COBRA
COBRA
The Computer Optimized Batch Reconciliation Application (COBRA) has been in use since February 1994. COBRA is a mature application that continues to develop as a result of an ongoing refinement process. COBRA demonstrates TCG’s ability to adapt and build any applications to connect to any mainframe.
COBRA is hosted at DECC Mechanicsburg and requires DoD issued CAC / PKI for authentication.
Modules
MOCAS Reconciliation by Exception (MORE)
- Retrieves and compares information from MOCAS and accounting systems.
- User friendly interface uses color coding to allow focusing on problem ACRNs and identification of detail transactions contributing to the problems.
Smart Tri-Annual Review Tool (STAT)
- Email enabled tool to support FMR required tri-annual reviews.
- Refreshed daily with accounting data.
Contract Closeout Tool (CLOUT)
- A centralized “portal” for all information regarding Contract Closeout efforts.
- Coordinate, facilitate, expedite, and track progress of closeout process.
Budget Object Class System (BOCS)
- System to support management of allocation of budget cuts and creation of budget exhibits (e.g. OP-5).
Web-based Interactive STARS History (WISH)
- Instant access to all STARS-HCM transactions from 1984 onward.
Defense Cash Accountability System (DCAS)
- Instant access to all DCAS data including daily transactions and pre-1990 FMS transactions.
Features
Automated Document Gathering
By controlling STARS and MOCAS sessions, COBRA can quickly and easily retrieve everything needed to perform reconciliations. A simple menu interface gets both MOCAS and STARS histories in an instant.
Interactive Tool for Analysts
COBRA is an interactive tool for analysts to research and find problems by extracting single vouchers from the histories and grouping them together, reducing their research time. After the data has been retrieved kiwi gambling, the application allows on screen interaction with the files.
Easy to Use Menu Interface
MOCAS, VIEW-EC and STARS are mainframe-based applications. They have difficult user interfaces with complicated and time-consuming navigations. COBRA shelters the user from the difficult Mainframe Interface, and greatly reduces training time and access.
Exception Identification and Analysis
Not only does COBRA identify exceptions, it uses artificial intelligence to analyze those exceptions, eliminating human errors. COBRA is an expert system programmed to simulate an analyst’s action when reconciling a contract. Each exception, checked for a variety of types of common errors, is identified and categorized.
COBRA can be tailored to the mainframe it is connected to. For example, the application produces a report that shows exceptions between STARS and MOCAS. Specifically, it:
- Uses the same familiar formats of STARS 777 and MOCAS history reports
- Highlights records that matches between both systems
- Integrates outputs of all reports and summarizes them in one place
- Includes columns identifying exception items with numerical codes
COBRA reconciles entire contracts but allows individual ACRNS or SPIINS to be extracted and printed, saving paper and time.
Easily Extensible Modular Program
Additional expert system modules or add-ons can be easily incorporated to perform further data analysis. COBRA is an application that is constantly built upon, improved, and tailored to the customers’ needs.
CERPS/DCAS Data from October 1990 to Present Available
The Consolidated Expenditure and Reimbursement Processing System (CERPS) was the official reporting tool of the Department of Navy used to record Navy expenditures reported to Treasury, from October 1990 to March 2003. CERPS was replaced in April 2003 by the Defense Cash Accountability System (DCAS).
Thanks to its easy-to-use interface, COBRA accesses CERPS/DCAS data stored in its extensive database. Users can then create a customized query, display its results, and export them to excel.
