5.4. Contract

Clusters are grouped functions with the same characteristics and use. The cluster contract contains everything for the contract administration or policy administration. An overview of the clusters can be found in the Overview of the API-framework.

The clusters are concentrated around AFD structures. The cluster contract is linked to multiple AFD structures, more specifically the masterAgreementStructure, policyStructure, pensionStructure and loanStructure. Thus, a cluster already indicates to a certain extent which data will be communicated. To indicate which data is communicated and to what purpose, an operation and a variant must be selected.

Example: a combination of the cluster contract, operation new and variant offer means that a party (e.g. an insurance company, a bank or a pension fund) offers a new contract to another party (e.g. a consumer). Depending on the AFD structure it is linked to, the contract can be a policy, a loan, pension or a master agreement.

The following basic principles apply during the lifecycle of a contract: a new contract is created, mid-term changes are made at customer request, renewal takes place at steady intervals, and at some point, the contract is terminated. Each step signifies the processing of contract data. For operational and strategic purposes, reading access to contract data is also required.

There are different variations of a contract, each with their own characteristics and rules. These are outlined in the operation sections, followed by the basic functions and their respective variants.