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August 24, 2009
Countdown to Compass: Are you ready?

By Jennifer Stephens

After two years of planning, development and preparation, the new PeopleSoft Financials system is set to debut Tuesday, Sept. 1. Known as Compass, it is Emory and Emory Healthcare’s “one-stop shop” for financials information.

If you used FAS or CODA in the past to enter financial information, you will use the new Compass system on Sept. 1 for fiscal year 2010 transactions. The FAS and CODA systems will remain open in September to close fiscal year 2009 activities.

Are you ready for Compass? Consider the following suggestions from the Project Compass team.

Complete Compass training
• There are more than 30 courses available to help you learn the new financial system. Most of the courses are Distance Learning, which means you can complete them at your own convenience, and repeat them as often as you like to gain comfort with the new system. Visit the Project Compass Web site for more information.

Understand key components
• System navigation: Understanding basic system navigation is one of two vital elements for successfully transitioning to PeopleSoft Financials. The training courses are designed to provide this understanding and to prepare users for the transition.

• SmartKeys and ChartFields: Get familiar with SmartKey and Chartfield values, as they represent the other vital element for successfully transitioning to PeopleSoft Financials. The Project Compass Web site provides a list of FAS numbers and the associated new SmartKeys by department to help you learn the new values. Knowing the new values will help you find and filter information in the system.

• Compass favorites: Similar to your favorite Web sites, save the pages that you will use frequently in your Compass “My Favorites.” It will make it easier for you to find the information you need to access quickly.

• Report tools: Compass includes a library of pre-defined queries and nVision Reports to help you track spending, monitor transactions and verify what is available in each budget.

Computer readiness
• Confirm that you are using a supported Web browser: To provide consistent support for Emory users, it’s recommended that Windows users use either Internet Explorer 7.0 or Firefox 3.5.1. Mac users are recommended to use Firefox 3.5.1.

• Establish remote access: Compass is accessible via the Internet, as a secured Web site. Depending on your tasks, some users may need to connect using the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Specific details regarding when and how to use the VPN will be available upon go-live.

What can you expect this week?
In preparation for Sept. 1, there are downtime impacts to several University systems.

• The deadline for Emory Express invoice-attached processing is Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 12 p.m. Items must be approved and transmitted to Payment Services by noon.

• Emory Express will be unavailable from Friday, Aug. 28 at 12 p.m. until Wednesday, Sept. 2. No orders can be placed while the system is down.

• OPUS (Online Pathway to University Students) will be unavailable for employees and students from Monday, Aug. 31 at 9 pm until Tuesday, Sept. 1 at 8 p.m.

• The PeopleSoft HR system will be unavailable from Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 6 p.m. until Monday, Aug. 31 at 8 a.m. Employees will be able to view information, but cannot make changes during this time.

Ongoing assistance available
Beginning Sept. 1, the Compass Toolbox will be available as your one-stop for “go-live” support and materials. The toolbox will be accessible via the Project Compass Web site and will contain job aids, frequently asked questions and help desk contact information: 404-727-7000.