Sept. Newsletter: Strategic Sourcing tool added to GA@WORK

The NextGen Project aims to modernize the state’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system by replacing PeopleSoft Financials and Human Capital Management with GA@WORK, a new cloud-based solution that will propel Georgia government into the forefront of technology and change the way we do business. Click here to learn more.

What's New

Strategic Sourcing tool added to GA@WORK procurement functionality

The Project Team is excited to share updates about the addition of selected JAGGAER functionality to GA@WORK to enhance procurement activities! The team is building upon this existing investment to support key procurement functions and provide a robust integration framework that is flexible, configurable and adaptable. JAGGAER will allow for more accelerated, data-driven decisions and enable us to continuously innovate and stay ahead of market trends. Integrating JAGGAER with existing GA@WORK functionalities will streamline procurement processes and enhance data accuracy. The integration provides procurement processes including sourcing, contracts, supplier management and online shopping for statewide contracts. This integration will provide a seamless user-experience between the two systems, leading to expanded operational performance and procurement management.  

What's Next

FMC Conference & FIN / PRO Agency Preview Sessions

In October, the NextGen Project Team will be at the Fiscal Management Council (FMC) Conference to give attendees a sneak peek at some common finance and procurement processes in the GA@WORK system. The conference will take place October 27-30 at the Jekyll Island Conference Center. The same information shared at the FMC Conference will also be shared at the FIN/PRO Agency Preview Sessions, so those who attend the conference will not need to attend preview sessions. The FIN/PRO Agency Preview Sessions will kick off in November.  

Following FMC, the Project Team will host the FIN/PRO Agency Preview Sessions at various locations across Georgia, starting November 12. The Project Team has designed a full agenda for each location starting with a general session in the morning. During this session, attendees will hear from leadership and get an introduction to the system, learn about the Foundation Data Model (an element of the GA@WORK system that will replace the TeamWorks chart of accounts) and hear Procurement updates centered on Contracts, Sourcing and Suppliers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into topics of their choosing during breakout sessions. These topics include Budget/Adaptive Planning, Accounts Payable, Requisitions/Purchase Orders, Grants/Projects, Financial Core and P-card (select locations). See the full schedule below.
 

• FMC | Jekyll Island Convention Center: October 27-30   

• Twin Towers | West Tower | Atlanta: November 12-13, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.  

• Lanier Technical College: November 15, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

• Middle Georgia State College: November 19-20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  

Registration details coming soon.  

GA@WORK Training

The NextGen Training Team is working on a comprehensive training curriculum that will guide the identification and development of various training materials. These materials will be used to ensure users are fully prepared and trained by go-live in April 2025! The team is focusing on three key training principles: 

1. Creating the right training: Developing trainings to accommodate various learning styles through a blended training approach 
2. Training at the right time: Developing training schedules that will have the greatest impact and are conducted at the most relevant times 
3. Training the right people: Ensuring stakeholders receive the training that most impacts their job through customization and role-based methodologies 

Training is one of the most important parts of the NextGen Project, and the team is working to make certain that users are well-equipped to navigate through the GA@WORK system with confidence.  

Training dates will be shared in upcoming issues, so keep an eye out.   


Testing

Preparations are in full swing to ready agencies for the start of Testing. The first round will begin with HCM Systems Integration Testing (SIT) in October. This will involve selected individuals going into the system and verifying that processes, integrations and reports are operating as intended. SIT will occur in two cycles. The first cycle is scheduled to begin in October with approximately 10 agencies, and the second cycle will start in November to include all agencies.  

Following SIT will be User Acceptance Testing (UAT) starting the first week in January. UAT will afford end users the ability to test the GA@WORK system using real scenarios to assess its functionality and usability.   

You Oughta Know

Baseline Change Readiness Assessment

In August, the NextGen Project Team sent out its first Change Readiness Assessment. The goal of this assessment was to gather feedback from HCM users to establish a baseline evaluation of state agencies’ readiness for the change to GA@WORK.  

The Baseline Change Readiness Assessment closed on Friday, September 6, and in total, the assessment received 396 responses which equated to a 44.2 percent response rate. The results from the assessment will be analyzed and used to inform project communications and change activities as the project progresses. There will be two future HCM Change Readiness Assessments before the April Go-Live. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the assessment! 


Building a Buzz

NextGen Subject Matter Expert Penni Haberly, from the Technical College System of Georgia, shares her thoughts about transitioning to GA@WORK. Hear what she has to say here. ​ 

Related to: 

• NextGen