DCOA required a technical analyst to support a client/server based application system called Client Services Information System (CSIS), which is used to pay providers of services to the elderly. The modernization project of DCOA needed to resolve issues and challenges in current reports and invoices. The new system would have to facilitate faster, more accurate tracking of services, generation of correct invoices, and creation of timely critical financial reports. Ultimately, DCOA wants to enable all these processes to be web-based, since the current system is not Internet-ready.
A successful implementation required the technologist to conduct system analysis of the agency’s legacy system as well as participate in the transition to a state-of-the-art case management system. DCOA had a long list of action items and deliverables. For example, the technologist would have to work with technical staff to analyze and define data, workflow, logical processes, hardware and operating system environments, and system interfaces. The analyst needed to have superior written and oral skills in order to maintain regular reporting and communication with management.
The lead analyst role also had to write and maintain functional and technical specifications for DCOA’s legacy and new applications. All requirements and standards needed to be in place prior to the completion of the modernization process. Perhaps even more important, DCOA required the analyst to coordinate with project managers and project teams to analyze and estimate feasibility and project timelines related to system design, technical strategy and the overall solution.
The Filnet staff augmentation choice is perfectly suited for the DCOA project. Currently, the DCOA team (HSMP-eCaMS) is comprised of three analysts. Furthermore, Filnet’s DCOA onsite analyst is the only dedicated, fulltime support for the DCOA system modernization effort.
Initially, Filnet’s technical analyst came in and supported the agency’s evaluation of commercial off the shelf (COTS) products that will eventually replace the agency’s legacy system. Along with this technical evaluation process, Filnet provided IT support for the legacy system of DCOA in terms of backup and replication efforts. Moreover, Filnet worked along with the DCOA IT team to analyze and define data, workflow, logical processes, hardware and operating system environments, and system interfaces. Filnet also wrote and maintained functional and technical specifications for the agency’s legacy and modern applications.
OCTO has performed the first analysis of the general business processes of DCOA. At this time, Filnet is reviewing those business processes to make sure they are still consistent with DCOA practices. Eventually, Filnet will make recommendations on the agency’s business processes that will be used in the final business requirements document. In fact, Filnet’s advice on specific requirements will be used by the chosen COTS vendor during implementation.
Next, Filnet evaluated several Case Management systems that have been created using various development tools and operating platforms. Filnet has also evaluated biometrics options to assess their feasibility with regards to tracking services delivered to DCOA clients.
Filnet’s analyst used proven best practices to resolve many of DCOA challenges relating to the COTS implementation. For example, the system must be web-based to comply with OCTO/HSMP technical standards, preferably .NET architecture. Filnet is currently evaluating various solutions with either Java or .NET architecture. Filnet continues to support HSMP tasks that help to bring DCOA closer to its preferred Web-based architecture. An Internet based solution is desirable because of the flexibility and platform independence of this type of deployment. Explicitly, any web-based system can be accessed by just a web-browser running on any operating system. Also, the use of proven technologies for data communication such as XML and HTML adds to the flexibility and capabilities of this type architecture.
< Challenges / Objectives | Results >
Filnet provided technical analyst solutions for the DC Office on Aging (DCOA), and gave technical support to its legacy reporting system. Currently in the requirements gathering and analysis phases, the Human Services Modernization Program (HSMP) for DCOA will eventually support other agencies and providers that interact with the agency.
The HSMP modernization solution for DCOA will provide users with portability and accessibility. The new system will eventually affect the lives of nearly 200,000 senior age residents of the District of Columbia every year.
When the new system is in place, it will make it easier for users to access the system through the Internet whenever and wherever. Some additional benefits are more streamlined processes and more user-friendly interfaces. The new and improved system will account for more accurate financial reports and invoices generated sooner. For example, the DC Office on Aging Management and Support staff and other District personnel and offices that work with DCOA will notice ease in gathering and sharing information, and executing tasks that were once thought to be cumbersome or troublesome.
< Solution
