“Australian Public Service Commission Moves Employee Database Enhancement In-House”
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Australian Public Service Commission Brings Key Employee Database Revamp In-House
Brief Overview
- The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has assumed complete responsibility for the APS Employment Database (APSED) enhancement.
- Initially, APSC had engaged PwC for the undertaking, backed by a $3.8 million contract.
- This project has now been internalised following the conclusion of PwC’s contract in November 2023.
- APSC is broadening the database’s capabilities beyond what was originally provided by PwC.
- APSC contracted Deloitte for a technical evaluation and vision analysis of APSED, amounting to nearly $200,000 in total.
- Currently, APSC is searching for experts to oversee the ongoing development of the database.
APSC Assumes Charge of Employee Database Enhancement
The Australian Public Service Commission (APSC) has chosen to bring in-house and broaden the redevelopment of the APS Employment Database (APSED), a vital system that maintains records for all current and past Australian public servants. This decision follows a $3.8 million engagement with PwC, aimed at refreshing both the backend and frontend of the system.
PwC’s contract, which commenced in November 2022, centred on stabilising the current infrastructure and integrating new features to optimise data usage. Although the contractual work has been completed, APSC has opted for an internal approach to improve functionality beyond the initial outcomes.
Project Overview and PwC’s Contribution
The initial tasks assigned to PwC comprised three main elements with a strong focus on change management assistance. The intention was to ensure the APSED system’s compatibility with other federal IT projects currently in progress, such as the government’s novel ERP platform.
However, after an extension of three months, PwC’s contract concluded in November 2023. While PwC fulfilled the agreed duties, APSC recognised the necessity to broaden the project’s scope to accommodate future demands and strategic objectives. An APSC representative stated that the commission is now “enhancing functionality beyond the original deliverables” as they advance the system development internally.
APSC Enriches Database Capabilities
Post PwC’s transition, APSC is focusing on amplifying the functionalities of APSED to meet the future demands of the Australian Public Service (APS). To ensure APSED’s sustained success, the commission has sought additional expertise. In April 2023, Deloitte was retained for a month-long technical assessment of the database for nearly $30,000.
Later in June, Deloitte was awarded an additional $165,000 contract to evaluate the “visions and benefits” of APSED, offering a more strategic framework for its ongoing advancement. This contract is projected to culminate in September 2023, with the insights obtained directing the subsequent stage of the project.
Recruiting New Talent to Advance the Project
As part of the redevelopment efforts, APSC is now seeking to recruit more personnel. Specifically, the commission is aiming to fill three new positions that will assist in managing and supporting the APSED upgrade. These additions are intended to ensure that the database consistently aligns with the evolving needs of the APS.
An APSC representative remarked: “Throughout 2023, the APSC examined its capabilities, strategic direction, and requirements to effectively support the APS now and in the future.” The commission intends to apply the insights from Deloitte’s review to devise a more detailed solution plan, focusing on building upon the accomplishments achieved thus far.
Conclusion
The Australian Public Service Commission’s move to insource the development of the APS Employment Database signifies a pivotal advancement in securing the system’s long-term viability. Following the initial engagement with PwC for the project, the APSC has now taken charge, intending to expand functionality beyond the initial framework. To facilitate this, the commission has enlisted Deloitte for technical evaluations and strategic guidance and is actively recruiting additional expertise to steer the project to fruition.
Q&A: Key Points to Understand
Q: What is the APS Employment Database (APSED)?
A:
The APSED is a database overseen by the Australian Public Service Commission that houses comprehensive employment records for all current and former public service personnel. It is essential for managing workforce data within the APS.
Q: Why did APSC opt to insource the project?
A:
After PwC completed its contract, APSC chose to bring the project in-house to broaden the database’s functionalities beyond the original offerings. This strategy is believed to align the system more effectively with future strategic demands.
Q: What role did PwC have during the early phases of the project?
A:
PwC was engaged in November 2022 to stabilise and enhance both the backend and frontend of the APS Employment Database. Their responsibilities also included implementing new features to boost the system’s capabilities while focusing on change management and ensuring compatibility with other federal IT initiatives.
Q: What lies ahead for APSED?
A:
APSC is now looking to extend the system’s functionalities to address the future requirements of the APS. The commission has brought Deloitte aboard for technical assessments and strategic advice and is in the process of employing additional specialists to oversee the continued development of the database.
Q: Is Deloitte still engaged in the project?
A:
Yes, Deloitte has been contracted for two primary tasks: conducting a technical assessment of the system and evaluating the long-term visions and benefits of APSED. The total of these contracts nears $200,000 and will shape the next phase of development.
Q: What is the timeline for the ongoing development of APSED?
A:
While there is no definitive completion schedule, Deloitte’s contract for the vision assessment is expected to wrap up in September 2023. Following that, APSC will utilize the insights gained to navigate the next steps of the project, including hiring new staff to manage the enhancements.
