The full spectrum of data
Data for FEC disclosure was provided to us from a variety of sources.
Using their unique technology, ActBlue was able to collect contributions from donors where the donor could support any
number of candidates and organizations with a single credit card charge. The breakout of these details was stored in a database. ActBlue's other
FEC related activity was accounted for in QuickBooks.
ActBlue provided contribution data, including the FEC required information, in text format, but also their own accounting information
as a QuickBooks file. Eventually, as their accounting data became more complex with both federal and non-federal activity, we implemented
a new solution for that data using an Excel workbook.
A custom reporting application
Synetech developed a unique application using a proprietary csv reader, the QuickBooks SDK, and Excel automation.
To pull in the text file contribution data, we used our custom csv reader to stage the data. The program then looked up all
the candidate and committee information based on either a committee ID or the name if no ID was provided, and then
pulled it into the report. The process then matched the donor against the database, appended the aggregate information, and sanitized the
name and address through a CASS address validator. We then had to produce both the Schedule A, showing the destination
organization as Earmark To memo text, and then the Schedule B contributions out lines, showing the source contributor as the memo.
Using the QuickBooks SDK, we wrote a routine to map their QuickBooks accounts to FEC line items. We then imported the data
directly from their QuickBooks company file and read it into our FEC reporting engine. Several manipulations happened along the way,
including formatting, name matching, and aggregate calculations.
After moving away from QuickBooks to Excel for the non-contribution data, Synetech created a routine that would directly read
each Excel sheet in their data, place the records on the appropriate line of the FEC report, and do the same name
matching, sanitization, and other calculations the original QuickBooks import provided. Additionally, the system accurately
split their shared activity and categorized it on their FEC report.
A successful solution evolved over four years
Changing needs dictated a changing solution. Synetech was able to adapt the software and processes over time to suit the unique
demands of the situation, without ActBlue ever missing a monthly report.