Beginning today, Human Resources and Financial Services will join in conducting a pre-contract study with DLGL to assess their integrated HRIS/payroll system.

This study is the final stage in the selection process for a vendor to work with the University to implement a contemporary HRIS/payroll system. The intent of the project is to improve efficiency and effectiveness of process, maintain accurate and current employee information, ensure consistent application of business rules and policies, ensure data security and integrity and provide user-friendly self-service facilities for managers and employees.

Recognizing the promise made in Refining Directions to creativity, innovation and excellence, senior administrators are committed to support and encourage this project. Karen Belaire, vice-president, administration says, “The University's mission embraces creativity, innovation and excellence. We must be able to access and use current, accurate Human Resource and payroll information to meet our strategic goals and be able to measure our success. This project can be seen as one more step in becoming the 'Employer of Choice'”.

The pre-contract study will be conducted over an estimated three-week period by DLGL and the project team. Employees with extensive knowledge of McMaster's current systems and best practices from HR, Payroll, Finance, Labour Relations, Compensation, Benefits, Pensions, Faculty, Research and other areas have been invited to participate throughout the University. The project team will work with these experts to:

• Review the current system
• Review and document business rules/processes
• Review the employee agreements
• Data gathering and analysis
• User needs analysis
• Review of system requirements
• Review of interfaces
• Identify opportunities to improve processes

After reviewing the results and recommendations arising from this study, the University or the vendor can decide not to proceed with implementation. If the University and the vendor agree, the project will proceed with a projected “Go Live” date of December 2005. If McMaster decides not to proceed with this vendor, the University will own the information in the study and may prepare another request for proposal if necessary.

The McMaster community will be provided with information on the progress of this project both formally and informally. The project team has developed an HRIS update page on the WorkingatMcMaster Web site. Please visit this site frequently for new information. In addition to the Web site, the project team will also hold workshops, presentations to all levels of the organization as well as use e-mail, v-mail and surveys to garner feedback.