Types of Banking System Documentation
Banking system documentation serves as a comprehensive guide that explains the functionality, architecture, and operational procedures of a financial system. These documents are essential for ensuring consistent system usage, smooth onboarding of new personnel, regulatory compliance, and efficient troubleshooting. Well-structured documentation enhances transparency, security, and reliability across banking operations.
Banking documentation can be broadly categorized based on its audience and purpose. Each type plays a critical role in the lifecycle of a banking system — from development and deployment to daily operation and long-term maintenance.
Technical Documentation
Details the system's internal structure, including architecture diagrams, data flow models, module interactions, and technology stack.
Key Features
- Includes database schemas and system integrations
- Describes backend logic and processing workflows
- Essential for developers and IT teams
Target Users
- Software developers
- System architects
- IT support engineers
Best for: Development, system upgrades, and technical audits
User Documentation
Provides step-by-step instructions for end-users to perform daily tasks within the banking system.
Key Features
- Covers transaction processing, account management, and reporting tools
- Often includes screenshots and interactive guides
- Designed for clarity and ease of use
Target Users
- Bank tellers and customer service staff
- Branch managers
- Retail and corporate banking clients
Best for: Employee training and customer self-service
Installation Documentation
Outlines the complete setup process, including hardware requirements, software dependencies, configuration steps, and deployment checklists.
Key Features
- Provides pre-installation system checks
- Includes environment setup and network configuration
- Offers post-installation validation steps
Target Users
- System administrators
- DevOps engineers
- Implementation consultants
Best for: System deployment and migration projects
API Documentation
Describes all available application programming interfaces (APIs), including endpoints, request/response formats, authentication methods, and usage examples.
Key Features
- Enables third-party integration with fintech services
- Supports real-time data exchange and automation
- Often follows standards like OpenAPI/Swagger
Target Users
- External and internal developers
- Integration specialists
- Partners and fintech providers
Best for: Digital banking platforms and open banking ecosystems
Security Documentation
Details the security controls, encryption protocols, access management policies, and threat mitigation strategies implemented in the system.
Key Features
- Covers data protection and secure communication standards
- Includes incident response procedures
- Aligns with frameworks like ISO 27001 or NIST
Target Users
- Information security officers
- Compliance auditors
- IT risk management teams
Best for: Cybersecurity audits and penetration testing
Compliance Documentation
Documents how the banking system adheres to legal and regulatory requirements such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, KYC, AML, and local financial regulations.
Key Features
- Maps system features to specific regulatory clauses
- Includes audit trails and reporting capabilities
- Supports regulatory inspections and certifications
Target Users
- Compliance officers
- Risk managers
- Legal and audit departments
Best for: Regulatory reporting and audit readiness
Maintenance & Troubleshooting Docs
Provides guidance on routine system maintenance, software updates, error diagnosis, and resolution of common technical issues.
Key Features
- Includes troubleshooting flowcharts and logs interpretation
- Lists known issues and workarounds
- Offers backup and recovery procedures
Target Users
- IT support teams
- Helpdesk personnel
- System administrators
Best for: Minimizing downtime and ensuring system reliability
| Documentation Type | Purpose | Primary Audience | Key Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical | Explain system design and internal workings | Developers, Architects | Architecture diagrams, code structure, data models |
| User | Guide end-users through system operations | Bank Staff, Customers | Step-by-step guides, UI walkthroughs, FAQs |
| Installation | Support system setup and configuration | System Administrators | Prerequisites, setup steps, configuration files |
| API | Enable system integration via APIs | Developers, Integrators | Endpoints, authentication, sample requests |
| Security | Detail protection mechanisms and policies | Security Teams, Auditors | Encryption, access control, incident response |
| Compliance | Demonstrate adherence to regulations | Compliance Officers | Regulatory mappings, audit logs, reporting tools |
| Maintenance & Troubleshooting | Support ongoing system health and issue resolution | IT Support, Admins | Error codes, recovery steps, update procedures |
Expert Tip: Regularly update all documentation to reflect system changes, patches, or new regulatory requirements. Outdated documentation can lead to misconfigurations, compliance gaps, and operational inefficiencies. Consider using version-controlled documentation platforms for better traceability and collaboration.
Important Features of a Modern Banking System
Modern banking systems are complex, integrated platforms designed to deliver secure, efficient, and customer-centric financial services. These systems combine traditional banking functions with cutting-edge digital technologies to meet evolving customer expectations and regulatory demands. Below is a detailed overview of the most essential features that define a robust banking infrastructure.
Core Functionalities of a Banking System
Core Banking
At the heart of every banking system lies core banking functionality, which supports essential day-to-day operations. This includes managing customer accounts (savings, current, fixed deposits), processing deposits and withdrawals, calculating interest, and maintaining accurate ledgers across branches.
Core banking enables real-time transaction processing and centralized data management, allowing customers to access their accounts from any branch or digital channel. It ensures consistency, reduces operational delays, and forms the backbone for all other banking services.
Digital Banking
Digital banking empowers customers to conduct financial transactions anytime, anywhere via mobile apps, internet banking portals, and web-based platforms. Users can view account balances, transfer funds, pay utility bills, apply for loans, and even open new accounts without visiting a physical branch.
With advanced security features like biometric authentication, two-factor verification, and encrypted communication, digital banking enhances convenience while safeguarding sensitive information. It plays a pivotal role in improving customer engagement and reducing operational costs for banks.
Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Integration
ATMs are a critical touchpoint between banks and customers, offering 24/7 access to cash and basic banking services. Integrated directly into the core banking system, ATMs allow users to withdraw cash, deposit checks or cash, check account balances, print mini-statements, and even pay bills.
Modern ATMs support advanced capabilities such as contactless card reading, cash recycling, dynamic currency conversion, and remote diagnostics. Seamless integration ensures real-time balance updates and fraud monitoring, enhancing both accessibility and security.
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
CRM systems enable banks to manage interactions with existing and prospective customers efficiently. By consolidating customer data—such as transaction history, product usage, preferences, and service inquiries—banks gain actionable insights to personalize offerings and improve service delivery.
Advanced CRM tools use analytics and AI to segment customers, predict behavior, recommend financial products, and automate marketing campaigns. This leads to higher customer satisfaction, improved retention rates, and increased cross-selling opportunities.
Loan Management
The loan management module streamlines the entire lifecycle of credit products—from application intake and credit scoring to approval, disbursement, repayment scheduling, and delinquency tracking.
Banks can automate eligibility checks, generate amortization schedules, send payment reminders, and monitor non-performing assets. Integration with credit bureaus and internal risk models ensures informed lending decisions and regulatory compliance.
Unified Payment Interface (UPI)
Popularized in India, the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) is a real-time payment system that facilitates instant interbank fund transfers through mobile devices. Customers can link multiple bank accounts to a single app using a virtual payment address (VPA), eliminating the need to share sensitive bank details.
UPI supports peer-to-peer transfers, merchant payments, bill splitting, and recurring payments. Its success has inspired similar real-time payment systems globally, making it a benchmark for modern digital payment infrastructure.
Risk Management and Compliance
Banks operate in a highly regulated environment, making risk management and compliance indispensable. Banking systems include tools for anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), fraud detection, credit risk assessment, and cybersecurity monitoring.
These systems use machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious transactions, flag anomalies, and generate audit trails. They also ensure adherence to regulations such as GDPR, Basel III, and local financial authority mandates, protecting both the institution and its customers.
Cloud Banking
Cloud banking leverages cloud computing to host banking applications and data on secure, scalable infrastructure. This allows financial institutions to reduce IT overhead, accelerate service deployment, and scale operations based on demand.
Cloud platforms support disaster recovery, high availability, and seamless integration with third-party fintech services. Whether public, private, or hybrid, cloud solutions enable faster innovation, improved agility, and enhanced customer experience in an increasingly digital economy.
| Feature | Primary Benefit | Implementation Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Core Banking | Centralized, real-time transaction processing | Ensure high availability and data consistency across all branches and digital channels |
| Digital Banking | 24/7 customer access and reduced branch dependency | Invest in intuitive UI/UX and robust cybersecurity protocols |
| ATM Integration | Round-the-clock cash access and self-service options | Support cash recycling and remote monitoring for efficiency |
| CRM | Personalized customer experiences and improved retention | Integrate with analytics engines for predictive insights |
| Loan Management | End-to-end automation of lending processes | Connect with credit bureaus and automate risk scoring |
| UPI | Instant, secure mobile-to-mobile payments | Leverage APIs for merchant and third-party integrations |
| Risk & Compliance | Regulatory adherence and fraud prevention | Use AI-driven monitoring and real-time alert systems |
| Cloud Banking | Scalability and cost-effective infrastructure | Adopt hybrid models for flexibility and data control |
Key Considerations for Implementation
Important: A banking system is only as strong as its weakest component. Neglecting any of these features—especially security, compliance, or core stability—can lead to operational failures, financial losses, or reputational damage. Regular audits, staff training, and technology upgrades are essential to maintain a resilient and future-ready banking ecosystem.
Commercial Value of Banking Documentation
Effective banking documentation is not just a procedural requirement—it's a strategic asset that delivers measurable commercial value across multiple dimensions of financial operations. From improving service delivery to ensuring regulatory compliance and risk mitigation, well-structured documentation directly impacts a bank’s profitability, customer satisfaction, and long-term sustainability.
Operational Efficiency
Well-organized documentation streamlines core banking processes, particularly in high-volume areas such as loan origination and account management. Standardized templates, checklists, and approval workflows enable employees to perform tasks more quickly and with fewer errors.
- Reduces processing time for loan applications by up to 40% when standardized documentation is used
- Minimizes manual rework and corrections due to missing or inconsistent data
- Enables faster onboarding of new clients and quicker disbursement of funds
- Increases throughput of services, allowing banks to serve more customers without proportional increases in staffing
Key insight: Efficient documentation translates directly into improved customer experience and higher revenue potential.
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Mitigation
In an increasingly regulated financial environment, comprehensive documentation serves as a bank’s first line of defense against legal and reputational risks. It ensures adherence to local and international standards such as KYC, AML, GDPR, and Basel III.
- Provides auditable proof of compliance during regulatory inspections
- Helps avoid costly penalties—noncompliance fines can exceed millions annually for major institutions
- Protects the bank’s public image by demonstrating transparency and accountability
- Supports due diligence in lending by documenting creditworthiness assessments and collateral verification
Critical benefit: Strong documentation reduces exposure to fraud, litigation, and operational risk.
IT System Resilience & Downtime Reduction
Detailed system and process documentation allows IT teams to respond rapidly to technical failures, cybersecurity incidents, or software upgrades. This minimizes service interruptions that could otherwise erode customer trust.
- Enables faster root cause analysis during outages through clear system architecture diagrams and configuration logs
- Reduces mean time to repair (MTTR) by providing step-by-step recovery procedures
- Facilitates seamless knowledge transfer between IT staff, especially during personnel changes
- Supports integration of new technologies by maintaining up-to-date interface specifications
Pro tip: Regularly updated runbooks and disaster recovery plans are essential for business continuity.
Risk Management & Financial Stability
Comprehensive documentation plays a central role in identifying, assessing, and managing financial risks. By maintaining detailed records of loan agreements, credit evaluations, and transaction histories, banks gain critical insights into portfolio health.
- Identifies early warning signs of default through documented borrower behavior patterns
- Supports stress testing and scenario modeling using historical performance data
- Improves accuracy in provisioning for bad debts and loan loss reserves
- Creates a reliable audit trail for internal and external auditors
Strategic advantage: Data-rich documentation enhances predictive analytics and decision-making.
Employee Training & Knowledge Retention
Standardized documentation significantly reduces the time and cost associated with training new employees. Instead of relying solely on tribal knowledge, staff can access clear, up-to-date procedural guides.
- Shortens onboarding time by 30–50% for new hires in operations and compliance roles
- Ensures consistency in service delivery across branches and departments
- Preserves institutional knowledge even when experienced employees leave
- Facilitates cross-training and role flexibility within teams
Cost-saving impact: Reduces dependency on senior staff for routine troubleshooting and guidance.
Customer Satisfaction & Trust
While indirect, the impact of good documentation on customer experience is profound. Faster service, fewer errors, and transparent communication all stem from robust documentation practices.
- Customers receive timely responses because processes are clearly defined and followed
- Mistakes in account handling or loan terms are minimized through standardized checks
- Clear documentation supports better communication with customers about their financial products
- Banks can demonstrate accountability during disputes with verifiable records
Long-term benefit: Builds customer loyalty and strengthens brand reputation.
Strategic Recommendation: Treat banking documentation as a dynamic business tool rather than a static compliance exercise. Invest in document management systems (DMS) with version control, access tracking, and search capabilities to maximize its commercial value. Regular audits and updates ensure relevance and accuracy in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
| Area of Impact | Commercial Benefit | Measurable Outcome | Time to Realization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operational Processes | Faster service delivery | 25–40% reduction in processing time | Immediate |
| Regulatory Compliance | Avoidance of fines and sanctions | Potential savings: $500K–$5M+ annually | Short-term |
| Risk Management | Reduced loan defaults | 10–20% improvement in portfolio quality | Medium-term |
| Employee Onboarding | Lower training costs | 30–50% faster ramp-up time | Immediate to short-term |
| IT Operations | Reduced system downtime | Up to 60% faster incident resolution | Short-term |
Additional Strategic Considerations
- Document Lifecycle Management: Implement policies for creation, review, approval, archiving, and secure disposal of documents to maintain integrity and compliance.
- Digital Transformation: Transition from paper-based to digital documentation enhances accessibility, searchability, and integration with core banking systems.
- Version Control: Ensure all staff access the latest approved versions to prevent errors from outdated procedures.
- Access Controls: Restrict sensitive documentation to authorized personnel to protect data privacy and security.
- Integration with Analytics: Leverage documented data for business intelligence, forecasting, and performance benchmarking.
How to Choose a Banking System: A Comprehensive Guide for Financial Institutions
Selecting the right banking system is one of the most critical strategic decisions a financial institution can make. The chosen system will serve as the backbone of daily operations, customer interactions, compliance frameworks, and long-term growth. With rapid technological advancements and evolving customer expectations, banks must evaluate their options carefully to ensure they invest in a solution that is secure, scalable, and future-ready. This guide outlines the key factors to consider when choosing a banking system, offering actionable insights to support informed decision-making.
Important Note: A poorly chosen banking system can lead to operational inefficiencies, increased compliance risks, poor customer satisfaction, and significant financial losses. Due diligence during the selection process is essential to avoid costly migrations and system failures down the line.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Banking System
- Scalability
As a financial institution grows—whether through customer acquisition, product diversification, or geographic expansion—the banking system must be capable of scaling accordingly. A scalable system supports increased transaction volumes, additional service offerings (such as loans, investments, or digital wallets), and integration with emerging technologies like AI-driven analytics or blockchain-based settlements. Look for cloud-native or modular architectures that allow incremental upgrades without system-wide overhauls.
- Cost Structure and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Beyond the initial licensing or subscription fees, banks must evaluate the full spectrum of costs involved. This includes:
- Implementation and system integration expenses
- Ongoing maintenance, updates, and cloud hosting fees
- Training programs for staff at all levels
- Costs associated with downtime during migration
- Potential charges for add-on modules (e.g., fraud detection, CRM tools)
A transparent pricing model and predictable long-term costs are vital for budget planning and financial sustainability.
- Security Features and Data Protection
In today’s digital landscape, cyber threats are more sophisticated than ever. Banking systems must incorporate multi-layered security protocols, including:
- End-to-end encryption for data in transit and at rest
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for employees and customers
- Real-time intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS)
- Regular security audits and automated patch management
- Role-based access controls to limit data exposure
Given that banks handle sensitive personal identification information (PII), financial records, and transaction histories, robust cybersecurity is non-negotiable for protecting customer trust and avoiding regulatory penalties.
- Regulatory Compliance and Audit Readiness
The banking sector is one of the most heavily regulated industries globally. A compliant banking system should support adherence to standards such as:
- GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)
- PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)
- SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act)
- CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act)
- Local and international anti-money laundering (AML) and KYC regulations
The system should include built-in reporting tools, audit trails, and compliance dashboards to streamline regulatory submissions and internal audits.
- User Experience (UX) for Customers and Employees
A seamless user experience directly impacts customer satisfaction, retention, and brand reputation. The banking system should power intuitive digital interfaces—mobile apps, online banking portals, and ATM networks—that make common tasks (transfers, bill payments, account management) fast and error-free. Internally, employee-facing tools should reduce complexity, minimize training time, and enhance productivity. Poor UX leads to higher support costs and increased abandonment rates.
- Integration Capabilities with FinTech Ecosystems
Modern banking does not operate in isolation. Today’s institutions must seamlessly connect with third-party platforms such as payment gateways (e.g., Stripe, PayPal), core processing systems, credit bureaus, accounting software, and open banking APIs. A system with strong API-first architecture enables faster innovation, easier partnerships, and smoother digital transformation. Evaluate whether the vendor supports RESTful APIs, microservices, and real-time data synchronization.
- Vendor Reputation, Support, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
The reliability of your banking system is only as strong as the vendor behind it. Conduct thorough due diligence by:
- Reviewing case studies and client testimonials
- Assessing uptime history and incident response times
- Evaluating the availability of 24/7 technical support
- Understanding the terms of SLAs, including resolution timeframes
- Checking for active product development and roadmap transparency
A vendor with a proven track record in the financial sector and a commitment to ongoing support ensures business continuity and peace of mind.
| Selection Criteria | Why It Matters | Key Questions to Ask Vendors | Risks of Neglect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scalability | Supports growth without performance degradation | Can the system handle 3x current transaction volume? Is cloud scaling automated? | System bottlenecks, costly migrations |
| Cost (TCO) | Impacts long-term profitability and ROI | Are there hidden fees for updates or support? What’s included in the base price? | Budget overruns, unexpected expenses |
| Security | Protects sensitive data and prevents breaches | Does it comply with ISO 27001? How often are penetration tests conducted? | Data breaches, reputational damage, fines |
| Regulatory Compliance | Ensures legal operation and audit readiness | Which regulations does the system support out-of-the-box? | Fines, license revocation, legal action |
| User Experience | Drives customer satisfaction and digital adoption | Can we customize the UI? Is mobile optimization included? | High churn, low engagement |
| Integration | Enables interoperability with existing tools | What APIs are available? Is there a developer portal? | Silos, manual workarounds, inefficiency |
| Vendor Support | Ensures timely resolution of issues | What is the average response time for critical issues? Is support local? | Downtime, operational paralysis |
Expert Tip: Before finalizing a decision, conduct a proof-of-concept (PoC) trial with shortlisted vendors. Test the system in a sandbox environment with real-world scenarios to evaluate performance, usability, and integration capabilities under actual operating conditions.
Additional Best Practices for Banking System Selection
- Form a cross-functional selection committee including IT, compliance, operations, and customer service teams
- Define clear requirements and success metrics before engaging vendors
- Prioritize systems with open architecture and future-proof design
- Ensure data portability and exit strategies are contractually defined
- Plan for a phased implementation to minimize disruption
- Regularly review system performance post-deployment and gather user feedback
Choosing the right banking system is not just a technology decision—it's a strategic investment in the institution’s future. By carefully evaluating scalability, cost, security, compliance, user experience, integration, and vendor support, banks can select a solution that drives efficiency, enhances customer trust, and supports sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive financial landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions About Core Banking and Loan Documentation
A core banking system is the central technological backbone that powers a bank’s daily operations, enabling seamless delivery of financial services across multiple branches and digital platforms. It acts as a centralized database that connects all branches of a bank, allowing customers to perform transactions from any location—regardless of where their account was originally opened.
With the evolution of digital banking, core banking has become essential for modern financial institutions. It supports critical functions such as account management, loan processing, deposit handling, payment processing, and customer relationship management—all in real time.
- Real-Time Access: Customers can check balances, transfer funds, or withdraw money at any branch or through online and mobile banking platforms.
- Operational Efficiency: Banks reduce redundancy, streamline processes, and improve data accuracy by using a unified system across all touchpoints.
- Scalability: Core banking systems support growth by integrating new services like credit cards, insurance, and investment products.
- Disaster Recovery & Uptime: Data is backed up centrally, ensuring business continuity even during outages at individual branches.
In today’s globalized banking environment, core banking is not just a convenience—it's a necessity for providing reliable, secure, and customer-centric financial services.
Loan documentation refers to the comprehensive set of legal and financial documents required during the loan application and approval process. These documents are crucial for evaluating a borrower’s eligibility, determining credit risk, and establishing the terms and conditions under which funds will be disbursed.
Lenders rely on accurate and complete documentation to make informed decisions and comply with regulatory standards. Incomplete or falsified paperwork can lead to delays, rejections, or even legal consequences.
Key Components of Loan Documentation:
- Identity Proof: Government-issued IDs (e.g., passport, driver’s license) to verify the applicant’s identity.
- Income Verification: Pay stubs, income tax returns, or bank statements to confirm repayment capacity.
- Credit History: Credit reports from agencies (e.g., Experian, Equifax) to assess past borrowing behavior and credit score.
- Collateral Details: Property deeds, vehicle titles, or other asset documentation for secured loans.
- Loan Application Form: A formal request outlining the loan amount, purpose, and repayment plan.
- Legal Agreements: Promissory notes, loan contracts, and disclosure forms that bind the borrower to repayment terms.
Proper documentation protects both the lender and the borrower by clearly defining rights, responsibilities, interest rates, penalties, and dispute resolution mechanisms. It also plays a vital role in preventing fraud and ensuring transparency throughout the lending lifecycle.
Security features are one of the most critical considerations when selecting a banking system. Given the sensitive nature of financial data—including personal information, transaction records, and account credentials—banks must prioritize robust cybersecurity measures to protect against breaches, fraud, and unauthorized access.
A secure banking system not only safeguards customer trust but also ensures compliance with stringent regulatory requirements such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, and local financial authority mandates.
Essential Security Features in Modern Banking Systems:
- Data Encryption: End-to-end encryption (E2EE) and SSL/TLS protocols protect data in transit and at rest, making it unreadable to unauthorized parties. <
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Requires users to verify identity using two or more methods (e.g., password + OTP or biometrics), significantly reducing the risk of account takeover.
- Fraud Detection & Monitoring: AI-powered systems analyze transaction patterns in real time to flag suspicious activities, such as unusual login attempts or large transfers.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Limits employee access to only the data necessary for their job function, minimizing internal threats.
- Regular Security Audits & Penetration Testing: Proactive assessments help identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
- Secure APIs: For integration with third-party services (e.g., fintech apps), ensuring safe data exchange without compromising system integrity.
Banks that neglect security expose themselves to reputational damage, financial losses, regulatory fines, and loss of customer confidence. Therefore, investing in a secure, future-ready banking platform is essential for long-term sustainability and trust.
Tutorial banking documentation refers to user-focused educational materials designed to help customers and staff understand and effectively use a bank’s digital and operational systems. Unlike technical or legal documentation, tutorial guides are written in plain language and often include step-by-step instructions, screenshots, diagrams, and interactive elements to enhance learning.
These resources play a vital role in improving user experience, reducing support queries, and increasing adoption of digital banking tools.
Types of Tutorial Banking Documentation:
- User Manuals: Comprehensive guides covering all features of online banking portals or mobile apps.
- Quick Reference Guides (QRGs): One-page summaries showing how to perform common tasks like transferring money or paying bills.
- Video Tutorials: Short clips demonstrating processes such as setting up MFA or applying for a loan online.
- Interactive Walkthroughs: In-app tutorials that guide users through new features upon first login.
- FAQ Sections & Knowledge Bases: Searchable repositories of common questions and troubleshooting tips.
- Training Modules for Employees: Internal tutorials to onboard staff on new systems or compliance procedures.
Well-designed tutorial documentation empowers users, reduces errors, and enhances customer satisfaction. As banks continue to digitize services, clear and accessible tutorials become increasingly important for serving diverse user groups, including those less familiar with technology.








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