Integrated Systems

At our first CIIS lecture, the case study we looked at was the integrated statewide information systems (ISIS) project, which was undertaken by the State of Louisiana. From this case study, I learned that the State of Louisiana decided it needed a new system to comply with the increasing financial reporting requirements and to take advantage of the latest technology. This included integrating purchasing, contracts, payroll an the financial system. It began the ptocess of replacing its existing system in 1991. It was broken down into 7 phases. At the time the study was published, the State were at phase IV but had encountered numerous problems and had to call in consultants for advice on how to manage the various vendors involved in the project. The consultants produced a report that said the HR system was too fragmented and not properly finded to manage the project, and produced a list of recommendations. The State also ran into problems with its implementation of the Enterprise System. They had learned somewhat from their efforts with the legacy systems from the 1980's, but still were unprepared for the changes to management etc. that are necessary for the ES to succeed.

From my reading of the case study, I realised that the idea of having an integrated system is very attractice. Having one large database to facilitate the flow of information throughout the organization freely, allowing increased productivity, better decision making etc. However, it seems that it is much more difficult to achieve the desired effects than you would imagine. Underestimating the scope of the prject seems to be the main pitfull from my reading of this case study. If I were to be involved in undertaking such a project, I would try to make sure that extensive studies were conducted to make sure that there were no shortfalls financially and technologically and that the time frame given was realistic.