1. A2C Data Exchange Project
Andrew Thomson
Project Director
Capita FHE Conference – 3 May 2012

2. A2C Data Exchange Project
The A2C Project is a JCQ-funded initiative.
Defining new standards to replace “EDI” formats, i.e. how your MIS communicates directly with awarding organisations’ systems.
JCQ has commissioned a temporary A2C migration application for data transport…
…but we won’t be developing any more solutions ourselves.
A2C standards will enable awarding organisations and MIS suppliers to redevelop around generic processes, a flexible data model and a common interface standard. 2

3. A2C benefits reminder
The A2C Project is changing the way you work in your MIS; making exam entries, receiving results, etc. It is producing standards designed to
extend the scope of “EDI” in respect of qualifications, processes and awarding organisations
Replace JCQ’s EDI, Edexcel’s Edifact and C&G’s walled garden data transfers with one generic standard.
integrate the way you send and receive data within your MIS
allow MIS suppliers to give you more efficient and effective ways of working – better MIS processes, and less use of awarding organisation extranets and paper

4. Extended scope
Works for any qualification so awarding organisations will be able to include their full range, not just series-based general qualifications.
Standards will be defined for generic processes so JCQ and non-JCQ awarding organisations will be able to use them.
A new generic “Orders” process to encompass Enrolment, Registration, Entries and other types.
Opportunity to capture exam attendance efficiently and submit data from the MIS.
Richer product information including fees. 4

5. Integrated data transport
New MIS versions will be able to integrate the new A2C data transport process so that…
Data is transferred automatically within your MIS, rather than as a separate operation.
The is no intermediary hub so you will see a saving on VAN charges.
You will get better real time feedback from awarding organisations. 5

6. Efficient MIS working
New MIS versions will be able to exploit the opportunity to improve exam-related processes.
Do a lot more in standard processes in your MIS and a lot less on all the different awarding organisation extranets
Improved, integrated processes that make the job easier, more efficient and more under control.
MIS can automatically download and maintain awarding organisation product catalogues.
Capture a lot more learner achievement data in your MIS.
A long-awaited opportunity for a fresh start – and for you to help your MIS supplier give you what you need. 6

7. Data Transport First
First change now in progress for centres to send and receive EDI files via the A2C Migration Application rather than their VAN
Quick win – Removes VAN costs for centres and awarding organisations from September 2012
Risk management – Gets new mechanism established before bigger changes to MIS which will come later 7

8. Migration application
All colleges must be using the A2C Migration Application by 31 August 2012 if you want to continue using EDI from 1 September 2012
It is straightforward and low risk so don’t put it off.
You do need to do this! 8

9. Historic ? AO VAN front end VAN hub AO Centre MIS Outbox Inbox AO AO
Centre Network 9

10. Transition up to 31 August 2012? AO
VAN
front end
VAN
hub AO
Centre
MIS
Outbox
Inbox AO
A2C
Mig App AO AO
This is what you need to add
Centre Network 10

11. After 31 August 2012, AOs will not be connected to VANs? AO
VAN
front end
VAN
hub AO
Centre
MIS
Outbox
Inbox AO
A2C
Mig App AO AO
After 31 August 2012, AOs will not be connected to VANs
Centre Network 11

12. After MIS upgrade AO AO AO Centre AO MIS AO AO AO AO AO AO
Centre Network AO 12

13. It is safe
Installs onto your network and points at your existing EDI inbox and outbox
No change to MIS at all
No change to EDI files at all
Does not disable your existing VAN capability
Switch over to the migration application as soon as you have it installed
It is secure, encrypted and authenticated
Keep your existing VAN contract until 31 August 2012 as a back up for Summer 2012 results 13

14. Support process Receive email invitation from Avco with hyperlink
Click link to go to dedicated Avco website for registration and step-by-step instructions
Watch the video on how to do it
Go through the process with usual local support if you need it
Refer to FAQs on the Avco website if unsure
If following the instructions does not work, or call Avco support for technical problems – calls taken by engineers so not for handholding please 14

15. Any worries? Who is not yet using the migration application?
What is holding you back? 15

16. What next? Keep using the A2C migration application
At sometime in the future, your MIS supplier will offer you an upgrade which gives you the new features and benefits
Last year we said this might be as early as September 2012 – but too optimistic 16

17. Why is it taking longer?
We simply underestimated the effort compared to EDI formats
Determination not to descope benefits or compromise on quality
Systems changes are deeper, more extensive and may be costlier than we anticipated so getting agreement is not quick
Strategy to align with emerging Information Standards Board standards where it is sensible 17

18. So, is it going to happen? YES!
Generic processes, new data model and XML schema all virtually done
Working on completeness (code lists, worked examples, etc.) and quality (internal consistency, ISB alignment, etc.)
Strong buy-in from awarding organisations and MIS suppliers 18

19. Timeline By 31 August 2012 Start using the migration application
After 31 August 2012
Allow EDI VAN contract to lapse
From September 2014
Upgrade MIS to A2C compliant version
After upgrade
Use more efficient exam-related processes
Add more qualifications
Stop sending EDI files as separate operation
Start to add non-JCQ awarding organisations 19

20. Questions?