INTRODUCTION

 

SYSTEM OVERVIEW

 

STARS is an integrated accounting information system designed to fulfill the accounting and financial information requirements to the State of South Carolina. The system comprises three major subsystems as follows:

The table maintenance and the input, edit, and file update subsystems are run as a single job stream, or as a cataloged procedure. Reports are run automatically or as individual jobs on a request basis.

The Table Maintenance Subsystem performs all maintenance functions against the system tables. The following four tables are used by the system to provide descriptive and control information.

  • Descriptor Table
Contains descriptive information for all system codes, error messages, and error correction control information.
  • Transaction Code Decision Table
Defines the transaction dependent information, such as edits required, account, and file posting rules.
  • Mini Code Table
Contains the classification detail that is associated with a mini code. The mini code contains a combination of program and organization codes, and enables coding reduction by allowing an explosion of data which updates files simultaneously.
  • Vendor Edit Table
Validates/provides data regarding vendors.

The system tables are independently maintained from the other subsystems. The use of system tables permits easy modifications to the definition of the accounting system and the coding structure without programming changes. The consolidation of the control information in the table maintenance subsystem provides the STARS table maintenance accountant with direct control over the key accounting and reporting functions through the maintenance of the tables.  

The edit/update subsystem is the largest of the STARS subsystems. The subsystem processes all three types (see below) of STARS transactions:

The first program (100) expands a raw transaction record into a 600 position STARS internal transaction record. A line number is created for each transaction and batch header information is inserted to give each record a unique identification throughout the system. Following programs (200, 300) handle acceptance of the data and error correction routines.

The update cycle is executed by a series of programs (600's and 700's) on records that have passed the edits of the previous programs. Additional records are generated from valid transactions and posted to the appropriate files (History File, General Ledger File, Operating File, Subsidiary File, Capital Project File, Vendor Financial File).

The invalid transactions are maintained and controlled on the Error File by program 800. This program creates a new error file based on all transactions found to be in error during the various edit processes, as well as those previously on the Error File which have not been corrected.

In addition, STARS has several programs that are supportive of the three subsystems. These programs perform an end-of-period roll-over, on-line maintenance, and checkwriter interface functions. The roll-over programs modify the financial files and the system management file to facilitate the changing of accounting periods. The checkwriting interface programs format and generate warrant records for input to the Treasurer's check writing system.

CICS programs provide for on-line table maintenance, inquiring into all files, and the capability to add, delete, or change all internal transaction records.

Other interface programs provide for the acceptance of automated system input from the payroll system, the Treasurer's system and the operating agency's systems.

The report subsystem will provide the financial reporting for STARS. This subsystem will consist of various dependent and interdependent report programs.

 

INTRODUCTION topics:

Background Classification Structure General Input Documents Reports System Input System Overview