Frequently Asked Questions

Does Connect interface with my payroll system?

The service Connect provides, is independent of the payroll the client is using. FIHRST has standard interfaces to most of the commonly used payrolls. FIHRST undertakes to get the interface done if by chance, the client has a payroll for which an interface is not yet written.

What happens if I wish to change my payroll system?

The changing of a payroll should have no impact on the Connect system other than the replacement of the payroll interface, which will be done by your FIHRST consultant.

Doesn’t my bank already offer this service?

Banks traditionally move money. The information regarding that money is NOT moved by the banks hence the reason you pay the Third Party. Connect bonds both the money and the information for delivery to the Third Party.

When does FIHRST require my data and money?

In order to ensure that the funds are cleared and the data and money balance, FIHRST requires the data 24 hours prior to pay-away and the money no later than 24 hours prior to payaway.

How safe is the company’s money once it has been transferred to FIHRST?

FIHRST is a wholly owned subsidiary of Alexander Forbes and all funds are processed through an independent trust account thereby ensuring total security and peace of mind. FIHRST furthermore has appropriate insurance cover underwritten by Lloyds of London.

What happens if FIHRST does not make my payment on time?

Once FIHRST has received the data and funds which balance, FIHRST is liable to pay the funds to the designated third party and will assume all responsibility for doing so. Any penalties or interest charged on late payment becomes the responsibility of FIHRST.

If the third party does not utilise the Connect system how will they receive the data and money.

The third party not subscribing to the Connect system will receive the data and money in the same format and often better than the employer currently provides to them. The data schedule is transmitted automatically by fax or e-mail depending on the preference of the third party.

How secure is the data when it is being transferred over the Internet?

The system first encrypts the data using a sophisticated 56-bit encryption routine and then, when transferring using the FTP protocol uses a 128-bit encryption Nanoteq encryption.

What happens if I send an incorrect amount to FIHRST that does not balance with the information that has been transmitted?

Should the difference be an insignificant amount FIHRST will make the payment and invoice the client for any shortfall or pass a credit in the event of overpayment. If the amount is significant, FIHRST will advise the client and request them to resubmit the data.

I only have 100 employees. Does it still pay to use the system?

It may but FIHRST have also developed an Internet based version of the software that is extremely price competitive.

What happens if I want to stop a payment?

Right up until the time that the data and money have been sent to FIHRST the details and payment amount may be modified.

How robust is the FIHRST System, what happens if there is a system crash?

FIHRST utilises only the state of the art technology, which encompasses all the necessary backup requirements in order to ensure continuous operation. These measures include UPS and battery backup and generator systems as well as duplicate second systems, which are being mirrored constantly by the primary system. These and all our processes are regularly audited by the Alexander Forbes internal and external auditors.

How am I charged for using the Connect system?

Connect clients are billed according to the number of employees that are processed through the system to pay third parties, garnishees or nett pay. The rates depend on the number of employees being processed and the range of services utilised.

What happen if I need support?

FIHRST has consultants based in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban and can provide support on all the FIHRST systems.