The Integrated Correspondence System
Using the ICS
Information Framework Template
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Table of Contents:... 2
I. Introduction ... 3
II. Using the ICS – General Instructions... 4
III. Submitting Data ... 7
Using the Integrated Correspondence System (ICS)
I. INTRODUCTIONThe ICS is an electronic data reporting system that provides a method of submitting data to the IMF Statistics Department and Monetary and Financial Systems Department over the Internet from a secure IMF web site. The ICS relies on standard formats for data collection, thereby enabling automated processing of submitted data. Two data formats are currently supported: Excel-based report forms and, to a limited extent, the EDIFACT-based message format called GESMES/TS.
The Monetary and Financial Systems Department is using the ICS as the mechanism for submitting the Information Framework template. The Information Framework template is available only in Excel format. This "document" refers to the use of Excel-based report forms.
ICS correspondents can download report forms (or templates), edit the data using Excel, and submit a report form (template) by uploading the file to the ICS web site. In addition to data submission, check production schedules, view posted news, and contact the International Monetary Fund (via e-mail) for both general and topical questions.
II. USING THE ICS–GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Verify software and hardware requirements. To use the ICS you will need the following:
9 a computer with a connection to the Internet
9 a web browser, such as MS IE v4.0 (or higher), Netscape v4.0 (or higher), or compatible
9 MS Excel97 or higher 9 an e-mail account
The IMF will provide you with the following: 9 a username and password
9 a SecurID card1
2. Set your Internet browser to accept cookies.
In order to upload files to the IMF web site, your Internet browser must be set to accept
cookies. Check the help facility in your browser for instructions on cookie settings.
Both Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape can be set to always accept cookies or prompt before accepting. If you require further assistance, please send an e-mail to [email protected]
3. Access the Integrated Correspondence System web site.
Use your Internet browser to access the ICS web site at the following URL: https://www-ics.imf.org
4. Log in to the ICS web site.
Enter your username, password, and SecurID number (or token) when prompted.
1 In order to the use the ICS you must have been granted access to the system, have an
Click the Login button to proceed to the ICS home page.
5. Use the ICS system to download or upload the Information Framework template and check data reporting schedules and news.
Note: The multi-language presentation applies to text as displayed on the web site,
and downloadable documentation only. The Information Framework template is not translated.
¾ Navigate through the ICS web site as required to download the Information
Framework template, submit the completed template, selecting from the navigation bar displayed on the left side of your screen. Specific instructions for performing each of these tasks are provided in sections III and IV below.
6. Log out (Disconnect) from the ICS.
¾ Select LOG OUT from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen) to exit the ICS web site.
7. Other tips.
¾ At any time during your session, select LOG OUT from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen) to disconnect from the site.
¾ Your ICS session will be automatically disconnected after 15 minutes of inactivity. To continue working you will need to reload the ICS by following the prompts on the screen or by reloading the URL https://www-ics.imf.org. Any selections you may have made prior to being disconnected will not be retained.
III. SUBMITTING DATA
The primary purpose of the ICS is to facilitate timely, electronic data reporting to the Fund. For the Information Framework, this is accomplished by allowing correspondents to report data using an Excel-based report form.
The basic process for submitting the Information Framework to the IMF via the ICS is as follows:
1. Download a blank Information Framework template. a. Log in to the Integrated Correspondence System.
b. Select Download Report Forms from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen).
c. Select the Information Framework Template from the Report Forms list.
d. Select “Excel (.xls)” in the Format drop down list e. Click OK to download a blank copy of the template. f. Log out of the ICS.
Note: You may open the downloaded file in Excel while still logged in to the ICS web site to verify that you have all the correct file; otherwise, log out.
2. Edit the contents of the downloaded report form on your local PC (following the instructions contained in the Information Framework template).
3. Submit (upload) the edited template(s):
a. Log in to the Integrated Correspondence System.
b. Select Upload Reports from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen). c. Select and upload the edited template.
d. Log out of the ICS.
Note: To report data revisions, data for additional years, or sector breakdowns
Detailed instructions for downloading, editing and submitting a completed Information Framework template is provided below:
1. Select the Information Framework template from the Download Report Forms list. a. Select Download Report Forms from the navigation bar (to the left of the
screen) to access the detailed list of report forms to which you have been given access.
b. Select the Information Framework template from the 2. Select Report Forms list By default, the complete list of reports to which you have been given access are displayed under the second window, 2. Select Report Form(s). However, you may also select report forms by topical group2, e.g., Monetary and Financial
Systems - Information Framework for Financial Activities.
¾ To select a report form based on topic or group, click on a group in the first window, 1. Select Group.
2 If you also use the ICS system to report data to the International Monetary Fund Statistics
¾ Once you have made a group selection, the individual report forms for that group will be displayed in the second window, 2. Select Report
Form(s).
¾ Select the specific report form(s) that you wish to download – Information Framework template.
9 To select a single report form click on it.
9 To select multiple report forms use the CTRL and SHIFT keys as follows:
• To select a continuous range of forms, press and hold down the SHIFT key and click the first and last item in the range. • To select a discontinuous set of forms, press and hold down
the CTRL key and click individual items in the list. 9 To clear all selections, click on the Reset Selections button. c. Leave the period and frequency fields blank. (These are only applicable to
Statistics Department report forms).
2. Download the selected report form(s) to your computer.
a. When you have completed your selections, click the OK button to download the Information Framework template.
¾ The Information Framework template is named as follows: cccfff.xls, where:
• ccc is a 3 digit country code (e.g., 283 for Panama) • fff is the alpha-numeric report form name (e.g., IFT, for
Information Framework template)
Thus 283IFT.xls would be the Information Framework template for Panama.
¾ You can change the name of the template when you save it or after you have edited the file. If you do change the name of the file, it is
recommended that you take note of the name as you are saving the file. 3. Log Out of the ICS.
a. Select LOG OUT from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen) to exit the ICS web site.
4. Edit the downloaded Information Framework template using Excel. a. From within Excel, open the downloaded template (.xls file).
5. Upload (submit) the edited template to the ICS web site.
Once you have completed editing the report form, return to the ICS and select Upload Reports.
a. Access the Integrated Correspondence System.
¾ Use your Internet browser to access the ICS web site at the following URL:
https://www-ics.imf.org
b. Select Upload from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen). c. Enter the name of the file and upload the edited template).
¾ Enter the name of the completed template to upload in the “Enter
filename to upload:” field. Click the Browse.. button to select the file
using Windows Explorer.
¾ If you wish to submit multiple templates to the ICS, you must submit each file individually. There is no compression facility for the upload option.
e. The name of the file you are uploading will be displayed. Click Yes to confirm and complete the upload.
¾ A message indicating that the report was successfully uploaded should display on your screen.
6. Log Out of the ICS.
IV.HELP,CONTACT US, AND NEWS
The primarily role of the ICS is to provide a mechanism for data reporters to download report forms for data submission purposes. In addition, check production schedules, view posted news, and contact the International Monetary Fund (via e-mail) for both general and topical related questions.
Each of these functions can be accessed from the navigation bar (to the left of the screen).
¾
HelpAccess on-line versions of documentation including instructions for using the ICS, instructions for editing report forms.
¾
When To ReportCheck here for reporting deadlines and a listing of all report forms.
¾
Contact UsContact the IMF Monetary and Financial Systems Department via e-mail at [email protected] for both general and topical questions.
¾
NewsCheck here for the posting of the call letters for publications and other topical news.
¾
FAQCheck here for a set of Frequently Asked Questions.
