MSD Says Cúram Feedback Positive
The Social Development Ministry is hailing the success of its new $54 million client management software, despite some teething problems.
The ministry purchased the software, which manages its dealings with beneficiaries, from Irish company Cúram after extensive testing.
The system went live late last year, and staff are using it to assess clients' needs and put in place service plans, says Winz general manager of regional operations Mike Smith.
The software encountered a few early problems. "There have been a few teething problems with integrating systems, as with anything this size."
He says some staff have also had to change the way they work to fit in with the system.
"Some case managers have their own work flows, for example in their assessment of service, so some people have had to learn a different process."
Mr Smith says the next phase of the software roll-out in September will allow staff to refer clients to training programmes without having to access other systems.
Ministry chief information officer Tim Occleshaw says feedback from the 3500 people using the software in Winz contact centres and offices has been "overwhelmingly positive".
He says Curam integrates various ministry systems, such as Winz's Swiftt payment system, to a single interface.
"They are only having to enter in information once. Previously to grant a benefit, you had to go into a number of systems and screens, now most of that is in one place.
"It simplifies the IT environment for front-line staff, which is really important to us."
Mr Occleshaw says about two-thirds of case-time is spent on administration and systems.
"We wanted to reverse that and we're certainly going down the track of doing that."
"Almost half" of the $54 million has been spent on infrastructure, software licences, maintenance and integration with existing systems such as Swiftt.
Any further phases required can be built on the same infrastructure. "They will all be cheaper and easier to do."