Huron eCRT Time and Effort Certification Implementation

Why the Change?  Old system stopped working correctly with the TAL implementation.  Offered us an opportunity to update our antiquated paper based system.  New system allows faculty to certify effort from anywhere they have Internet connection.  New system allows you to view the time and effort certification as it builds, so errors can be caught and remedied earlier.  Can track the review and certification of the statements without collecting and filing 1200 pieces of paper.

Why eCRT?  Time and effort certification is required by federal law (2 CFR ).  Wanted a system that would allow us to perform project certification, but still would meet federal standards of reviewing 100% effort.  Wanted a system that was easy to use.

So What Has Changed Due to the New System?  Quarterly Effort Reporting (Jan-March, April-June, July-Sept, Oct – Dec)  The quarter only contains the pay periods for the pay end dates that fall within the three month time frame. (Not based on posted date)  No adjusting for begin and end dates of grants.  For grants that terminate at the end of a reporting period (i.e. September) any payroll that posts after the quarter will be “pulled” back into the July-September time and effort report. This is to keep the PI from having to certify an effort report for minimal effort.  It is imperative that cost transfers and ePafs be done in a timely manner.

Security Roles in eCRT  Certifier – This is for the Principal Investigators only. Needed to certify the time and effort reports.  Primary Effort Coordinator – This role has the highest security and can view all department grants and can Pre Review the quarterly certifications. Can only have one PEC.  Grant Manager – This role has access only to specific grants and can only Pre Review those specified project certifications. Can only have one Grant Manager. If you assign a Grant Manager, they become the primary person for this particular project.  View Only – This role has the ability to view department statements and reports, but cannot Pre Review quarterly certifications.

eCRT Homepage

Department Dashboard

Effort Pre-Review Screen

Payroll Report

Project Payroll Summary

Reports Tab

Pre Review  The Pre Review period is 15 days.  Cost transfers must be submitted within 10 days to ensure they are posted by the end of the Pre Review period.  The Pre Review MUST be done before the time and effort report will proceed to the Principal Investigator for certification.

Principal Investigator View

Certification Page

Attestation Page

November Upgrade  eCRT will be implementing an upgrade in November, so you will see some changes in the near future.  There will be some upgrades to the icons.  We will also be implementing some modifications to the system at that time. These are enhancements identified by our Change Management team during testing.

Trainings Are Going on Now  We have held 6 training sessions this week.  There are 4 more scheduled for next week, so if you or your staff haven’t signed up you are running out of time.  Training schedule is on the HR Training Calendar.  Please discuss this with your staff.

PI Training  Huron has created a training video for the Faculty.  The video will be posted soon to our website and will be available directly from eCRT.  If you would like, we will also come to your department to present at your department faculty meeting.

BTW….. Have You Read One of These?

In Case That Was a NO…  Payroll has setup a new earnings code to be used for supplemental exceptions on SPNSR funds. The code 145 should be used for all effort based supplemental exceptions on SPNSR funds.  Please share this with your Grant Management Staff and Payroll Coordinators.

Go Live Dates  “Soft” Go Live for Departmental Administrators to start reviewing data is September 30th.  Department Administrator's Pre Review Go Live is October 14 th.  Final full Go Live with statements released to Principal Investigators is October 31 st.