Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP
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General Platform Questions
SNAP (Simple New Account Platform) is a comprehensive deposit platform that streamlines and automates account opening and maintenance processes. It integrates directly with your core banking system to deliver real-time updates, reduce manual data entry, ensure better process consistency, and significantly reduce errors for both frontline and back-office staff.
Unlike many competitors that only handle basic consumer account opening, SNAP is a complete deposit platform that handles both account opening AND maintenance for ALL account types (including complex ones like IRAs, HSAs, and sophisticated business ownerships). SNAP delivers real-time updates to your core system and integrates with your existing document storage and compliance systems, creating a seamless end-to-end solution.
SNAP supports all standard customer (CIF) and account setups for both Consumer and Business ownerships. This includes:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Money Market accounts
- Certificates of Deposit (CDs)
- IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts)
- HSAs (Health Savings Accounts)
- Safe Deposit Boxes
- Club accounts
- Complex business and fiduciary accounts
SNAP reduces account opening time to 10 minutes or less through several efficiency features:
- Barcode scanning of IDs to instantly import customer information
- Photo capture of identification documents
- Pre-configured workflows that guide bankers through each step
- Automated validations that prevent errors before they happen
- Real-time integration with core systems eliminating duplicate data entry
- Digital signature capture
- Automated document generation and delivery
SNAP currently integrates with Jack Henry SilverLake and CIF 20/20 (both Outlink and In-House versions). The integration happens in real-time via jXchange™.
- SAML or Active Directory combined with webapp access via SAML or
- Trusted network or
- Manual device token authorization
Implementation & Deployment
SNAP is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution installed on a Windows Server, either on your bank’s premises or in your cloud environment. The server interfaces directly with your core provider and key third-party vendors.
Implementation timelines vary based on your bank’s resources, complexity, and availability. Our team works closely with you to establish a realistic timeline based on your specific requirements and resource availability. Implementation includes consultation, configuration, testing, training, and go-live support.
Successful implementation requires collaboration between our team and yours. Key stakeholders typically include IT resources for integration, operations leadership for workflow decisions, and frontline representatives for testing and feedback. The more dedicated resources your bank can commit, the more efficiently the implementation can progress.
SNAP offers several approaches to secure access:
- SAML or Active Directory integration
- Authentication via trusted network
- Manual device token authorization
All methods ensure secure sign-in while maintaining your bank’s control over which users have access to the system.
Security & Compliance
SNAP incorporates multiple security measures:
- All transmitted data is encrypted
- Your bank controls all devices through device and user access controls
- Secure sign-in is required
- Authentication uses your bank’s active directory or other secure methods
- Two-factor authentication options are available
- Vendor access is tightly controlled by your bank
SNAP integrates with account verification services and BSA compliance programs to facilitate proper customer due diligence. The platform includes built-in validations to ensure regulatory requirements are met. SNAP’s workflows can be configured to align with your specific compliance procedures and policies.
Customer data remains within your bank’s systems. SNAP operates via servers in your network environment, ensuring that sensitive information never leaves your secure infrastructure.
Technical Requirements & Integration
SNAP is a web application that can be used on iPads, tablets, laptops, or desktops. For the full range of features (including ID barcode scanning and photo capture), an iPad or tablet with a camera is recommended, but SNAP can be used on any browser-enabled device.
Yes, SNAP integrates with your existing document storage system. Documents are automatically uploaded and indexed, eliminating manual document handling.
Customers can sign directly on a tablet device (such as an iPad), completing all disclosure documents with just a single digital signature. For customers who aren’t present during account opening, SNAP Remote allows for remote signature capture.
Features & Functionality
SNAP Remote is an optional add-on that enables remote signature capture. When one or more signers cannot be present to open an account or authorize maintenance, SNAP Remote allows your frontline bankers to initiate the remote capture of customer signatures while providing essential disclosures, tracking, and automation.
SNAP reduces errors through several mechanisms:
- Field validations prevent users from skipping required information
- Drop-down selections limit input to valid options
- Self-validating technology catches errors before they’re submitted
- Built-in business rules enforce bank policies
- Automated workflows guide users through the correct steps
- Help resources provide immediate guidance to users
Yes, SNAP includes workflows to guide users through account maintenance and ownership changes. New documents are generated as needed and can be automatically delivered to your document storage system.
SNAP offers flexible document delivery options. Customers can select their preferred method (email or print), reducing paper usage and costs. All documents are also automatically indexed and stored in your document storage system.
Training & Support
Most banks report that new employees can be effectively trained on SNAP in as little as 4 hours, compared to days or weeks with traditional systems. The intuitive interface, guided workflows, and built-in help make SNAP easy to learn and use.
Zelus provides comprehensive support for SNAP, including:
- Technical support for any system issues
- Consultation on workflow improvements
- Training resources for new employees
- Regular updates and enhancements
- Best practice guidance
SNAP includes built-in help resources, configurable guidance text, and step-by-step workflows that walk bankers through even the most complex account types (like IRAs, HSAs, and business accounts). This allows all frontline staff to confidently open any account type with minimal specialized training.
Results & Benefits
Based on feedback from current clients, banks using SNAP typically experience:
- 90% reduction in employee errors
- 80% reduction in back-office processes
- 90% increase in overall operational efficiency
- 95% reduction in training time
- Account opening completed in 10 minutes or less
SNAP enhances the customer experience by:
- Accelerating account opening to save time
- Enabling meaningful interaction with customers rather than focusing on data entry
- Getting the banker from behind the desk to where the customer is
- Eliminating the typical back-and-forth for document retrieval and approvals
- Providing digital document delivery options
SNAP is designed to work for banks of all sizes. Current implementations range from small community banks to larger regional institutions. The platform’s flexibility allows it to be configured for your specific needs regardless of size.
By reducing manual and redundant processes by up to 90%, SNAP allows your staff to handle more accounts in less time. Current clients have reported adding up to 20 branches without additional operations headcount due to the efficiencies gained through SNAP.
Cost & ROI
Key factors that determine ROI include:
- Current account opening time vs. SNAP’s 10-minute process
- Number of new accounts opened monthly
- Current error rates and exception handling costs
- Staff time spent on manual processes
- Document printing and handling costs
- Training costs for new employees
Please contact our sales team for detailed pricing information. SNAP does not charge per-seat licenses, which makes scaling more cost-effective as your bank grows.
SNAP requires minimal hardware investment. While iPads or tablets provide the optimal user experience (especially for features like ID scanning and signature capture), SNAP can operate on existing desktop computers or laptops with a browser. There is no need for specialized hardware like scanners or signature pads.
Getting Started
We offer comprehensive demonstrations of SNAP tailored to your bank’s specific needs and challenges. Our team can also connect you with current clients who can share their experiences with SNAP implementation and results.
The first step is a discovery call to understand your current processes, challenges, and goals. From there, we can provide a customized demonstration and discuss implementation options, timeline, and pricing. Contact us to schedule your discovery call.
Yes, we’re happy to connect you with current clients who can share their experiences with SNAP. Many of our clients have seen significant improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction and are willing to discuss their journey with prospective clients.
