CMS Project FAQs
CMS General FAQs
What
does distributed mean?
It is a method where authorized employees within divisions and/or
departments have access to view and/or enter information directly into CMS.
What
is being implemented from CMS?
CMS is implementing the following applications: Human Resources,
Finance, and Campus Solutions. For additional information regarding
modules being implemented, refer to the specific application.
What
happens after ‘go-live’?
Ongoing training sessions will be offered to employees who do
not receive CMS training prior to go-live and for the employees
who would like a refresher course.
What does the CMS
logo mean?
Designed by Web/Portal Team designer Larry Wong, the CMS logo
represents supporting different people from different backgrounds
coming together.
What is CMS?
CMS or “Common Management System” is a CSU system-wide
initiative that seeks to replace legacy administrative software
on each of the 23 CSU campuses. More information on the CSU System-wide
CMS project can be seen at the CMS internal Web site at: http://cms.calstate.edu/
What
is Oracle/PeopleSoft?
Oracle/PeopleSoft is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Software Vendor
which provides a large suite of integrated software applications
that manages data and communications for human resources, finance, and student systems.
Who
is responsible for overseeing the CMS project at our campus?
Amir Dabirian, CITO, is the CMS Project Executive Sponsor and
Robert Palmer, VP of Student Affairs, is the chair of the CMS
Steering Committee on our campus. Effective March 2006, Chris
Manriquez was appointed the CMS Project Director.
What are
the goals of CMS?
By 2008, all CSU campuses will:
- Perform administrative functions with
a common set of administrative best practices.
- Support administrative functions with
a shared common integrated application software.
- Support the administrative software
in shared service centers.
How will this
project affect me?
Because the software applications are designed to integrate almost
every HR, Financial, and Student operation, few will be “untouched”
by CMS. One of the great benefits of CMS is the “self-service”
capabilities simplifying nearly all personnel, payroll, and benefit-related
administrative tasks, saving time and effort for everyone in the
University community. As an individual employee, CMS will give
you simple, quick access to the information that directly affects
you.
What does CMS
offer that we don’t already have in our systems?
CMS is a leader in the development of state-of-the-art Human Resources,
Financial and Student administrative systems. With their latest
web-based version, our faculty, staff and other key stakeholders
will have ready access to systems and processes through an efficient
browser-based interface. The installation of CMS will enable the campus to serve all our
internal and external customers better. It will also provide us
with accurate, timely information ensuring sound business recommendations
and decisions.
How
does the CMS project team communicate with the rest of the community?
Project updates and information on progress will be published
on this website and through various campus meetings and presentations. If information
cannot be found on the website, or if immediate clarification
is required, please email CMSproject@fullerton.edu.
What
benefits can we expect from CMS?
While the upcoming fit-gap analysis for Finance and Campus Solutions
will provide extensive information about benefits of the CMS project
to our campus, there are a number of benefits that already have
become evident. For details, please refer to the FAQ’s from
the specific application (HR, Finance, Campus Solutions).
Where
can I find the latest Chancellor’s Office Campus Deployment
Timeline information?
The Chancellor's Office campus deployment timelines are available at the following link: http://cms.calstate.edu/T1_MCampusReadiness_Deploy.asp
What
is CSUF doing to avoid cost overruns and delays?
We are doing many things to avoid cost overruns and delays including:
- Explicitly defining the scope
of our efforts and then diligently trying to ensure that we
do not expand the scope of our deliverables unless the CMS Steering
Committee feels that some critical deliverable must be added,
i.e. avoid "scope creep" at all costs.
- Determining the user requirements
and obtaining agreement/sign-off on the requirements before
the design and implementation work.
- Contracting with experienced and respected
consulting partners to assist us through this process.
- Using an implementation strategy that
involves minimal consultants and an investment of long-term
employees so that knowledge does not leave when the consultants
leave. This will allow CSUF to be self-sufficient in the shortest
time possible and for the lowest cost possible.
- Monitoring the progress of the project
continuously to ensure that the project is on schedule.
- Extensively reviewing “lessons
learned” from other campus implementations to make additional
cost savings / avoidance.
What is a "vanilla" implementation? Why should this be a goal?
A “vanilla” implementation is one which minimizes
changes made to the delivered software. This approach reduces
expense, both in the initial implementation and in future upgrades.
The term “vanilla” causes some concern among many
individuals, faculty as well as administrative users. What is
sometimes overlooked is the “table driven” design
of the CMS system that supports hundreds of design considerations
without a single software modification. These tables allow the
Chancellor’s Office and CSUF to “customize”
the CMS systems to many of our needs, without violating the ‘'vanilla”
guideline.
How
many universities are using Oracle/PeopleSoft?
The initial higher education product was developed in conjunction
with seven colleges and universities. The Campus Solutions (Student
Administration) module has been licensed by over 300 higher education
institutions with more being added all the time.
Will
the new CMS system have the same functions as the current system?
Yes, the new system not only will allow CSUF to support the current
critical business processes and functions, but will fully integrate
Finance, Student and Human Resources systems. The new web-based
technology will allow students, faculty, and staff to have easier
access and more timely information.
What
do industry leaders think of the CMS project?
The California State University System was presented by ComputerWorld
trade publication with the Medal of Achievement in San Francisco
City Hall April 4, 2004 in recognition of its ongoing CMS computer
systems upgrade. CSU representatives submitted a case study on
the Common Management System which officially became part of the
Computerworld Honors Collection April 4th when the collection
was formally presented to the Global Archives. “The ComputerWorld
Honors Medal of Achievement is presented annually to men and women
around the world who have made outstanding progress for society
through the visionary use of information technology,” said
Patrick J. McGovern, Chairman of the Computerworld Honors Chairmen's
Committee and founder of International Data Group. To learn more
about the award, click here and read the CSU news release on the
topic.
What are
the implications of Oracle's acquisition of PeopleSoft?
A variety of sources have commented and/or speculated about what
will happen to PeopleSoft customers.
Here is a letter
to customers from Oracle's presidents Charles Phillips and Safra
Catz. Oracles's home
page welcomes PeopleSoft customers.
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