Purpose: The "advanced loans" module of the relatively new library software, ABCD, is an addition to the normal loans module and it offers a "generic transaction decision-making engine" functionality. The module requires extra installation effort and parameterisation, so this article aims to explain to the many potentially interested libraries, especially from the target-group of ABCD users, why and how to use the module in comparison with the basic loans module. Design/methodology/approach: After a brief history the technical concepts of the software and the required technical skills to use them are described. Findings: The article concludes that for libraries with specific conditions (external user registration, high transactional volumes, multi-policy) the extra burden of installing the software might be worth the effort. Practical implications: The installation and configuration of the software are briefly described and the possible gains offered by the software are highlighted. Originality/value: Potential users of the ABCD software will get useful information for helping to decide whether to use the additional advanced loans module. (Contains 7 figures.)