On-line international cash management

Abstract

This paper describes a state-of-the-art cash management system recently installed for the Treasury Section of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). This system was a multi-year development effort of the UNDP supported by Chemical Bank's Cash Management Consulting Services (CMCS). It is resident on an IBM 4331 running under CICS with a DOS/VSE operating system. The data base management system is DL/I and it utilizes IBM 3270 terminals locally. After a brief explanation on the basic functions of cash management, the general objectives of treasury systems are given to provide a background for the description of the system. The nature and scope of the operations of the Treasury Section are stated. In summary, the UNDP manages a cash flow of approximately $1 billion in over 150 currencies. Daily payments are made through 35 agencies with offices in 115 countries. Receivables (contributions) are denominated in 150 currencies. Cash in over 400 bank accounts is monitored daily and a $500,000,000 short-term portfolio, denominated in almost every major currency is maintained.