Systems for People - FAQs
- What is Systems for People?
- What will be different once the changes are implemented?
- How will Systems for People improve DIAC business and IT?
- How was the Systems for People strategy developed?
- When will the Systems for People program be delivered?
- How much will the Systems for People program cost to deliver?
- Will clients be consulted on the Systems for People program?
- How will DIAC continue to deliver its core business while it implements the proposed system changes?
- Will industry have an opportunity to assist in implementing the recommendations?
- Will companies that are not on the DIAC IT panels have an opportunity to assist with the Systems for People program?
- Will there be other opportunities for industry to bid to get on a DIAC IT panel?
- Will industry be briefed about the details of the Systems for People program?
- What will happen to the Global Systems Environment program?
- What steps has DIAC already taken to improve?
What is Systems for People?
Systems for People is a program of work which will provide staff and clients with a single system view, called a portal. It will improve the client focus of DIAC’s IT systems, enhance decision making and improve services to clients. From a staff perspective, it will include all the tools they need to do their job – a single view of the full client record, operating processes and instructions based on job roles, proper record keeping, quality assurance, online training and effective reporting. The existing system functions will be modified or redeveloped as required and will stay in the background, unseen by staff, processing the millions of transactions the department deals with each day. Over time the older systems will be replaced. This approach means that staff will gain the benefits of better system support much faster than by rebuilding the old systems. Staff will have all the help they need at their fingertips, in one place, tailored to their job.
What will be different once the changes are implemented?
The current stove pipe systems will disappear from view to be replaced by a single system with screens tailored to the services that staff provide to their clients (eg assessing visa applications, case management, compliance services etc). This single system view (called a portal) will include all the tools that staff need to do their job.
How will Systems for People improve DIAC business and IT?
The Systems for People program will deliver a large number of projects designed to improve the work environment for DIAC staff, clients and partner organisations. DIAC business will partner with IT to provide a system which will better serve our clients through more efficient client identification, ability to view the full client record, consistent operating processes and easily accessible instructions, integrated record keeping, effective quality assurance processes, accessible online training and effective reporting.
How was the Systems for People strategy developed?
The Systems for People strategy was developed by DIAC based on the recommendations included in the various reviews – particularly the DIAC Business Information Needs Review conducted by Apis Consulting Group.
When will the Systems for People program be delivered?
The Systems for People program will be delivered progressively over time through priority portals. The first portal to be delivered in early 2007 will support case managers to manage complex and sensitive cases appropriately. Interim steps towards this portal will be delivered during 2006. How quickly the overall program is delivered will depend on funding decisions made in the budget context.
How much will the Systems for People program cost to deliver?
The cost and timeframe of the Systems for People program will depend on funding decisions made in the budget context.
Will clients be consulted on the Systems for People program?
Yes. Clients and stakeholders will be consulted on relevant parts of the program. DIAC will take into account client views and work with third parties to deliver responsive, easy system access. The department will invite clients to participate in our usability testing facility so that our systems will most appropriately meet client needs.
How will DIAC continue to deliver its core business while it implements the proposed system changes?
In the Systems for People strategy the existing system functions stay in the background processing the millions of transactions the department deals with each day. Systems functions that will require modification or redevelopment will be implemented incrementally. This strategy ensures that core business continues to be supported by the existing systems.
Will industry have an opportunity to assist in implementing the recommendations?
Yes. The department will utilize existing contractual arrangements and establish new arrangements, where applicable. The department is establishing a number of panel contracts to assist in providing access to skilled IT resources and capabilities. The outcomes of the panel arrangements will be known during April 2006. We will draw on these panels to seek partners to work with us in implementing the Systems for People program.
Will companies that are not on the DIAC IT panels have an opportunity to assist with the Systems for People program?
There will be opportunities for panel members to partner through sub-contract arrangements with other vendors, as required, to deliver the services sought by DIAC. The outcomes of the panel arrangements will be known during April 2006.
Will there be other opportunities for industry to bid to get on a DIAC IT panel?
DIAC approached the market in late 2005 in order to establish several panels to meet anticipated business demand for IT services. The tender evaluations for these panels are nearing finalisation. These arrangements are non exclusive and DIAC may approach the market as required to meet any new or changed requirements. For example, DIAC is currently considering its options in relation to the provision of software products.
Will industry be briefed about the details of the Systems for People program?
Yes. DIAC is establishing a number of panel contracts to assist in providing access to skilled IT resources and capabilities. The department will draw on these panels to seek partners to work with us in implementing the Systems for People program.
An industry briefing will be held for companies on the relevant panels during April.
What will happen to the Global Systems Environment program?
The Global Systems Environment program has been subsumed under the Systems for People program.
What steps has DIAC already taken to improve?
DIAC now has a plan for the future to improve the client focus of our business and IT systems and enhance decision making. The department has already put in place new governance processes to assist the effective project management processes required of the many initiatives outlined in the reviews. An interim case management solution is currently being developed and will be available to case managers in April 2006. A single search function is also being developed for early release to assist in locating information about clients across the major systems.