New software debuted Friday
The Enterprise Project’s Release 3a software product debuted last Friday. Release 3a facilitates selected purchasing functions for Laboratory employees.
With the new software, employees will utilize the Enterprise Project’s Oracle interface to request or approve the purchase of both simple fabrication services (such as custom circuit boards) and personal safety items, such as safety glasses, computer glasses, safety shoes and protective clothing.
According to Julie Allen of Streamlined Purchasing (SUP-7), “Release 3a streamlines and expedites the purchasing process. Employees can use the online Oracle application to request personal safety items and simple fabrication services. At that point, the Oracle system consults its integrated human resources record and sends the purchase request to the appropriate manager for electronic approval. The result is a completely online experience replaces the old system of filling out, approving and storing paper forms.
“In the short term, Release 3a will simplify how we deal with the Local Vendor Agreements and Rapid Release Blankets covering the affected items,” Allen said. “In the long term, it will support the Enterprise Project’s larger goal of increased transparency, visibility and control of the whole purchasing process.”
The Enterprise Project, named in 2003 as one of Laboratory Director Pete Nanos’ “big rocks” or critical priorities, aims to support “good business for great science.” Release 3a marks just one step in the Enterprise Project’s phased multi-year approach. Over time, the Lab will install several Oracle integrated software modules, covering everything from human resources, budgeting and accounting to program and project management.
Allen noted that, “While Release 3a may seem small in scope, it affects the entire institution. Since every badge holder has the ability to ask for personal safety items, moving the request and approval processes online will help us all work more efficiently and cost-effectively. That supports the Enterprise Project’s larger goal [of] streamlining the Lab’s business practices while containing costs and improving the management of human, technical and financial resources.”
Users can access the new request and approval forms through the Enterprise Project’s “Start Your Day” Web site at http://startyourday.lanl.gov online. “We encourage every employee to ‘start your day’ by visiting this Web site. Not only does it contain links to training courses, user manuals and request forms, but it also shows managers which pending requests require approval,” said Allen. “Additionally, as the Enterprise Project adds functions through subsequent releases, the ‘Start Your Day’ Web site will show employees new ways that the Oracle software can automate, expedite or streamline their daily activities.”
For more information and updates, go to the Enterprise Project’s Web site at http://ep.lanl.gov online, or contact the Enterprise Project Office at 5-9067.
For more information, see an all-employee memo from Richard Marquez, associate director for administration (ADA).
