PeopleSoft Financials 8.8 Upgrade Project - New Functionality

Introduction One of the advantages of purchasing and implementing the PeopleSoft suite of administrative applications is having access to ongoing enhancements and new technology as PeopleSoft develops new versions of their software. The version that the Health Sciences Center originally implemented was the client-server version, which presents the user with a "Windows" look and feel. The latest versions of the PeopleSoft software are completely "web-based". Users will be able to access the software through a standard Internet browser (Internet Explorer is provided on the PS Desktop). The look and feel of the software will be much like other web pages and web sites that they have used for some time now. The latest versions also incorporate new features and functionality to the core product; some of which will specifically benefit LSUHSC.

At the same time, many of the processes that users are familiar with in the current version(s) will remain the same even though the navigation changes.

What Does This Mean?

Upgrades to new versions of the software are not as simple as loading a new version of word processing software on a PC nor are they as complicated and challenging as implementing the software in the 1st place!

PeopleSoft delivers a large number of "scripts" as part of the upgrade; programs that are carefully run in a particular order that will actually "transform" our production databases into the new versions.

• The old "panels" will be transformed into the new web pages. The new web pages may combine content from more than one of the old "panels".

• If data is being transformed, the scripts will handle that as well.

• Where we have made modifications to the original software, these will have to be evaluated to see if they are still needed. If they are, they must be "re-applied".

• Reports (queries, Crystal, nVision, etc.) will all have to be re-evaluated to make sure that they are still valid. Where table names, or names of data within tables have changed as part of the upgrade process, the reports will be adjusted.

• Where new functionality is provided, it will have to be assessed. If useful to the enterprise, then the necessary set ups will have to be done to support its use.

• New end user training will be developed to support the new look, feel and functionality of the software.

• LOT'S of testing will be done!