Project Timeline
The HR Upgrade began in Shrewsbury in September of 2007 with the Fit-Gap phase of the project and is expected to continue into the spring of 2009. The phases of the project and their expected timeframes are outlined below. As with all projects of this magnitude, time lines are subject to change.
Fit-Gap
September 2007 – January 2008
During the “Fit-Gap” process staff members from HR and other campus departments participated in a detailed review of the HR software as it is delivered, noting where the software “fits” the University’s needs and where there is a “gap” between the software and the current business process on the campuses. Decisions are made either to modify the software, a costly alternative, or to change the business process to accommodate the software.
Design
December 2007 – June 2008
Based on the decisions made during the Fit-Gap process, the core teams recommend design changes to the system.
Development
March 2008 – September 2008
Developers write new code to modify the software consistent with the design documents.
Test Planning and Execution
April 2008 – February 2009
Members of the core teams and other campus users test the software to verify that it works correctly and that the network and servers are able to process transactions with acceptable speed.
Change Management, Business Process Change and Training
February 2008 – March 2009
The Change Management team is responsible for keeping members of the campus community informed about the upgrade and for ensuring that each campus is ready to begin using the new system. The team also develops training materials for campus users. In this project we will be using a new tool, called the UMass Productivity Kit (UPK), to develop on-line training and job aids.
Technical Upgrade
September 2007 – February 2009
This phase encompasses the life of the project. In early 2009 a decision will be made whether or not to “go live” with the new system based on the successful completion of the technical aspects of the project.
Operational Readiness
April 2008 – March 2009
Based on a review of the implementation of new business processes and the success of the training program, a decision will be made on whether or not the campuses are operationally ready to begin using the new system.
Deployment
January 2009 – March 2009
Following a detailed review of the completion of the technical aspects of the project and the readiness of the campuses to begin using the new system, a decision will be made during the first quarter of 2009 to “go live” with the new version.
Stabilization and Support
March 2009 – May 2009
For a three month period after the deployment the UITS staff and the project teams will actively support the campuses to ensure that the transition to the new system is smooth.