WV - Oracle computers up and running, but not perfect

WVU plans $15 million upgrades over 5 years BY MONTE MAXWELL

The Dominion Post

Almost two years and $17 million after WVU workers installed the Oracle system, university officials say the system still needs to get with the program.

Ken Orgill, WVU information technology director, said WVU's change in software was a major step up from its antiquated system, but it's still not up to speed.

Orgill admits some employees are not happy that there are still computer functions unavailable to them.

"All the basics are there to do the job, but there's always a better way to do things to make some people's job easier," Orgill said.

In February 1998, the university began the massive task of installing new Y2K-compliant software systems to run its human resources and billing programs to avoid problems when the year changed from 1999 to 2000.

To date these are the only two departments using Oracle.

Workers beat the deadline, finishing the job in November 1999, but at the cost of setting aside some parts of the complete software package.

Ryan Dineen, director of payroll, benefits and human resources system, was aware when they installed the initial upgrade that there would be shortfalls in the software, but hasn't noticed any insurmountable problems.

"It's forced us to come up with some creative work-arounds, but business hasn't stopped at the university," Dineen said.

Orgill has his eyes set on eliminating the need for any temporary fix for Oracle-run systems.

"It laid a nice framework," Orgill said. "Eventually, it's going to be a real tip-top system."

That is after WVU finishes an upgrade expected to take 12-18 months.

Orgill said this upgrade will answer complaints about using all of the software's capabilities.

"By the time that's done, I expect to see the Oracle system at 100-percent the way we want to see it," Orgill said. "The upgrade will take care of a lot of things we want to do."

And that job carries another hefty price tag.

Scott Kelley, vice president for administration and finance, said WVU has earmarked close to $3 million a year over the next five years for upgrades and ongoing support of the computer system.

Kelley lauded the system for getting WVU past Y2K concerns and providing a foundation to build upon. He said WVU never pinned all its hopes on Oracle solving all the university's computer problems immediately after installation.

"I don't think the software has been a disappointment," Kelley said. "I think it will continue to evolve and improve."

Orgill expects the upgrade to go smoother than the transformation to Oracle.

The move to Oracle required 150-200 people to work on the project and hours of overtime. Employees involved in the installation at the time expressed job-security fears.

In September 1999, at least 28 employees received an e-mail saying "those that do not want to put in the time and effort to make this work will not have a place in the new organization."

The memo's author, WVU Chief Procurement Officer Ed Ames, then-assistant director of administrative services, insisted the message was not intended to intimidate workers, only to stress the importance of their commitment to the effort.

"We had people work extremely hard to get the things done," Orgill said. "It was a gigantic effort."

This time, the university's back isn't against the wall. Unlike in 1999, there are no fears that no paychecks will go out if they don't meet a certain date.

"We have a lot more time to do it. We can plan better," Orgill said. "It still is going to be a good effort."

After this upgrade, Orgill expects future upgrades to come every two years or so and require only two months to complete.

http://www.dominionpost.com/a/news/2001/08/17/ae/

-- Anonymous, August 17, 2001