Case study – QinetiQ and DSTL (formerly DERA)

Sophisticated eBusiness solutions are fundamentally changing the way we work. Finding the right product and ensuring a successful implementation can be a major challenge – one which the Defence Evaluation Research Agency (DERA) faced following their decision to install a company-wide Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in 1998.

"Allinity (formerly Congruent) were a key component of our implementation team and demonstrated an acute understanding of customer requirements.  They were able to offer practical solutions in a timely and responsive manner, forming a true partnership throughout the project.

Graham Kettles, Business Manager – DERA

DERA, the largest single employer of scientists in the UK, comprising some 15,000 civilian, military and contractor personnel, required a Human Capital Management (HCM) System that would provide a total business solution for managing the diversity of its employees whilst simultaneously embracing industry best practice.

Prior to PeopleSoft, DERA had a recruitment system that was not particularly business focused and largely under utilised.  With the correct combination of existing functionality, carefully chosen customisations, and a business driven implementation team, DERA was able to introduce a new 'transparent' recruitment process.

Moving from systems that were largely manually based, DERA automated their pay review process, replacing 36,000 manual database transactions with 28 automated ones, delivering subsequent annual savings of around 45 man-weeks of effort.  By removing such routine administration in Personnel, HCM staff can now concentrate on strategic issues and as a result are able to add greater value to the business, helping to ensure the long-term future of the organisation.

Throughout the implementation process, DERA used Allinity to implement the new recruitment process allowing any employee involved in recruitment to view details of potential candidates for all vacancies across DERA.  Any applicant who has skills potentially valuable to the organisation may have their details posted on the intranet in order to be available to the business as a whole.

Allinity were also instrumental in developing the Intranet and Self-Service facilities that has enabled employees the opportunity to maintain their own data.  By empowering the employees to regularly review their details on the intranet, critical information is kept up to date.  DERA also utilise a Personal Enquiry Package System (PEPS) which allows an offline view of HCM data downloadable to a laptop or hard drive.  PEPS allows managers to carry out strategic HCM planning away from their normal office environment.

Despite an aggressive timescale, the changeover to PeopleSoft went smoothly and was completed on time and to budget.  Since go-live on November 29, 1999, DERA have a quicker, more efficient system for managing their Human Capital Management.  DERA are able to benchmark the relative effectiveness of their HCM organisation.  By removing the routine administration in Personnel, HCM staff can now concentrate on strategic issues and as a result are able to add greater value to the business, helping to ensure the long term future of the organisation.