Kudos to the Parallel Testers

For three months a special group of 100 UK employees did double-duty, that is, entered information and completed tasks in two systems: HRS and the new IRIS HR/Payroll system.

As parallel testers, these employees analyzed information and reported data or payroll discrepancies. They raised critical questions, found problems and glitches, and engaged in useful discussions on their listserv.

Read about their experiences:

Shana Hall , Gatton College of Business and Economics:
“I wanted to learn the SAP software early and become a resource for others in my college. Having experienced the implementation of HRS, I knew the value of early learning and practice and have no regrets about pulling this double-duty assignment.” Shana’s advice to others: “Immerse yourself in the new system and learn!”

Carol Watson, UK Wellness Program: “I agreed to test to get a headstart and be ready to help others. The testing was tiring, time-consuming, and often stressful. At first I felt overwhelmed by new terms, but now feel more comfortable and confident.” Along with learning how to work in IRIS HR/Payroll, Carol admits to making lots of new UK friends. She knows she’ll be able to call on them for help when she needs it.

Angela Leeber, Compensation Office , found the testing experience to be tough, but with positive results. “Being a tester meant a having a heavier workload, struggling with a new system, and working outside my confidence level. I appreciate the opportunity to provide input that will help the whole University soon.”

Stacey Wilks, Graduate Medical Education Office: “I wanted to learn early, in order to help the House Staff, a group with special needs. I started out in January by finding my department in the Org Structure, and from there took off with hiring and separation actions, changing positions, and entering time in the new system. The experience was most helpful.”

Kathee Norris, College of Pharmacy: “ I learn everything the hard way, which is best for me! I found the new terminology to be a challenge during testing. Along with all that I learned about working in the new system, I value the networking experience and would participate again.”

Christine Levitt, College of Dentistry: “ Parallel testing gave me a head start on learning, as well as some idea of the trials and tribulations of a system implementation like this.”

Questions and answers from the Parallel Testers list discussion formed the basis of the HR/Payroll Searchable Q & A. End-users can use this tool to find answers to many of their new system questions.