Don’t Lose Sight: Protecting Reporting During Core Conversion

As Fiserv places XP2 into maintenance mode, credit unions are facing a critical decision. While this isn’t an immediate sunset, the platform’s future is limited – and many institutions are already feeling the pressure to modernize.

For credit unions with around $1 billion in assets, the decision isn’t just about replacing a system, it’s about choosing a platform that will support digital transformation, member experience and operational continuity.

The Temptation of Staying in the Fiserv Ecosystem

When selecting a new core, credit unions currently on XP2 may be drawn to another Fiserv offering. Fiserv’s integrated ecosystem presents a familiar and seemingly seamless path: DNA as the core, Prologue for general ledger, CCM for credit cards and a suite of tightly integrated tools. On paper, DNA promises:

• Real-time processing.
• Advanced analytics.
• Scalable architecture.

But the journey to DNA isn’t always smooth. What looks like a rose garden from afar can quickly reveal thorns: unexpected complexities, integration challenges and a steep learning curve that can catch even seasoned teams off guard.

Why DNA Data Mapping Is Especially Complex

Fiserv DNA uses a highly normalized relational database, which means data is split into many interrelated tables to reduce redundancy and improve integrity. While this structure is excellent for analytics and scalability, it introduces significant complexity during conversion.

What “Highly Normalized” Means:

• Instead of storing all member data in one table, DNA separates it into multiple linked tables (e.g., member info, addresses, accounts, transactions).
• These tables are connected using keys, and every field must be precisely mapped from the legacy system.

Why It’s Challenging:

Legacy systems like XP2 often use flat-file or loosely structured formats, making the transformation to DNA’s schema a field-by-field exercise.

The volume of configuration options in DNA can overwhelm teams, making it difficult to align data structures with operational workflows.

Without deep technical expertise and rigorous testing, credit unions risk losing visibility into key metrics or misreporting critical data.

Reporting Disruption During Conversion

One of the most critical risks during any core conversion is the loss or degradation of reporting capabilities. Credit unions rely on dozens – sometimes hundreds – of custom reports for:

• Regulatory compliance.
• Operational decision-making.
• Member service continuity.

When these reports are not properly migrated or rebuilt, the impact can be severe:

• Compliance gaps.
• Delayed decision-making.
• Service interruptions.

Solution: Report Retrofitting

To mitigate these risks, credit unions should invest in report retrofitting. Report retrofitting refers to the process of modifying or adapting existing reports from legacy systems to work correctly in a new system after a core conversion.

What Happens During Report Retrofitting:

1.     Assessment of Existing Reports:

• Identify which reports are critical and still needed.
• Determine how current reports are built (e.g. Crystal Reports, SQl, Excel).

2.     Gap Analysis:

• Compare data structures between the old and new core system.
• Identify missing fields, changed formats or altered logic.

3.     Rebuilding or Rewriting:

• Recreate the report using tools compatible with the new system (e.g., Snowflake, Power BI, SSRS).
• Adjust logic to reflect new data relationships or business rules.

4.      Validation & Testing:

• Ensure the retrofitted report matches the original in terms of output and accuracy.
• Validate with stakeholders to confirm it meets operational needs.

5.     Optimization:

• Improve performance or usability if possible (e.g., faster queries, better formatting).
• Modernize technology stack (including tools like Copilot for natural language queries to generate reports and views).

Key Benefits:

• Seamless migration of critical reports between core systems.
• Expertise in modern reporting methodologies and credit union data structures.
• Enhanced analytics and operational reporting post-conversion.

Whether transitioning to DNA, KeyStone, Symitar or Nymbus, report retrofitting ensures that your institution doesn’t lose visibility when it needs it most.

Final Thoughts

The end of XP2 is not the end of the road – it’s an opportunity to rethink your core strategy. But success depends on more than choosing the right system; it requires protecting the tools that drive your operations, your compliance and your member experience.

Report retrofitting isn’t optional, it’s essential. With the right partners and planning, even complex conversions like DNA can be successfully managed.