Methods and systems for confirming the timely receipt and processing of data files

A method for verifying that data files have been timely received from an originator and processed by a processing entity, the method comprising:

• a) creating a confirmation record confirming that a data file has been processed wherein said confirmation record comprises an originator identification element, a data file sequence element, and the date the data file was processed;
• b) locating at least the two most recently created confirmation records;
• c) performing a confirmation test using said confirmation records;
• if the confirmation test fails, generating an error message to inform the processing entity that an error has occurred with receiving or processing the data files of the originator;
• and
• d) routing said error message to a error notification device accessible to an error identifier.

A system for verifying that a data file has been received and processed, the system comprising:

• a) sending a confirmation record to the processing entity verifying that a given originator's data file has been processed;
• b) performing a confirmation test to confirm that an originator's data files have been processed in the order specified by the originator, wherein said confirmation test comprises comparing the contents of at least the two confirmation records that confirm that the originator's data files were processed;
• c) generating an error message immediately following a failed confirmation test;
• d) routing said error message to an error notification device accessible to an error identifier.

A system for verifying that a data file has been timely received and processed, the system comprising:

• a) a data storage and retrieval device operative:
• i. to store confirmation records confirming that data files have been processed;
• and
• ii. to store software applications and devices used to locate, create and manipulate data files stored on the data storage and retrieval device;
• b) a confirmation device operative:
• i. to locate said confirmation records based on at least one criterion in a set of criteria;
• ii. to analyze said confirmation records to determine the sequence in which data files were processed and the date data files were processed;
• iv. based on said analysis, to determine whether an error occurred in timely receiving and processing data files;
• and
• c) an error notification device operative:
• i. to communicate an error message to an error identifier immediately after said error message is created.