1. NMMU Upgrade
Integrator 3
Integrator UG 2014
Greg Saunders
NMMU ICT Services

2. Introduction Approached By Adapt IT August 2012 Formal Proposal
Agreement from Key Stakeholders September
2012
Request for Strategic Funding to MANCO Aug
Agreement from MANCO December 2012
Discussions with Adapt IT Re Services and Costs
Formal Project Management Approach Adopted
7 Month Project Planned
From Integrator 1 to Integrator 3

3. Project Timeline Kick off Meeting February 2013
Project Charter Agreed by 7 April 2013
Install 16 April 2013
Local Software conversions April to July 2013
Internal Staff and Adapt IT Staff
Training of Users May 2014
Business Acceptance Testing July 2013
Go Live 9 August 2013
Final Sign off October 2013

4. Process Followed At NMMU
Formal Project Management Approach
Steering Committee and Operational Committee
Buy in of All users at all levels critical
Broad Teams Student HR/Payroll Financial General Technical /Local Software
Business Analysts from ICT – Sub Project Managers
Tried to Test Business Processes as well
Review by External Auditors
Internal Development responsible for Local Software
along with Adapt IT

5. Internally Project Managed
Project Management Issues Found
Internally Project Managed
Not Ideal – Project Manager had to deal with technical issues as well – not recommended
Will recommend external Project Administration and Management next time, Independent of NMMU
Difficult to keep track of issues and assist users at the same time
Budget for Additional Costs other than NMMU and Adapt IT for Example External Audit Costs
Difficult to convince non IT People regarding the reasons for upgrade at start
Under estimate time to implement new features

6. Change to UTF 8 meant a lot of SQL Changes to local software
Technical Issues
Change to UTF 8 meant a lot of SQL Changes to local software
Changing some of local software time consuming
Complexity of User Restriction changes in Finance underestimated
Led to Major Speed issues with the iEnabler after go live
Certain Components had to be re-written by Adapt IT
R/D Team reacted quickly

7. Benefits of Integrator 3 and Beta Site
Latest Version of the software
Major cost reduction
Improved relationship with Adapt IT
Increased knowledge for users
Reduction in Local Software e.g. HR Web Appointments
Receipting System
NMMU ideas integrated into std system e.g. web registration and Pre-requisites

8. Lessons Learned Do not skip a major version of the software release
Keep better track of issues
Budget more time for training of users
Get help with configuration of system e.g. setups budget time for this especially during go live
Cannot Test for all eventualities
Communication important
Appreciate the knowledge and experience of
Colleagues
Learn to have a good Laugh

9. Considerations going Forward
ADF new challenge
Integrator 4
Form partnerships within the user community
Retain knowledgeable staff Skills are scarce
Doing more will less
Process Automation
Impact of Higher Education Changes
HEQF
Centralized Student Financial Aid
CAS
Final Thanks to all involved for a successful Project