A Waikato Regional Council project to integrate its outdated business software systems is being considered by other Aotearoa councils in New Zealand.
Project Reboot aims to replace a tangled network of 28 different software systems that do not speak to each other with an integrated, intelligent solution to launch in phases.
Infor, a multinational enterprise software company, was hired by Project Reboot. The company is helping the organization move its business applications from the current on-premises model to a cloud-based software as a service model.
The first phase of the project has already been completed, with a new budgeting and planning system that has recently been used to support the budgeting activities of the council’s 2021-2031 long-term plan. The next blocks are people and development systems in October, followed by modules that help manage 40,000 assets, many of which are designed to save lives, livelihoods or the environment.
The final phase concerns financial management, ownership and rating systems.
Waikato Regional Council Chairman Russ Rimmington said: “I am excited about the possibilities this tailor-made solution opens up for local government in New Zealand.
“At least two other New Zealand councils are already looking to invest in this solution, and I’m sure more will follow,” said Cr Rimmington.
“Four years ago, the board was faced with old failing systems, high risk, expensive to maintain and requiring more than a band-aid solution. Doing nothing was not an option.
“We don’t have to look too far for examples of a catastrophic system failure – it would impact our financial stability and, ultimately, the work we do for the community.
“The changes we are making prepare the board for continued success and create opportunities for us to adopt more innovative technologies in the future,” said Cr Rimmington.
In a closed town hall Thursday, July 29, Waikato regional advisers voted unanimously to increase the restart project implementation budget by $ 5.468 million, for a total revised budget of $ 16.985 million. .
Waikato regional advisor and finance and services committee chair Barry Quayle said advisers had taken a close look at the project over the past 12 months, hiring some of the best international consultants.
“We agreed that it would cost more to ensure that we have a robust software system that can withstand the cybersecurity risks we increasingly face, as well as to ensure that the solution will meet our business requirements,” said said Cr Quayle.
“The extra year it will take to complete this project has allowed for the retention of fixed-term project resources and replacements for staff seconded to the project for an extended period of time.
“COVID-19 has also had a significant impact on how the project can be carried out. The original approach would have seen Infor consultants on-site, working with board staff throughout the process.
“Travel restrictions mean the project has now moved to a fully virtual mode of working. Of course, this means travel savings, but there were also pitfalls related to the need to change the ways in which we can collaborate which contributed to the extended duration of the project and which are a determining factor for the revised budget of the project, ”said Cr Quayle.
The project is expected to be completed in November 2022.
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