Cloud platform update will only affect vendors, First Bank clarifies

J

Joshua Fagbemi

Guest
First Bank has disregarded claims suggesting it will embark on a system upgrade. The bank pointed out that the transition to a new cloud-based platform was not for customers, but vendors.

Recall that yesterday, the bank announced plans to transition to a new cloud-based procurement and financial platform as part of plans to improve services nationwide. The announcement also added that customers might experience disruptions as a result of the upgrade. The announcement insinuated that the process may affect customers nationwide. Thus, preparing their minds for possible disruptions.

Now, in a press release on its X page, the bank authorities refuted the claims, adding that the message sent to its vendors was misinterpreted and wrongfully reported.

“The message which was incorrectly interpreted and reported was sent to, and intended for our vendors only and focused on transitioning from our current I-Supplier Platform (our automated platform that connects us to suppliers) to a new Cloud-based Supplier Platform (world-class platform for managing suppliers), to enable additional capabilities and benefits for our vendors.”

Press release by First Bank


The bank also stressed that it has no plan to embark on a system upgrade and that all its operational services will be at their full potential. “Please be informed that no system upgrade is currently underway, and all our customer applications are fully operational.

“We are not experiencing disruption to our services, and our banking systems, customer transactions, channels, etc, will not be affected by the enhanced supplier platform,
” the statement read.

Software update: First Bank’s initial story​


According to a statement released on Wednesday, it was believed that the migration is scheduled to begin on Saturday, October 26, and last until Monday, November 4.

The notice reads: “As part of the bank’s continuous investments to improve operational efficiencies and service experience, we will be transitioning from our current procurement and financial platforms to a new cloud-based platform that provides additional capabilities and benefits.

The cut-over period will be from Saturday, October 26, 2024, to Sunday, November 3, 2024, while the new cloud-based solution will be live on Monday, November 4, 2024, and normal activities will resume,” the bank stated.

The bank added that several banking activities will be suspended to aid its transition process. “During the cut-over period, certain activities and transactions will need to be suspended to aid housecleaning and safe migration of transactions with minimal disruption.”

First Bank launches Digital Experience Centre in Banana Island, to launch 5 more across Nigeria by end of 2024


It also pointed out that during this period, submission of invoices on its current Electronic Banking Suite will not be available. “Payments will only be processed if invoices are submitted for received purchase orders by Friday, October 25, 2024,” the release reads.

Knowing the plight of customers whose banks engaged in service upgrades, several reactions were opined by First Bank’s customers on X concerning the frustrating experience they were about to witness.

Read More: First bank announces 10 days shut down for cloud platform update.

Clarifications


According to the latest development, the bank has clarified that the notice is intended for vendors, not customers. The bank has now clarified the report pledging its commitment to delivering quality services.

“Rest assured that our commitment to seamless service delivery remains unwavering as you continue to enjoy uninterrupted access to our services.”

In addition to its system transitioning process, First Bank stated that its current supplier portal will no longer be available for vendors until November 4.

[IMG width="700px" alt="First Bank - Cloud based trasitioning only for vendors, not customers
"]https://technext24.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/upgrade-ram.jpg[/IMG]

In addition, the bank noted that it would provide further communication on the details of the new Supplier Portal along with a job card. This will come ahead of the system’s go-live date on Monday, November 4, 2024.

Kindly note to take proactive steps as indicated above to avoid business disruption during this critical period. Further details regarding onboarding, training, and user guides will be communicated before the end of the week,” the bank explained.

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