crossed too...I' know that feeling

Good call - That was my plan! My predecessor purchased Wiz 5.0 & 6.5, but from what I've seen, they never used them. The version on the pc is at least 2 years old. And 6.5 was shiny in the box until I started fooling around with it.

It does look like a good system to use. Thanks for the advice!

Oh for gads sake what an idiot. (Oh dear did I say that outloud?) heh heh

You aren't likely purchasing both versions. One of them is complimentary due to the upgrade. Don't bother with it since you haven't yet. Go ahead right to 6.5 but BE SURE to get all updates installed when you put it online. But first, take the class. You'll be miles ahead when you install and begin to use it. Schedule that install for as soon as you return for training. You'll love the program. What it does in two mins for my board reports I couldn't do in weeks.

I have used 5.0 and 6.5. I like 6.5 much better, especially with the changes made in the last year. It is expensive, but with all the bells & whistles it is well worth it. I have never been to the training and the learning curve was difficult at best (thank you Dawnie); this year I only called support 3 times for a total of app. 20 min. I do all my own updates and it is easy.

Go for it!!

Getting back to the initial question, as Don Narup stated, you can use the free FFIEC software for your request. It is a matter of exporting vs submitting (export is the full file, submitting is the summary data).

But I can't get over all of these software issues for one package. For crying out loud, if it's that tough, just use the free stuff. I don't understand the praise for a package that you complain about so much. There are alternatives. There's Don, there's Attus, there's us (CRA RELIEF), there's Centrax, BITI, Bankers Compliance Group. Any statement that begins with the word "dreaded" doesn't sound like something I want to pay for.

I think when you walk in the door two months before submission, any software package is dreaded

Dawnie, that may be true of some software but we have had five clients call since Friday saying they wanted to "get a jump start on their Year 2004 submission" (OK, really, you can quit laughing now ) I have had another 15-20 that thought an ex-employee had already submitted to find out it was still on their computer. In all but one of these cases, we are meeting the deadline with what I think is an accurate submission based on customer comments. As a result, I know far more customers that call my software a Godsend rather than dreaded.

However, your point about most emergency situations in the banking world is well taken. It would be nice if they didn't occur as often as they do.

Well that's just goofy management though right Leonard I not only know when the files are submitted, I require the proof I'm goofy that way (Which is a heck of a lot less goofy than not knowing if you've submitted or not!)