The Challenge.

 

People First is the State of Florida’s online, self-service, human resource information system (HRIS) that handles the state’s secure, web-based human resources services.  The solution supports over 210,000 users including the employees of all 34 state agencies, employees of all 12 state universities, and all state retirees who have elected to continue with health or retiree life insurance benefits.  People First supports four payroll groups and 13 collective bargaining units with numerous work schedule variations.  There are two service centers handling over 30,000 calls per month.  Recruiting is supported by the People First system and since May 2003, more than 148,000 State of Florida positions have been posted in People First with more than 10.7 million employment applications submitted for those positions. 

The goal of the People First system is to provide an online tool that streamlines and standardizes human resource processes across the state ensuring fairness and consistency in state employment and allowing employees and managers to more efficiently and effectively manage their teams.  This secure, Web-based HRIS is comprised of modular SAP, SuccessFactors and third-party technologies that support a scope of services that includes: Appointments and Status, Attendance and Leave, Benefits Administration, Classification and Organizational Management, Payroll Preparation, Performance Management, Leaning Management, Recruitment, and Reporting.

 

The Solution.

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People First is based on a SAP ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) platform and SuccessFactors cloud solutions with other applications integrated and interfaced into this platform. The human resources HR BPO contract with NorthGate Arinso (NGA) provides for two People First Service Centers to meet customer needs and support these applications.  Genesis was engaged with partner KPMG to act as the solution experts and technology advisors to oversee the design and development of the implementation and upgrade of the SAP and SuccessFactors solutions.  Selected highlights of the technical components and solution features that Genesis supported include:

SAP Strategy and HANA Roadmap: Lead the development of an SAP Strategic Roadmap including functional and technical upgrades, implementation of new functionality, Roadmap to HANA, BW/BOBJ implementation, and Portal Upgrades. Facilitated discussions between the State and SAP on updated software requirements to support the roadmap, as well as updated license agreements.

 

Services Provider Selection (ITN Preparation, Solicitation, and Selection Support): Supported the development of solicitation documents, reviewed proposal responses for SAP technical and functional accuracy, proposer approach validity and reasonableness, and proposer’s overall ability to meet the requirements of the State.

SAP Technical Upgrade: Provided SAP NetWeaver specialists to review the design, architecture, approach, testing results, and make recommendations for improvement.  Worked with integrator to optimize the network, hardware, security, and overall SAP environment.  Conducted site visits to review SAP hardware, Basis and NetWeaver configurations, review and recommend SAP OSS and EhP considerations, review security environment, review integration and performance testing. 

SAP SuccessFactors Implementation: Provided functional and technical support on the design, configuration, testing, and implementation of SAP SuccessFactors Talent Management solutions.

SAP UI5 Portal Upgrade: Provided strategic and program management, as well as technical and functional support for the UI5 Upgrade to the People First portal.  Conducted technical reviews of infrastructure, security, penetration and vulnerability and performance of networks and infrastructure.  Reviewed all testing phases and defects to support “Go/No-Go” decisions.

SAP BW/BOBJ Implementation: Provided program management, functional and technical support of the design, configuration, testing and implementation of SAP Business Warehouse and Business Objects.

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The Results.

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Genesis drove solution discussions for strategic SAP implementation and upgrade planning in addition to providing Independent Verification and (IV&V) services to review and support the work of the outsourced vendors supporting People First.  Throughout this process, the DMS, People First and State employees continue to realize the benefits of the improved systems. The self-service and user-friendly interface strengthens the state’s ability to efficiently and effectively manage HR teams, systems and processes across all essential departments.

Genesis is the sole provider of SAP Services to support this scope of work and has provided ongoing SAP functional and technical expertise to the State of Florida’s Department of Management Services.  People First continues to engage Genesis as a trusted advisor to support the mission and objectives of their comprehensive human resources programs.  

As a result of exceptional services, Genesis’ contract with the State of Florida has been extended and re-awarded several times since 2014.