Chapter 8: Capital Expenditure
Programme 8A: Capital Expenditure
| Programme Entity | Time Frame | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 8AA01 | 2006-2011 | HQ and Regional Office Telephone Systems |
| 8AA02 | 2006-2011 | Corporate Administrative Applications |
| 8AA03 | 2006-2011 | Server Software and Client Access Licenses for HQ and ROs |
| 8AA04 | 2006-2011 | IT Support to Meetings |
| 8AA05 | 2006-2008 | Human Resources Management System Project (HRMS) |
| 8AA06 | 2006-2008 | Field Accounting System Replacement Project |
| 8AA07 | 2006-2007 | Electronic Document Management System |
8AA01: HQ and Regional Office Telephone Systems
Problem to be addressed:
508. FAO headquarters installed its first digital PABX more than ten years ago and the system is not expected to be supported beyond the current five-year maintenance contract, which expires in 2009. This entity covers the project activities and eventual replacement of the headquarters system. Regional Offices are included in the cycle, allowing standardization of systems across the Organization.
Expected benefits:
509. The continuation of reliable phone services for headquarters and Regional Office users will be ensured.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Updated telephone systems for Headquarters and Regional Offices
8AA02: Corporate Administrative Applications
Problem to be addressed:
510. The corporate administrative information systems, including Oracle Financials and Human Resources systems, Field Accounting system, Data Warehouse and Atlas travel system, require regular updates as their hardware and software environments become obsolete, and to respond to the Organization's changing business requirements.
Expected benefits:
511. The continued development and supportability of the major Financial, Human Resource and other administrative systems that underpin the Organization's mandate will be ensured.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Update of administrative applications infrastructure
- Upgrade of Travel System
8AA03: Server Software and Client Access Licenses for HQ and ROs
Problem to be addressed:
512. Server software (e.g. Windows Server operating system and Exchange Server software) becomes obsolete after approximately four years and needs to be regularly updated to guarantee proper and reliable functioning of FAO network services, including up-to-date defence against cyber attacks.
Expected benefits:
513. The provision of well-supported server software for all headquarters and Regional Office users.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Updated Microsoft network and email software for Headquarters and Regional Offices
8AA04: IT Support to Meetings
Problem to be addressed:
514. The communications systems in headquarters meeting rooms cover audiovisual hardware and simultaneous interpretation equipment (SIE). This entity covers the periodic update of these systems and also video-conferencing and closed-circuit TV system, which are also essential for major meetings.
Expected benefits:
515. The continuation of reliable audiovisual and SIE services in headquarters meeting rooms and the ability to reticulate meetings between different meeting places.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Updated Simulataneous Interpretation and Audio-Visual equipment
8AA05: Human Resources Management System Project (HRMS)
Problem to be addressed:
516. Personnel services exist on a legacy system and are not integrated into the Oracle environment. As a result, many personnel process functions require extensive manual intervention.
Expected benefits:
517. The additional functionality that will be provided by the Oracle HRMS, in areas such as competency development, e-recruitment and performance management, as well as replacement of the legacy mainframe Human Resources and Payroll systems, will play a central role in future human resource management. The project is a major undertaking which is in mid-stream, with completion expected in the 2006-07 biennium.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- HRMS project management and Shared costs
- HRMS delivery of user communication and training
- Implementation of HRMS Servicing and entitlements module
- Implementation of HRMS Payroll module
- Implementation of HR management modules
- Application technical support for extensions of HRMS modules
- DBA and IT Infrastructure support to HRMS development and implementation
8AA06: Field Accounting System Replacement Project
Problem to be addressed:
518. Inadequacies in the current version of FAS have led to inaccurate financial reports and extensive human effort.
Expected benefits:
519. The aim of the Field Accounting System (FAS) replacement project is to implement a financial system that meets FAO Representations' needs. The key to realizing this lies in providing tools and timely information for financial management and decision-making. Both the technology and the business needs of the decentralized offices have significantly evolved over the last five years, since FAS was first deployed. The need for a system that provides enhanced functionality, robustness, security, better reporting and greater flexibility is supported by the observations of the External Auditors and internal reviews, including those conducted under the auspices of the Field Programme Committee. The new financial system will be based on industry standards and will take advantage of up-to-date technology.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Upgrade of Field Accounting System
8AA07: Electronic Document Management System
Problem to be addressed:
520. Paper approval documents are time consuming to process due to the lapse time in transmitting documentation between offices, especially if the offices are in different geographic locations.
Expected benefits:
521. By developing a system of maintaining paper records electronically, paper flows can be significantly reduced within the Organization and will enabling the use of, for example, electronic sign-off procedures on HR related actions. The initial phase of this project will be to undertake a study and prepare a business case for the initiative.
Major Output(s)/Indicator(s)
- Identification of Electronic Document Management Systems for FAO