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SPECIFICTION
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Front2Bax

elseware.org.uk

From £54.17/mo WindowsSelf-hosted
Visit elseware.org.uk
Spec score 7.8 #7 of 22 in Direct Debit Processing Software

What it is

Front2Bax is self-hosted Windows software for organisations transmitting electronic transactions to Bacs. It supports Bacs Direct Debit collections and Direct Credit payments, including employee salaries and supplier payments. The software can process AUDDIS Direct Debit Instructions and generate them automatically when needed. Input can come from ASCII accounting files, Excel or simple text files, with tailored schemas for payroll systems or Excel. Installed directly on customer systems, it keeps payment data within the customer’s IT environment according to its maker. Supported systems include Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit recommended, or equivalent Windows Server versions. Microsoft SQL Server 2014 or later is required, with SQL Server 2019 Express recommended, and broadband is needed for Bacs transmissions. Users must hold their own Service User Number. The maker states there is no limit on copies, clients, transactions or users. Email and telephone support is included throughout the year. Standard Bacs User costs £650 a year; Bacs Bureau User costs £1,200 a year, both with no transaction fees.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Front2Bax transmits electronic transactions to Bacs for organisations making payments and collecting Direct Debits.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Security
The maker describes built-in security measures and says data is processed safely and kept compliant with UK regulations.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Support
Software customers receive email and telephone support, and the product page says support is included all year with each subscription.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Headquarters
Crawley, England, United KingdomRead 28 Sep 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Founded
1995Read 28 Sep 2026 · elseware.org.uk
AUDDIS
Front2Bax can process AUDDIS Direct Debit Instructions and automatically generate them if required.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Connectivity
A broadband internet connection is required for Bacs transmissions.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Database requirement
Front2Bax requires Microsoft SQL Server 2014 or later; the page recommends SQL Server 2019 Express.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Disaster recovery
The maker says bureaux and payroll providers use Front2Bax as a disaster recovery option.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Eligibility
Users need their own Service User Number (SUN), and the maker says it works exclusively with organisations that hold one.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
File formats
It can process ASCII files from accounting systems, as well as files created in Excel or simple text files.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Installation
Front2Bax is an on-premise application installed directly onto the customer's systems, and the maker says payment data stays within the customer's IT environment.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Limits
The maker states there is no limit to software copies, clients, transactions, or users.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Maker history
elseWare says it has provided Bacs software and support since 1995.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Payment types
The software supports Bacs Direct Debit collections and Bacs Direct Credit payments, including employee salaries and supplier payments.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Payroll compatibility
The maker says tailored schema files let Front2Bax read files from any payroll system or Excel.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Windows requirements
The listed operating systems are Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit recommended, or Windows Server equivalents.Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk

Plans and prices

Standard Bacs User £650 a year Per year Full software access for standard organisation with own SUN · technical support included · no transaction fees Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk
Bacs Bureau User £1,200 a year Per year For organisations processing transactions on behalf of multiple customers · technical support included · no transaction fees Read 7 Oct 2026 · elseware.org.uk

Every Front2Bax plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Handles Direct Debit and Direct Credit transactions
  • Processes AUDDIS instructions
  • Accepts accounting, Excel and text files
  • Payment data remains in the customer IT environment
  • No stated limits on users or transactions

Limits

  • Windows and SQL Server are required
  • Broadband connection required for transmissions
  • Users must have their own Service User Number
  • On-premise installation is required

Who it suits

It suits organisations with their own Service User Number, including payroll providers, bureaux and businesses making Bacs payments or collections.

Verdict

Front2Bax is a focused Bacs transmission application for organisations that need local installation and broad file compatibility. Its pricing includes support and no transaction fees, but deployment requires Windows, SQL Server, broadband and an eligible SUN.

Where Specifiction places it

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