Always be prepared with questions. Whether it's asking the appliance salesperson 20 questions about the efficiency of a new microwave or presenting your spouse a list of questions about the restaurant they picked for dinner, the right questions can save you from being unpleasantly surprised. Being prepared with questions will serve you well and help you make important business decisions, especially during a credit union core system review. If you are not challenging the presenter and technical staff on a demonstration of their services, you are not ready to go through a conversion. The more questions you have, the more you have taken the time to truly consider what you like about your current core technology, what is lacking, and what you need versus what would be a "nice to have, but not necessary."

Calling all Star Wars fanatics. With the Last Jedi being released December 2017, you no doubt have wondered if this next installment will finally shed some light on the prophecy of the chosen one, the one who is (or was) to bring balance to the force. "A prophecy that, misread, could have been." While we still have yet to know if Vader was the chosen one, or if the one has yet to be revealed, we do know one thing for certain. In order for the galaxy to find peace, there must be balance, in this case, between good and evil. The same can be said for the success of your credit union and finding balance between operational efficiency and quality member service.

When it comes to credit union data processing, there are many "do's" and "don'ts". Some credit unions get along great with they core partners, others... not so much. No matter what your status is with your current core, it's important to keep your head on straight and remember the basics. Here are 10 commandments that may invoke some deeper thoughts into how your core processor works with your credit union:

Once you have made the decision to undergo a credit union core conversion, there is no doubt there will be a number of concerns that keep you up at night. After all, there are many things that can go wrong, but typically, and thankfully, the majority of these problems go unnoticed by members. CU personnel and core partners can correct most issues before the members are affected. However, there is one thing that you can't flub when performing a core conversion... member facing applications, namely, credit union mobile banking.

Application Programming Interface, otherwise known as API, is a protocol for allowing one software program to communicate with another. Importantly, APIs allow programs to share information and influence each other’s behavior. APIs allow credit unions to take advantage of new products and features that are developed outside their core software. Credit union APIs are becoming increasingly important as credit union core providers do not have the resources or support business plans that aid development through vendor integrations. As technology rapidly develops, new companies are popping up with products that can give your credit union a boost in product offerings or operations. The best credit union software providers realize this, and embrace it, by developing the ability to integrate other services into their offering through a robust API.

Are you a coin tosser?  Horoscope reader? Eenie-meenie-miney-moe'r? Whatever your preferred method of making a decision between equal contenders, there are certain matters that require more in-depth research during the decision making process.  When it comes to a credit union core conversion, most will agree this is one of the most crucial decisions within a CU. And while it is doubtful any would leave this decision to chance, there are many around the country who stick with their existing credit union core processor because they do not recognize the signs that they should leave. So, should you stay or should you go? Here are some reasons to consider before embarking down the path of indecision:

The key to success in providing exceptional member services is the anticipation of their needs. Realizing what services will improve their financial lives before they do. Thanks to advancements in credit union core technology, you do not need to be a data scientist in order to do so. The visual data is there to assess and assist your members. Your credit union software should allow MSRs a 360° view of members so they can easily offer credit union member services that exceed expectations.

Finding a trusted credit union technology partner is crucial to your CU's success. Credit union executives are in the financial industry, not the technology industry, yet so much of your CU's success rides on the implementation of technology and the products and services offered to members. Many blindly follow the orders of their technology partners, trusting that they are the experts. However, sometimes following unfounded orders can steer your credit union in the wrong direction. It's imperative to recognize the red flags of when your technology partner may not be the right fit for your credit union:

Have you ever heard the term "Feed the Monster"? It's when someone has a problem and rather than do what it takes to fix it, they "feed the monster" and continue in their useless cycles. So, let me ask you a question: If your credit union pays so much money to its technology vendors, why do you still have to manage that monster in the server room? Some credit union executives like to walk by the server room and see the blinking lights and endless wires but it's probably safe to say that most view their server as a stressful and expensive piece of hardware that they'd rather someone else manage and maintain. Some credit unions have the budget for qualified IT departments that can handle such tasks but imagine what other important tasks your IT staff could be doing if they didn't have to worry about server uptime.

What is the difference between a partner and vendor? The distinction exists across all aspects of business, especially when it comes to technology. Some credit union software providers might supply the software and hardware you need and leave you to work out the rest. However, a partner interested in your success would examine existing infrastructure and advise you on changes you need, and more importantly, on changes you don't need. A true technology partner should ultimately help to ensure results and strive for their credit unions to succeed.