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Online School Payments (OSP) Quick Start Guide

Updated over 3 months ago

Overview

Online School Payments (OSP) is the primary software and online store system for processing K-12 school receipts, including school activity funds. This system enables parents to purchase items online while providing schools with comprehensive management tools.

Important Note: Before using OSP, bookkeepers must understand their school district's procedures for School Activity Fund (SAF) deposits.

System Components

OSP Store

  • Purpose: Online storefront where parents purchase items

  • Access: Parents can find the store at osmsinc.com/login

  • Resources: Parent tutorial video available at tinyurl.com/OSPPurchase

OSMS Management Portal

  • Purpose: Administrative interface where school staff perform all management tasks

  • Access: osmsinc.com/login or through your specific site

  • Users: School administrators, bookkeepers, and authorized staff

Mobile Applications

  • OSP App: Optional mobile app for parent purchases

    • Learn more: osmsinc.com/osp

  • OMS App: Optional mobile app for on-campus sales

    • Learn more: osmsinc.com/oms

Getting Started Workflow

Step 1: Create Products

Set up items for sale using the product creation system in the Management Portal.

Step 2: Inform Parents

  • Direct parents to osmsinc.com/login to access the store

  • Share the parent tutorial video: tinyurl.com/OSPPurchase

Step 3: Monitor Sales

Run sales reports as needed to track activity.

Step 4: Process Deposits

Run deposit statements after ACH transactions.

Step 5: Record Transactions

Receipt deposits in your School Activity Fund (SAF) system as required.

Login Instructions

For Management Portal Access:

  1. Navigate to your school's site or go to osmsinc.com/login

  2. Enter your username and password

    • If forgotten: Go to Management Portal → Home → Forgot Username and/or Password

    • Alternative: Check your email for login credentials

  3. Select your school from the available options

Product Setup

Navigation Path

Transactions → OSP Products → Edit/Add New → Required Fields tab

Required Fields

  • Name: Product name/title

  • Short Description: Additional product information

  • Sponsor/Teacher Info: Email address, first name, and last name

  • Dates Available for Sale: When the product can be purchased

  • Price Type Info: Choose Fixed or Variable pricing with amount

  • Fund Account Info: Account number and description

  • Grade Level: Specify grade number, N/A, or All grades

Fund Accounts

  • Can be pre-loaded in the system

  • Can be created during product setup

  • To verify details: Setup → Fund Account Setup

Optional Features

Additional Options

  • No Student ID Required: Skip student data collection during checkout

  • Taxable: Enable for states with sales tax (e.g., Maryland)

  • Limited Quantity Item: Prevent overselling and show out-of-stock status

    • Update quantities via: Transactions → Inventory Quantity Adjustments

Product Images

  • Format: JPEG files only

  • Location: Product Image → Choose File

  • Display: Appears in both store and mobile app

Financial Management

Deposits

  • Method: Automatic ACH (Automated Clearing House) processing

  • Schedule: Typically 1st and 16th of each month

    • Exceptions: Federal holidays and weekends may delay deposits

  • Consolidated Transactions: OTR and OMS credit card transactions are combined into single deposits

  • SAF Recording: Must be receipted in your SAF system (EPES, SFO, etc.)

Transaction Reversals

Refunds

  • Access: Management Portal → Transactions → Refunds

  • Options: Full refund, partial refund, or $0.00 (indicates check refund)

  • Line Item Control: Can refund individual items within an order

  • Documentation: Add refund reasons and comments for record-keeping

  • Processing Time: Banks typically process refunds within 24-48 hours

  • Timing Restriction: Refunds can only be issued starting the day after the original transaction (after 12:00 AM EDT)

Voids

  • Availability: Not currently available for credit card transactions

  • Alternative: Use refund process instead

Reporting System

Quick Reports (Real-time):

Access: Reports → Sponsor/Teacher Activities OR Activity Date Range Use Case: Up-to-the-minute simple reporting

Detailed Reports (Updated every 12 hours at 3 AM and 3 PM EDT):

Access: Reports → Additional Reports

Available Report Categories:

Transaction Reports:

  • Sales by date range

  • Sales by fund account

  • Sales by product

  • Sales by student

Inventory and Ticket Reports:

  • Sales with quantity tracking

  • Barcode-related sales data

Export Friendly Reports:

  • Raw data for use in external systems (Excel, etc.)

Data Warehouse (DW) Reports:

  • Pre-loaded data reports

  • Faster processing than non-DW equivalents

Obligation Reports:

  • Outstanding versus paid invoices

  • Printable copies for parents

Statement and Deposits:

  • Detailed deposit information

  • OSP Transactions Pending Next Statement

  • OTR options included

Reversing Transaction Reports:

  • Refunded orders tracking

  • OTR options including void deposits

User and Usage Reports:

  • School access permissions

  • Activity summaries

Training and Support

Documentation

  • Full Instructions: tinyurl.com/ospdocuments

  • Includes: Training PowerPoint presentations and comprehensive guides

Key Websites and Resources

  • Main Login: osmsinc.com/login

  • OSP Information: osmsinc.com/osp

  • OMS Information: osmsinc.com/oms

  • Parent Purchase Guide: tinyurl.com/OSPPurchase

  • Training Catalog: tinyurl.com/osmstrainingcatalog

  • Documentation: tinyurl.com/ospdocuments

Important Notes

  • OSP serves as the main software for K-12 receipt processing

  • All school activity fund procedures must be followed according to district policies

  • Deposits are processed automatically via ACH

  • Mobile apps are optional but enhance user experience

  • Regular training is recommended for optimal system usage

  • Support team should be contacted for technical assistance

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