Core Financial Project is Getting Closer: Implementation Phase is Officially Kicked Off!

Goddard officially kicked off the Implementation Phase of the Core Financial Project to a packed audience on Wednesday, October 7. The Implementation Phase follows the Understanding Phase, which was completed in September 2002. The Core Financial Review Board certified that Goddard successfully achieved the objectives of the Understanding Phase and approved the start of the Implementation Phase.

The Implementation Phase is comprised of many activities. These activities include verification of Goddard specific requirements, testing, executing scripts and conducting mock conversations for the unique environment at Goddard. Some of the objectives of the GSFC Core Financial Implementation Phase include:

• Conduct detailed requirements analysis building upon findings from Understanding Phase
• Determine GSFC specific configuration requirements
• Conduct testing of applications
• Design, build, and test interfaces, conversions, and reports
• Conduct data conversation testing and reconciliation
• Conduct training

The Core Financial Change Management team also has begun many activities including communications, role mapping and training. An integral part of the communication effort is the establishment of a Change Agent Network. Change Agents are people from Goddard who are interested in learning more about Core Financial and participate in sharing of information about Core Financial. If you are interested in becoming a Change Agent contact Betty Pyles-Harris, Change Management Lead (301) 614-6920.

These and other activities will help ensure a smooth Go Live transformation to Core Financial, slated for June 2003.

With the Implementation of the Core Financial software, NASA will have its first fully integrated financial management systems. This will give the Agency timelier, more consistent and reliable information for management decisions. It will also have improved accountability to enable full-cost accounting. The Core Financial Project, and its use of SAP, will also help NASA achieve efficiencies and operate more effectively, thereby improving its information exchange with customers and stakeholders. For more information on the Core Financial Project, visit the website at http://corefinancial.gsfc.nasa.gov.