Jump In the Beta Pool

So what’s the difference between beta and “active” beta?
This page describes traditional beta testing for software prior to full implementation to all clients. Active beta is a whole different animal that lets us release live software in the field, for everyone to test over an extended period. Learn more about Active Beta

Does your credit union like to be in on the ground floor of new tools and ideas?

Have you got the kind of team that dives into new software with enthusiasm?

Are you an early adopter just chomping at the bit to get at that next new software feature?

Please check out the beta requirements for the next release below. If your credit union is eligible and ready to jump into the beta pool for the upcoming release, please complete the following form and email it to betapool@cuanswers.com.

Fill out the Beta Pool Application

Earn CollabRebate $$ for beta-testing!

If you’re willing to help us test other new tools at the same time, you just might get your wish.

We’re always on the lookout for credit unions willing to participate in the beta-test period for major CU*BASE software releases. If your credit union would like be in the pool considered for beta testing new features and enhancements, we need you!

Specific Requirements for the Next Release

Beta Test Begins Full Release to Online CUs Teams Affected Most
24.05

March 24, 2024

May 5, 2024

  • Member Service/Teller
  • Lending
  • Back Office/Accounting
CollabRebate for Beta Test: $3,000
Beta CUs selected: Partnership Financial CU, Shoreline CU, Thornapple CU, and TBA CU

 

Team or Criteria  Eligible More Details
Xtend Shared Branch Participants Yes CUs using Xtend Shared Branching might be able to participate in this beta.
CUs with shared employee arrangements with other CUs * It is not possible for a CU in a shared employee arrangement to participate in a beta test unless all parties in that arrangement also agree to participate in the beta. Other eligibility rules also apply.
Co-Op (National) Shared Branching Participants Yes CUs using Co-Op Shared Branching might be able to participate in this beta.
Member Service/Teller This release contains enhancements for handling new members/accounts, including incorporating CU*Forms in the account opening process, and customizable new member comments. We’ve added the ability to lock ACH maintenance in Online Banking, the ability to post on-demand ACH fees regardless if the base deposit account’s balance has enough to cover fees, further refinements to the member search engine, a new member IP address lookup dashboard, and new view-only options for Online Banking configurations and member HSA balance information.
Lending We’ve made enhancements to package loans to be sold, the Concentration Risk Analysis dashboard, dealer information configuration, and participation loan reports. We’ve also added a new 1Click unfunded loan offer, an overpay limit field for credit card loans, the ability to show red flag alerts when working/creating loan applications, and new loan category configuration options.
Back Office/Accounting A new corporate check/money order reconciliation tool is being rolled out with this release to improve your workflow.

See a list of projects planned for this release

Feedback From Recent Beta-Tests

How to Earn the Beta-Test CollabRebate

CollabRebateTo increase the effectiveness of our beta-test process, we need as many eligible CUs in our beta pool as possible. We recognize that beta-testing is an added challenge for your busy teams, and we also know how important a good beta-test is for the success of our releases with all of our clients. So we’re putting our money where our mouth is by offering a CollabRebate reward for active beta-test participants.

  • How much money are we talking? For each of our 2-3 major releases per year, we’ll offer between $2,500 and $5,000 per beta-test CU. The amount will be determined prior to the release according to the number of projects and relative complexity of the release.  For example, for a recent release we offered a beta-test CollabRebate of up to $3,000.
  • What do you mean, “up to?” If your credit union actively participates in the beta by staying in contact with our teams and completing the necessary feedback forms, we’ll award the full amount. (In the past we have had credit unions start off with a bang then back out partway through the test period, so we do reserve the right to adjust the amount if appropriate, based on a credit union’s actual participation.)
  • What do we have to do? You’ll need to agree to the rules and tasks outlined below, including completing our feedback form and returning it to our QC team within 1 week after the end of the beta test.
  • Can anyone be a beta? Not every release can be beta-tested by every credit union, so first check the requirements to see if you are eligible. And while we do want multiple beta test sites, we need to keep the project manageable. So we reserve the right to choose the final selection of beta CUs for each release.
  • When will I know I am in the beta? We will make the announcement on the Wednesday three weeks prior to the beta test start date. You will contacted immediately by our QC team to arrange for your training web conference a week or two prior to the beta release.
  • What if I can’t gear up my team that quickly? Then perhaps beta-testing is not right for your credit union. The reality of our development track is that software releases move very rapidly. Our beta credit unions need to be able to hit the ground running. But rest assured we are behind you every step of the way and you will receive targeted, one-on-one support during the beta period. And don’t forget that CollabRebate waiting for you when you hit the finish line!

…keep reading to learn about what you’ll be committing to, and what you’ll get as a beta-tester.

Updated
April 16, 2024

CU*Forms Video Now Available: Membership FormFLOW & 24.05 Updates

CU*Forms Video Now Available: Membership FormFLOW & 24.05 Updates

Earlier this month, we hosted a session which explored recent enhancements to CU*Forms as part of the 24.05 Release of CU*BASE.  If you were unable to attend or would like a refresher, we’ve got you covered – a video recording is now available! Recent enhancements to CU*Forms include: The ability to search for members using… Read more »

Apr 25, 2024

Let Your Members Know About Inclement Weather Closings with Mobile Alerts, Powered by CU*Publisher

Let Your Members Know About Inclement Weather Closings with Mobile Alerts, Powered by CU*Publisher

Wouldn’t it be convenient to have the option to inform your members that specific branch locations will be closed due to inclement weather or power outages?  Look no further than Mobile Alerts!  Powered by CU*Publisher, this tool allows you to configure routine or one-time alerts for different platforms on both Android and iOS. If your… Read more »

Apr 25, 2024

Here comes the next Collections Roundtable!

Here comes the next Collections Roundtable!

Get Ready for the Next Collections Roundtable! Join us for the FREE Collections Roundtable, an open forum discussion on collections laws, internal procedures, and CU*BASE processes.  Join us for the second session of the 2024 Collections Roundtable Series – for whichever session you’d like, or both! We are once again hosting an in-person version of… Read more »

Apr 25, 2024

Lender*VP and Xtend are Here to Help with Mortgage Servicing & Escrow Processing

Lender*VP and Xtend are Here to Help with Mortgage Servicing & Escrow Processing

Did you know that Lender*VP offers mortgage servicing and escrow processing services in collaboration with the Xtend Mortgage Servicing team?  Let us put our team of experts to work for you! We make it easy for you by providing the following services: Escrow Processing Pay escrow bills Run annual escrow analysis Reporting on bills becoming… Read more »

Apr 24, 2024

CU Info Offers a Convenient Way to Update Your Credit Union’s Information!

CU Info Offers a Convenient Way to Update Your Credit Union’s Information!

CU Info Offers a Convenient Way to Update Your Credit Union’s Information! Wouldn’t it be great to update hours instantly?  No more waiting or emailing thanks to CU Info, powered by CU*Publisher.  With CU Info, it’s your product on your schedule! What Info Can I Manage? In addition to managing the members of your CU*Publisher… Read more »

Apr 23, 2024

[The Pulse] HA Rollover Results Now Available

[The Pulse] HA Rollover Results Now Available

HA Rollover Results Now Available HA Rollover: March 10 – April 7 Now available for your review is a summary of the recent CU*Answers HA (high availability) rollover event performed March 10th to April 7th for the CU*BASE core processing environment.  In this report, you will find details about the exercise, including challenges observed, lessons… Read more »

Apr 22, 2024