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February 16, 2009
Project Compass: What does it mean for you?

By David Payne

On Sept. 1, Emory University and Emory Healthcare will make a significant transition to the new PeopleSoft Financial accounting system. The initiative, named “Project Compass,” will replace the current FAS system at the University and hospitals, and the CODA system at The Emory Clinic.

The new technology, PeopleSoft, includes nine subcomponents, or “modules,” that work in synch to share and integrate information throughout Emory’s accounting systems.

The nine modules include:

• Accounts Payable
• Accounts Receivable (non-patient)
• Billing (non-patient)
• Asset Management
• Commitment Control (budget tracking)
• General Ledger
• Grants (University only)
• Project Costing
• Travel and Expenses

The new accounting system will integrate with existing Emory systems, such as Emory Express/SciQuest, PMM, IDX, HealthQuest, and others, to provide seamless sharing of data.

Key points about Project Compass

Why is Emory changing its accounting systems?
Emory’s current systems are simply outdated. FAS and CODA are heavily customized, poorly documented, and lack vendor support. These risks, coupled with Emory’s growth over the last 20 years, have initiated the need to implement a new and consistent technology across all of Emory. The goal of the new system is to improve efficiency and functionality and ensure continuity in financial accounting across Emory.

Who will be affected by Project Compass?
This transition will affect nearly every individual and every department at Emory. If you currently use an FAS subcode for department expenditures, the FAS numbers will change. If you currently use a health care accounting FAS/CODA number, that number may change. This will impact departmental purchases at the bookstore, travel expenses, departmental budgets and University grant accounts, to name a few.

When will Project Compass affect you?
On Sept. 1, 2009, all FY 2009-2010 expenditures will need to be processed through the new accounting system. To prepare for this transition, Project Compass Learning Forums will begin this spring. These sessions are designed to provide you with a high-level view of the new accounting system and a discussion around what is changing with the implementation of PeopleSoft. Training programs for this transition will begin in July. Training will provide the hands-on and Web-based learning exposure to the new system.

What is next?
Look for updates in Emory Report and on the Project Compass Web site, www.compass.emory.edu. Sign up for the Compass Directions e-newsletter for regular updates.

Take advantage of the briefings and tutorials that are planned for this spring and anticipate training this summer. If you have not attended a Project Compass Town Hall Overview, sign-up to attend the last session: Monday, Feb. 23; 10:30 a.m.–noon; Dobbs University Center, Winship Ballroom.

RSVP for the Town Hall meeting at www.compass.emory.edu.