Problem

The time it takes for the Preferences extract to be sent to the print company and for them to then return a file of those to be notified means there is a window of time where a citizen can opt out of eBilling etc. after the preference file has been sent.

In this circumstance, it means they will not get any notification as by the time the file import checks their preference it will think they're not opted in and because the print company think they are an eBiller, based upon the preference extract when they got it, a paper bill is not issued either.

Solution

Add a new setting that is customisable by silo that enables a time period to be set that the eNotifications process checks. E.g. if preference has changed within the past x hours use the value that was held previously.

What this will mean is that if an eBiller opts out between the preference file being sent and the import coming back, it will still send them the eBill.

This removes the issue for end of year too where the period can be many days not just hours.

I.e. they set the setting to 72 if it will be 3 days between preference file and import to do the eBilling process.