The LCR direct debit feature in DoliPlus enables you to collect payments for your B2B invoices via Banker’s Automated Clearing Services (BACS), including magnetic format. This secures your payments and helps you manage your cash flow.

What is a Banker’s Automated Clearing Services (BACS) payment?

The Banker’s Automated Clearing Services (BACS) is the electronic version of a bill of exchange. In practice, it’s a deferred payment agreement between businesses (B2B), standardised by the CFONB.

What is it used for?

• It allows the customer to receive goods or services without immediate payment;
• It guarantees the supplier payment on the due date;
• It remains a useful cash flow tool for both parties.

Who is it for?

BACS is reserved for businesses and professionals. It does not apply to private individuals.

How does it work?

1. First, the supplier issues the BACS via their bank;
2. The bank then sends the electronic file to the customer;
3. The customer accepts or rejects it;
4. Finally, on the due date, the amount is automatically debited.

Benefits and points to consider

On one hand, BACS offers deferred payment for the customer and secured payment for the supplier. Additionally, it allows for bank discounting, meaning early payment in exchange for a fee.

On the other hand, there is a risk of non-payment on the due date. In this case, the bank issues a notice of non-payment. The supplier can then initiate recovery proceedings, while the customer’s Banque de France credit rating may be affected.

The magnetic BACS direct debit module in DoliPlus

The BACS direct debit module automates the entire process:

• It creates the standardised CFONB electronic file from pending invoices;
• It generates this file for submission to your bank;
• It handles rejections: the invoice returns to pending status for a new direct debit, BACS request, or cheque payment;
• It credits invoices as soon as the bank confirms the payment.

Installation

First, activate the module (depending on your plan). Then, in the configuration, declare the default bank and the user responsible for direct debits.

Finally, manage permissions to authorise the relevant users.

The menu

A two-level menu provides quick access to the management interfaces.

The BACS tab on the invoice

From the BACS tab on the invoice, you can add or remove the invoice from the pending file. You specify the amount, the due date, and the mode:

1. Due date “E-3” (code 27), to be processed 3 working days before the due date;
2. Due date “E-2” (code 28), to be processed 2 working days before the due date.

Note: If the amount is modified, delete and recreate the request. Additionally, an indicator on the record shows if a BACS request exists.

The BACS direct debit interface

This interface allows you to initiate a new direct debit from pending invoices. Invoices must be in a validated status. Additionally, checkbox selection narrows the scope of the debit.

The deposit slip

This interface displays multiple tabs.

Document library tab

The document library tab gathers generated files: a .txt file for bank submission and a plain-language control file.

Once the file is submitted, confirm the bank deposit with a date. Then, once the amount is credited, click “mark as credited” to settle all related invoices.

Deposit structure

160-character payment orders issued consist of fixed-length 160-character records.
Deposits comprise a set of payment orders sharing these common features:

• Same sender account,
• Same payment type,
• Same settlement date.

Deposits must include at minimum:
• One Sender record per settlement date (record code: “03”) containing the ordering party’s details.
• One or two Recipient records per payment to process:
– Record code: “06” (mandatory), containing transaction details including bank details.
• One Total record (record code: “08”) showing the deposit’s total transaction amount.
160-character payment order files may contain 1 to n deposits. These deposits must all be of the same type.