Front2Bax vs IBANC pay-collect-control

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.

IBANC pay-collect-control creates and executes SEPA credit transfers and direct debits, checks payment input, and supplies payment information by account. Its offline system keeps customer relations, mandates, groups, and payment data under the user’s control. Imports include Excel, CSV, SEPA XML (PAIN), BTL91, and CAMT.053 bank statements; the maker says the software works with every European bank and with accounting and ERP software. Automatic checks help verify that transaction files are correct and accepted by the bank. Reconciliation tools track and reschedule returns and rejects. Standard costs €279, paid once and covers one bank account and up to 1,000 transactions per batch. Business costs €599, paid once and adds five accounts, larger batches, salary payments, and CAMT053 reconciliation. Ultimate costs €1,099, paid once and lists unlimited accounts and batch transactions. Server pricing is on request. A free trial is available, limited to three transactions per batch. IBANC runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.