Processing a debit?

Our membership was due for renewal on1st November and we had a letter in early October reminding us about the renewal.

We went Online and paid the membership in early October but it took the CC three weeks to process the debit!  Whycan't the CC do the debit within 2 -3 days instead of waiting 3 weeks to process the payment. 

Is this another IT faulure or just poor management?  Next year we will wait until we are chased for payment before making a payment.  We try and avoid unnecessary DDs especially if it is only once a year.