Joe Piper, Inc.

Overview

Joe Piper, Inc. required a secure, modern ACH payment capability while continuing to operate on a long-established Progress OpenEdge accounting system. Rather than replacing or heavily modifying core accounting logic, the goal was to extend the existing system safely, preserving stability while introducing electronic payments that meet current banking standards.

Our team designed and implemented a complete ACH workflow that integrates directly into Joe Piper's existing Accounts Payable processes.

The Challenge

Joe Piper's accounting platform is built on legacy Progress OpenEdge (ABL) code that has been refined over decades. The system was stable and trusted, but it was originally designed around paper checks and manual payment workflows.

Key challenges included:

• Adding ACH payment support without disrupting existing accounting behavior
• Ensuring vendor banking data was handled securely and consistently
• Generating bank-ready ACH files that comply with NACHA standards
• Preserving existing vendor, approval, and posting workflows
• Avoiding downtime or retraining during deployment

This required a solution that respected the structure and constraints of a mature OpenEdge system.

The Solution

We implemented a secure ACH processing layer that integrates directly into Joe Piper's existing Accounts Payable and vendor maintenance modules.

Vendor ACH Enablement

Vendor records were extended to support ACH-specific fields, including routing number, account number, and account type. Validation logic ensures that only vendors with complete and approved ACH data are eligible for electronic payments.

ACH-enabled vendors are clearly distinguished from check-only vendors, reducing the risk of incorrect payment methods.

Controlled ACH Batch Processing

ACH payments are generated through a dedicated batch process aligned with Joe Piper's existing payment cycles. Each batch is isolated, traceable, and repeatable, providing strong operational control and auditability.

Safeguards are built in to prevent duplicate files, partial runs, or out-of-sequence processing.

NACHA-Compliant File Generation

ACH files are generated programmatically in strict adherence to NACHA formatting requirements. This includes proper construction of file headers, batch headers, entry detail records, and control totals.

Output validation ensures correct record lengths, sequencing, and totals before files are released for delivery to the bank.

Seamless Legacy Integration

The ACH process runs alongside existing check printing and Accounts Payable logic without altering established workflows. Accounting staff continue to use familiar screens and processes, with ACH functioning as an additional payment option rather than a replacement.

Security and Risk Management

Security was a core design requirement throughout the project.

• Vendor banking data is handled only within controlled OpenEdge procedures
• Clear separation exists between vendor maintenance, payment selection, and file generation
• ACH files are generated only through authorized batch processes
• The design supports secure downstream delivery methods such as SFTP or bank portals

This approach minimizes exposure of sensitive data while aligning with modern banking expectations.

Solution Benefits

The Joe Piper ACH implementation delivered practical, measurable benefits:

• Modern ACH payments without system replacement — Joe Piper added electronic payments while retaining a proven accounting platform.
• Reduced manual processing — Less reliance on printed checks and manual handling, with no disruption to approval workflows.
• Improved accuracy and control — Vendor-level validation prevents incomplete or misconfigured ACH transactions.
• Audit-ready payment operations — Batch processing provides clear traceability and repeatability for financial review.
• A foundation for future enhancements — The architecture supports future additions such as automated remittances and secure file transfer without rework.

Results

The ACH system was deployed without downtime and without requiring staff retraining. Joe Piper gained a secure, bank-ready electronic payment capability while maintaining the reliability of their existing accounting environment.

The project demonstrates that legacy financial systems can be modernized incrementally, safely, and effectively when approached with the right technical and operational understanding.