Project Status Update
ETSU is currently less than 30 days from the Voyager launch, and the project details below highlight numerous achievements and milestones, as well as the remaining areas that are currently undergoing refinement. This summary represents countless hours of tireless dedication from all members of Voyager’s implementation team, as well as valuable coordination and input from various other members of the ETSU community.
These areas represent the culmination of a year or more of research and development:
- Testing cycles help identify and resolve issues, validate workflows, and ensure the system performs as expected before launch.
- Unique test scenarios help confirm that the system works not just in ideal conditions, but in the nuanced, day-to-day realities of university operations.
- Items configured can include user roles, security settings, workflows, approval paths, data fields, business rules, and more. Configuration aligns the system with ETSU’s processes.
- Parallel payroll testing involves running payroll in both Banner and Voyager systems at the same time to compare results and confirm accuracy before fully transitioning to the new system.
- Integrations are the connections that enable Voyager to securely share data with other internal or external systems. This includes systems like Edison for benefits, Parking Services for payroll deductions, various retirement vendors, and other integrations that are necessary to efficiently process checks, taxes, and other functions that rely on external systems.
- Day 1 Reports are essential pre-built reports available at launch that provide immediate access to key data like payroll summaries, budget status, or employee details, which support daily operations from the first day of system use.
- Training Campus on Voyager:
- Campus training sessions include instructor-led training for certain roles, including Business Managers, Campus Representatives, and Supervisors.
- Training materials will total nearly 200 items once all are approved. At this time, all training materials are built and in their final round of testing. They will be available to campus soon on the Voyager Training website.
- Oracle Guided Learning (OGL) is Voyager’s built-in help tool and is nearly 100% ready.
- User Acceptance Testing (UAT) scenarios are specific tasks or processes that ETSU end users have tested and confirmed work correctly in Voyager.
The system has been through numerous rounds of testing. While everything won’t be flawless on day one, the core functionality is in place. July 1 marks the beginning of a new chapter in ETSU’s history as the business processes of our campus will be transformed and modernized through the countless valuable and lasting improvements that Voyager will bring to the entire University.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
Today, the computer systems used in Finance and HR utilize a complex combination of computer software, data standards, and work processes. A move to a modern cloud-based platform gives ETSU the ability to use an integrated system that promotes real-time communication, data entry efficiencies, enhanced security, automated workflows, and evolving technologies. Voyager is the name selected for this new system and represents ETSU’s continuing journey towards operational excellence. ETSU is voyaging into the future and exploring new ways to ensure we support the activities and information needs of our campus. Over the duration of the project, we’ll be rolling out great new capabilities in both Finance and Human Resources (HR). Read about the project goals.
PROJECT TIMELINE
A large project like this is a significant amount of work for ETSU staff. Planning for this large project began in 2019. Throughout the project, the Finance and HR departments will learn a new system while also managing day-to-day activities that keep the university operational. ETSU staff affected by the project are ready for the challenge and really want to impact the university community.
stay connected
While there will be changes, every effort will be made to keep people informed. Questions are welcome. Training and preparation will be made available to those using Voyager. Project progress will be communicated through multiple channels, including website updates, campus newsletters, digital signage, and various campus forums.