McMaster learning to use new finance system
With just two weeks to go until the December launch of McMaster’s new finance and research post-award system, the University community is busy preparing. Training and orientation sessions have begun both in classrooms and online, and support plans are being finalized.
It’s important that future system users follow-up on the emails they have received and take the courses they need to successfully use the new system. The orientation and training program is designed to smooth the transition to the new system.
Course participants are enthusiastic about the sessions: “The facilitators were very clear in their explanations of the material. I enjoyed the exercise as I was able to apply what was just explained,” commented a participant in the Travel Expenses and Advances course. Since training began on November 11, Mosaic has held 20 training sessions totalling more than 300 participants.
Mosaic is offering several classroom-based courses both before the December launch and extending into the new year. In addition, several online courses have been released, including two pre-requisite courses which future system users are strongly encouraged to take before beginning other classroom or online courses. PeopleSoft Basic Navigation and Workflow, Approvals and Delegation provide an introduction to basic PeopleSoft functionality and should be considered a minimum orientation. (All future system users should have received emails inviting them to training. If you anticipate using the system but have not received an email, please contact mosaic.training@mcmaster.ca).
Along with training, the Mosaic team is establishing an enhanced support program to provide users with assistance in the first two months following the launch of the new system on December 2. A central support desk will be available to assist users and connect them to additional support.
Additional comments from course participants:
“I thought the mode of delivery was very effective. We did the exercises together with the instructor. It flowed much better than other courses I have attended,” commented a participant in the Purchase Requisition and Receiving course.
“Instructors were well prepared for the presentation; material was easy to read and follow. I believe that I have the knowledge to use the system going forward,” commented a participant in the Travel Expenses and Advances course.
About Mosaic
Mosaic is McMaster’s project to modernize its business and administrative processes and replace its current business systems with an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. Mosaic will replace the current systems used for student administration, finance, research administration, and human resources, as well as develop a business intelligence system. Replacing all of these systems in one multi-year project provides a rare opportunity to modernize the University’s business processes. The new system will be launched in stages over the next year and a half. For additional information about the project refer to the Mosaic website: www.mcmaster.ca/mosaic
