Many organisations are striving to end the proliferation of User Developed Applications (UDAs), sometimes referred to as End User Computing (EUC).  These UDAs usually take the form of Excel spreadsheets and Access databases, which function independently and are often stored on local drives.  The very nature of these applications mean they are less accessible or visible and may not have been robustly tested.

Hazell Carr has been supporting a large outsourcer since 2008 with a significant project to review, consolidate and sign-off a series of UDAs.  A significant number of UDAs (several thousand) had been developed over the course of many years.  It was not until the outsourcer attempted to migrate data onto a single platform that the scale of the issue became clear.  

The CaST solution was used to reduce and consolidate the number of UDAs used by the operation.  This exercise involved both review work, as well as developing new systems to integrate related UDAs.  All activity required a high level of calculation expertise and analytical ability, as well as strong spreadsheet and programming skills.

Hazell Carr is now working with the outsourcer to ensure that the requirements of Solvency II are being met.  Solvency II necessitates a level of visibility and accessibility that is incompatible with a large number of disparate UDAs.  The rationalisation process will help ensure the operation is in a strong position going forwards, in terms of both operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.