Portals to PeopleSoft improvements

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Human Resources, Information Technology departments will launch upgrade to PeopleSoft HR system March 13

After more than a year of collaboration between staff members from Human Resources, Information Technology, Software Development Services and Projects and Planning, the PeopleSoft Human Resource system upgrade is on target to launch March 13.

For most users, the most noticeable impact of the upgrade will be the new "menu and portal" navigation structure. Similar to the Financial Management Services system, the left hand menu has been redesigned around a "business process" approach. Clicking on a menu item (folder) expands that entry and provides access to any additional folders or items it contains.

Additionally, clicking on a menu item will open a "portal" in the main window. Portals are visual representations of the menu/folder structure, and are designed to reduce the number of "clicks" it takes to find and select the information or tasks you need.

Answers to some of the questions related to the upgrade are listed here. To obtain more information about the upgrade, contact Neil Hickey, Human Resources Information Systems manager, at nhickey@fhcrc.org or (206) 667-2795.

• Why are you upgrading the system?
  There are many reasons for upgrading, not the least of which is that it is a requirement of the support agreement with PeopleSoft. However, upon review of the latest version of the system, it became apparent that the upgrade would allow us to take advantage of significant improvements in the online application and time-entry processes, and pave the way for the future rollout of new features for our customers.



• Who is impacted by the HR system upgrade?
  Any Center or Seattle Cancer Care Alliance employee who uses Employee Services Online is impacted, as well as managers and administrators who use advanced features of PeopleSoft HR to perform their jobs.



• Does this upgrade involve the FMS system?
  No, FMS is not impacted by the PeopleSoft HR system upgrade.



• How do I access the new version of PeopleSoft HR/Employee Services Online?
  The easiest way to access PeopleSoft HR is still from the main Center Web site (www.fhcrc.org). Enter "Employee Services Online" in the search box and follow the prompts. You may need to update your favorites or any desktop icons you have created to point them to the new system after you access it for the first time.



• Will my login change?
  No, you should continue to use your HutchNet ID (or employee ID number for Alliance staff only) to access the system. If you need a HutchNet ID, contact the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@fhcrc.org or (206) 667-5700.



• What current features or functions have changed?
  For the most part, the system features and functions are identical to the previous version with two notable exceptions. One is our recruiting site, which has undergone a significant transformation. The other area is our Online Time Entry system, currently used exclusively by the SCCA. Details of the changes to both these areas will be posted on the Center Web site prior to March 13.



• Do I need special training to use the new system?
  We do not anticipate the need for additional training for most casual users of Employee Services Online. Orientation sessions will be offered for advanced users of PeopleSoft HR as well as Online Time Entry users at the SCCA. Online documentation will be provided for external users of our recruiting site.



• Who do I contact if I need help using the new version of PeopleSoft HR or Employee Services Online?
  For assistance accessing or using the new system, contact Human Resources Information Systems at hris@fhcrc.org or (206) 667-1776.

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