The Strategic Enterprise Planning Solution (STEPS) at the University of Alabama
This post contains a review of the the Strategic Enterprise Planning Solution (STEPS) site which documents an Oracle ERP implementation undertaken at the University of Alabama.
I was rather pleased to stumble across the Strategic Planning and Enterprise Solutions (STEPS) site at the University of Alabama (UAB) the other day. It has loads of documentation and information pertaining to an implementation they are undergoing in the areas of Oracle Financials and Human Resource Management System (HRMS).
According to their site: -
UAB’s vision for a new administrative computing system at UAB has reached a major milestone with the implementation of Oracle Human Resources (HR) applications on January 20, 2004. The Finance implementation has been delayed to October 2004. By exploring these pages, you will gain knowledge about the STEPS Project and the new Oracle system.
Oracle HR
According to this section of the site: -
A suite of Oracle HR modules are being implemented for the management of all UAB personnel. The advantage of the new system is the creation of an integrated information environment, and improvement in the quality of human resources data, thereby providing better HR services to individuals.
Data currently viewed in the Human Resource System (HURS) will be found using the ACT form (screen) in Oracle. Several paper processes will be replaced with new electronic processes, such as new hire appointments, salary reclassifications, and effort reporting.
Specific features of the new system include a web-based self-service environment for all employees and an electronic administrative processing environment for staff to conduct day-to-day business. Also, seven-digit employee numbers will replace social security numbers as a means of identifying UAB employees.
HR modules to be implemented as part of the STEPS project are:
- Core Human Resources Management
- Advanced Benefits
- Payroll and Time and Labor
- Labor Distribution and Effort Reporting
This area of the site also discusses self service and you can download a copy of the new HR Organizational Hierarchy codes.
Oracle Finance
According to this section of the site: -
UAB is preparing to replace its existing financial accounting system (EFS) with the Oracle Financials suite of applications to create an integrated information environment that is web based and flexible to handle future growth. With the implementation of the Oracle system, UAB will have a new Oracle General Ledger accounting structure and a new Oracle Grants accounting structure.
Data currently viewed in FAS will be found in Oracle and transactions currently processed using EFS will be processed using Oracle. What are currently called “account numbers” in FAS will be referred to as “account strings” in Oracle and the format of these account strings differs from the current account numbers. Prior to implementation, a “cross-walk table” will be provided matching FAS account numbers to Oracle account strings where possible. Also, the object codes will change from a four-digit to a seven-digit number. The new Oracle object codes can be viewed from this site.
Finance modules to implemented as part of the STEPS project are:
- General Ledger
- Purchasing
- Accounts Payable
- Grants/Plant Accounting
- Accounts Receivable (for Sponsored Projects only)
This section of the site has a variety of documents and presentations you can download that relate to the new Oracle General Ledger accounting structure and Oracle Grants accounting structure. Briefly stated, the new chart of accounts will contain six segments as follows: -
- Account - Identifies primary activity for which money is being spent (7 digits)
- SubAccount - An account can be broken down to track one or more activities, tasks, time periods, or allocations (3 digits)
- Balancing - Indicates the level at which UAB chooses to carry a balance sheet, whether for internal or external purposes (9 digits)
- Organization - Identifies the organizational unit with which has primary fiscal responsibility for the Account String (9 digits)
- Future - Reserved to meet future requirements (4 digits)
- Object Code - Categorizes the nature of the dollars as a specific type of revenue, expense, asset, etc. (7 digits)
The new Grants Accounting segment structure is as follows: -
- Project – The work performed (6 digits)
- Task – Further breakdown of work performed under project (5 digits)
- Award – Funding source (7 digits)
- Organization – Type of string, and University vs Hospital (2 digits)
- Expenditure Type – Similar to GL Object Code (7 numeric digits plus description - 30 maximum segment length)
Oracle Training
Under this section of the site you will find course descriptions, online course manuals and online simulation courses (training videos). Online course manuals are available for the following modules: -
- Finance
- Navigation
- ACT (Appoint, Change and Terminate)
- TEL(Time, Entry and Labour)
- Self Service
The online simulations are quite good for those who are just starting to earn Oracle Applications. The following simulations are available: -
- Oracle Navigation
- Human Resources
- Appoint, Change, Terminate (ACT)
- Workflow Approvals
- View HR Data
- TEL (Time, Entry and Labour)
- Self Service
End User Readiness
Here you will find the specifications for a Desktop PC which needs to run Oracle Applications. There is also a Go-Live Checklist which is designed to ensure that users are prepared for utilising Oracle Applications.
Oracle Access
Here you will find a listing of End User responsibilities for Oracle HRMS at the University. For each responsibility a summary of access areas is documented. If a user does not have access to the system the appropriate forms are made available to apply for access.
Oracle Workflow
Here you will find a workflow presentation given at a STEPS workflow officer meeting.
Lastly, you should also consider visiting the Universities IT department.
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