Publications /  Annual Report 1999

cipfisThe CIP Financial Information System (CIPFIS) is a project-based integrated budgeting, accounting, costing, and cash-management system. The system was introduced in 1993. Since then, it has been upgraded and updated from a Clipper-Microsoft Visual FoxPro 5 version to a new version released in December 1999. It comprises an SQL-Server database and three different front-ends: an online integrated application, an offline posting system and a Web-based reporting and monitoring tool implemented with Active Server Pages (ASPs).

The application, installed at CIP headquarters in Lima, offers a full range of data-editing and reporting facilities corresponding to various levels of user-access. The offline posting system was developed for decentralized input from remote sites to the central CIPFIS database.

The payroll is linked electronically with CIPFIS, thus eliminating the need for manual entries. Inventory items are entered into the Logistics system, and values of receipts are entered from suppliers’ invoices. The Logistics and CIPFIS databases are fully integrated.

One feature of CIPFIS data entry is the ability to scan original documentation supporting an entry and to link it to the entry within the system. This enhances the drill-down capability of the system, as the user can see a copy of the original documentation. The user is then able to verify information in considerable detail. This auditing function improves the overall accuracy of information and enables errors to be spotted more easily.

The overall result is a powerful reporting tool that has proved to be effective for decision-making and funding allocation as well as budget monitoring. The new CIPFIS system facilitates the analysis of data considerably and provides an up-to-the-minute but conservative view of the Center’s cash situation.