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With this option, the only interaction with PeopleSoft would involve placing blocks / holds on the user's PeopleSoft record (for example, if the library places holds on student's registration for unpaid library fees). Using the Export User Blocks integration with Alma, patrons with blocks such as registration holds can be exported and prepared for ingest to PeopleSoft. We are still investigating removal of blocks, which may remain manual.
Additional Information Needed:Problems with this approach:
- Analytics data only available once a day. Ex Libris enhancement request: Retrieve user accounts from Users API via fine amount?
- Blocks/Holds in PeopleSoft remain manual; fine amount owed not available in PeopleSoft (necessarily)
- Need more information about CashNet portal setup (Christian Ward (Sacramento) is researching)
- Need to research possibilities for campuses using PayPal (e.g., Pomona)
II. PeopleSoft Integration (San Marcos Approach)
Ian Chan (Unlicensed) at San Marcos is developing a solution that focuses on communication between Alma and PeopleSoft. In this model, fines and fees data are generated through the Analytics API, as with the CashNet portal, and prepared for ingest into PeopleSoft. San Marcos Campus IT is working on a script that checks user accounts periodically throughout the day to check to see if payments have been made. If a payment is made, that information is sent back to Alma through the Pay User Fines / Fees API.
III. Ex Libris Designed Solution
Christian Ward noted Ward (Sacramento) noted that Ex Libris has created a fines / fees payment integration with a vendor through the UK, who only accepts payments in pounds (see Administration > General Configuration > Integration Profiles > Payment). It was suggested that we press Ex Libris to develop a solution using CashNet directly, as many universities in the US use this vendor, and it would be benefit to a number of institutions.
Current export of fines and fees information integration closes fines and fees in Alma. Would like Ex Libris to provide an option to export fines and fees to third party system while keeping the fine information open and active in the user's account.
Implementation Considerations
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