• 4.1.4 Other reuse opportunities

    Table 3 outlines an assessment of possible reusability, by tier and by value stream.

    Table 3 Value stream and/or technology reusability summary
    Value streamTechnologyTier 1Tier 2Tier 3
    Finance, including Revenue to Bank (R2B) and Budget to Report (B2RSAP S/4 HANAnot reusablereusablereusable
    Hire to Retire (H2R)SAP Success Factorsnot reusablereusablereusable
    Procure-to-pay (P2P)SAP S/4 HANAnot reusablenot reusablereusable
    Travel and expense management (TEMS)Expense8reusable (see note)not reusablereusable

    Table 3 note: While the development and testing of TEMS is not completed, this relates to the integration of Expense8 to S/4 HANA. In isolation, Expense8 is reusable and has been integrated into several other technologies, including SAP ECC6 and TechnologyOne.

    Many of the ancillary components necessary in delivering an ERP (such as platforms, gateway services, reporting, and application interfaces (APIs)) have been well defined and, to some capacity, built. These ancillary components represent an additional potential reuse opportunity beyond GovERP capabilities themselves. Where they are incomplete, ancillary components could be built out to a standard that allows for them to be incorporated into other ERP implementations. If this progresses, care should be taken to minimise the technical complexity of ERP-supporting capabilities.

  • 4.2 Potential ongoing reuse costs to entities

    As the current state of GovERP diverges significantly from its initial whole-of-government vision, entities will likely need to invest additional resources to customise and configure the templates to some degree to ensure they are fit for purpose (while adhering to the data standards currently built into the GovERP solution).

    In this context, even if capitalising on the reuse opportunities identified in Chapter 4, the resources required to cater to the diverse complexities and requirements of different entities across the APS appears to be prohibitive for many entities, particularly if each entity was to pursue its own uplift. The Panel notes that while there are many opportunities to re-use components, licences, environments, and documentation from GovERP, only large and complex entities with sufficient capability could implement one or more instances of GovERP as proposed, and have it represented as reasonable value for money.

    In an individual entity-based ERP scenario, the ongoing maintenance costs are also likely to have a substantial impost posing an increasing challenge in an environment with scarce financial resources and available skills. For example, any bespoke customisations or WRICEFs would need to be maintained in a re-use scenario, with an associated resourcing impact. Of the 167 WRICEFs potentially applicable to whole-of-government needs, 58 (35 per cent) are considered medium-high effort to maintain.

    The Panel also considers there needs to more challenge against entity-specific customisations seeing to address “complex” requirements. Instead, the Panel considers that a greater focus on adoption of SaaS / “out of the box” capabilities, and avoiding designing in legacy process, could help to reduced costs.

    With no single value stream completely built or viable for adoption as-is, clarity is required regarding what work arounds would be needed for any reuse opportunities.

  • Eminent Panel Member Insight - Ms Maile Carnegie – 11 May 2024

    From a banking industry perspective, previous experience suggests reuse is most successful where “out of the box” capabilities have been adopted, rather than having to customise and adapt to legacy processes and such processes related complexity. 

    Off
  • GovERP alternate designs or delivery pathways

  • References

    1. Consultative Committee Bilateral Engagement notes, ATO, 17 May 2024
    2. Signavio™ is a web-based modelling tool for creating, managing, and optimising business process maps.
  • 5. Alternate designs or delivery pathways 

    Noting the new APS ERP approach is underpinned by the principles of choice, market competition, and affordability, the Panel recognises the cost of ERP upgrades (as a core underpinning capability of all government entities) can be prohibitive for some entities. 

    As a mechanism for reducing ERP development and maintenance costs, alternate designs and pathways could include: 

    • Componentisation of ERP capabilities. 
      • While the GovERP solution was not originally conceived with componentisation in mind, there was consideration given to implementing an iterative go-live approach, indicating that some level of modularisation may be feasible. 
      • In considering a modular approach to ERP delivery, the Panel considers maintaining a clean or common core solution across entities would help maximise ERP uplift success. This approach still provides opportunities for greater complexity and entity-specific customisation as solution add-ons at the ERP edge (i.e. the development of unique or customised requirements using integration techniques that leave the ERP itself unmodified.) o The Panel notes substantial work needs to be completed to achieve true modularisation, such as establishing commercial agreements, hosting solutions, completing components, and adhering to data standards. As such, while treating each capability as a separate reusable component is possible, the cost-effectiveness of this has not been confirmed. 
    • Considering the sequencing of ERP uplifts to focus on like-entities. 
      • Given the scarcity of resources available for ERP uplifts, there is still merit in pursuing economies of scale from grouping ERP services. Rather than pursuing a whole-of-government, one-size-fits-all approach (or conversely if the divergent requirements of the different agencies make instances for each entity critical), the Panel considers the grouping of entity cohorts with like needs warrants consideration and support. 
      • This grouping could be pursued based on portfolio, entity size, purpose, ERP needs, or other similar characteristics. 
      • The Department of Finance’s work to support a small-entity solution, may help to identify next steps for a collective or group-based approach. 
    • Considering the scope and scale of ERP uplift projects to focus on smaller initiatives with lower delivery risks and faster onboarding. 
      • DTA analysis through its Assurance Framework (see note below) highlights that larger-scale, higher complexity digital and ICT projects present a heightened delivery risk. Scoping ERP uplift projects into smaller staged initiatives delivered over shorter timeframes may help to reduce the risk of large-scale digital failures.

    Note: The DTA is currently tracking 103 in-flight projects across 35 agencies. Of the 13 digital and ICT projects escalated for Ministerial attention over the period August – October 2023, nine were large-scale, flagship investments that represented some 43.1 per cent of the total value of all in-flight digital investments.

  • Key observation 5: 

    GovERP was envisaged as a single, whole-of-government technology hub. Componentisation of each capability for potential reuse is possible but has limited commercial effectiveness. Grouping of like entities may help to achieve economies of scale without the complexity of pursuing a whole-of-government, one-size-fits-all approach. Further, focussing on smaller-scale projects over shorter timeframes may help minimise ERP uplift delivery risks. 

    The new ERP Category under the Software Marketplace Panel, coupled with the Department of Finance’s work to support a small-entity solution, may help to identify next steps for a collective or group-based approach. 

    Recommendation 5: 

    Where possible, future ERP uplifts should group entities of similar complexity and scale (not necessarily aligned to portfolio, organisation or other corporate service provision arrangements), to help achieve economies of scale without the challenge of pursuing a whole-of-government approach. 

  • The Australian Government will deliver simple, secure and connected public services, for all people and business, through world class data and digital capabilities

  • Appendices

  • Independent GovERP Reuse Assessment Appendices

  • Appendix A: Terms of reference

    Appendix A: Terms of reference 

    Context 

    New APS ERP approach 

    On 28 November 2023, the Finance Minister, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, announced the new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) approach for the Australian Public Service (APS) that replaces the Shared Services Transformation Program. This new approach sets the strategic direction for APS ERP system management, which is underpinned by the principles of choice, market competition, and affordability. As part of the announcement, an independent assessment (the Assessment) will evaluate the suitability of Services Australia

    ERP (GovERP) use by Services Australia, and reuse by Commonwealth entities to support Commonwealth entities to implement future cost-effective ERP uplifts. 

    Independent Reuse Assessment 

    The Assessment will be led by an independent eminent person(s), with support from a Secretariat with expertise drawn from the DTA, and experts from across the APS and the private sector, to evaluate work undertaken to date to deliver GOVERP. 

    Term 

    The Assessment will be completed by 30 June 2024

    Objectives 

    The Assessment will focus on the following areas to leverage work already completed, draw out lessons learned, and uncover opportunities for reuse of GOVERP to support the new APS ERP approach. The objectives of the Assessment are to: 

    1. Evaluate and understand what has been delivered to date. 
    2. Evaluate and understand what has been spent to date against what has been delivered. 
    3. Evaluate and understand the suitability of delivered outputs for reuse across the Commonwealth. 
    4. Contribute standard designs, patterns and other related guidance to the Australian Government Architecture. 
    5. Articulate recommendations and guidance for reuse including information that will support entities to plan future ERP uplifts. 
    6. Advise on potential costs, risks, and associated benefits, to carry out any remaining work envisaged by Services Australia to complete GovERP. 
    7. Advise on potential ongoing costs to entities from reusing GovERP, if reuse can be supported. 
    8. Identify alternative designs and pathways that might provide more cost-effective options for any remaining work. 
    9. Identify any existing ‘readymade’ deployment configurations deemed suitable to allow direct onboarding of entities. 

    Deliverables 

    The Assessment will produce a report, and where relevant, industry standard reference materials that will be made available through the Australian Government Architecture. A draft report will be provided to the Minister by 31 May 2024 with the final report provided by 30 June 2024. Secretaries Data and Digital, and the Digital Leaders, Committees will be provided progressive updates on the Assessment. 

    Summary of how terms of reference have been addressed in this report 
     TORRelated Report Section 
    1. Evaluate and understand what has been delivered to date. Section 3.2 Delivery to date 
    2. Evaluate and understand what has been spent to date against what has been delivered. Section 3.1 Expenditure to date 
    3. Evaluate and understand the suitability of delivered outputs for reuse across the Commonwealth. Section 4 Reuse assessment 
    4. Contribute standard designs, patterns and other related guidance to the Australian Government Architecture. Reusable business process maps, designs, patterns, and related documentation have been identified as potential Australia Government Architecture contributions. 
    5. Articulate recommendations and guidance for reuse including information that will support entities to plan future ERP uplifts. Section 1.1 Summary of recommendations 
    6. Advise on potential costs, risks, and associated benefits, to carry out any remaining work envisaged by Services Australia to complete GovERP. Section 3.3 Remaining work to complete GovERP 
    7. Advise on potential ongoing costs to entities from reusing GovERP, if reuse can be supported. Section 4.2 Potential ongoing reuse costs to entities   
    8. Identify alternative designs and pathways that might provide more cost-effective options for any remaining work. Section 5 Alternate designs or delivery pathways   
    9. Identify any existing ‘readymade’ deployment configurations deemed suitable to allow direct onboarding of entities. Section 4.1 Reusability by tier (4.1.1 Tier 1 reuse opportunities) 
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  • Appendix B: Eminent Panel biographies

    Appendix B:  Eminent Panel biographies 

    Ms Maile Carnegie 

    Portrait image of Ms Maile Carnegie

    Maile is Group Executive Australia Retail, ANZ’s largest business which serves around five million retail customers through an extensive network of branches, ATMs and leading online and mobile banking applications and digital solutions. Since joining ANZ, she has been developing enterprise-wide digital capability, including 

    the transformation of the Australia Business which aims to improve the financial wellbeing of ANZ customers. Maile also holds Group accountability for design and marketing which includes ANZ’s brand, advertising and sponsorships. She is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited. 

    Maile is keenly focused on customer centric innovation and design. She joined ANZ in 2016 from Google where she was Managing Director Australia and New Zealand. She also spent over 20 years with Proctor and Gamble in roles including Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, General Manager for Asia Strategy, Marketing and Design based in Singapore and a number of senior commercial roles in the United States. 

    With a passion for helping future generations, Maile contributed as one of six members on the independent review of the Australian Public Service, was previously Vice-Chair of the ASIC External Advisory Panel and a board member of Innovation and Science Australia. She is currently a member of the Board at University of Technology, Sydney and a Trustee of the Australian Museum. 

    Maile holds a degree in Business Administration in Finance, Economics and Marketing from the University of Technology Sydney. 

    Ms Catherine D’Elia 

    Portrait image of Ms Catherine D'Elia

    Catherine is a senior executive with an excellent track record in leading people centred, innovative, strategic, service-oriented solutions, leveraging technology, transforming culture and streamlining processes across geographies. 

    With a strong background in strategic leadership, large scale change management, executive level collaboration, Catherine has a proven track record in fostering a positive work environment, complex problem resolution, and internal and external relationship management. 

    Catherine has held senior positions in the NSW public service for the last 16 years, including as a Deputy Secretary in the Department of Communities and Justice Department. Prior to joining the public service, Catherine held senior positions in the banking sector at NAB and Citizens Bank in the US. 

    Catherine holds a Masters in Education, Human Resource Development from Boston University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of New Hampshire. 

    Mr Chris Cawood 

    Portrait image of Mr Chris Cawood

    Chris has over 30 years’ leadership and technical experience across heavy industry sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, mining and transport. 

    Chris joined Ixom in late 2021 and was previously the Chief 

    Information Officer of OceanaGold for eight years. Prior to this he had an extensive career with BHP, where he held CIO roles in various business units. 

    Chris developed a passion for technology transformation and change in his early career in the BHP Steel (now BlueScope) marketing team. From there, he progressed into leadership roles with the BHP Petroleum division in Western Australia and for five years was involved in the expansion of its oil and gas assets. He was appointed to CIO roles in the coal and marketing divisions of BHP and was responsible for large technology transformation projects as well as a number of M&A integrations and divestments. 

    Chris has significant experience working in multicultural environments and with diverse teams. He has lived in Europe and worked closely with colleagues and external stakeholders in Pakistan, Japan, China, Africa, Singapore, The Philippines and North America. 

    Chris holds a Bachelor of Science and Education degree from Melbourne University. 

    Mr Chris Fechner 

    Portrait image of Mr Chris Fechner

    Chris Fechner was appointed the Chief Executive Officer at the Digital Transformation Agency on 13 October 2021. 

    Chris is also the Head of the Digital Profession; he started his two-year term in January 2023. 

    Chris has extensive experience in state government 

    services, focusing on large scale digital and ICT reform and transformation programs as well as implementing contemporary investment, contestability, and governance frameworks. 

    Before joining the Australian Public Service, Chris was the Queensland Government Chief 

    Customer and Digital Officer throughout 2020 and 2021. Chris was previously the Chief Digital and Product Officer at Service NSW. Prior to that, Chris held a number of senior positions across the NSW and Queensland governments as well as in freight and rail organisations. 

    Chris holds an Executive Masters of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Applied Science and Computing, both from the Queensland University of Technology. 

    As CEO, Chris is responsible for leading the agency to ensure we deliver on the government’s digital transformation agenda, in accordance with our agency’s executive order and the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013

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  • Appendix C: Technical assessment report

    Appendix C: Technical assessment report 

    Appendix C can be found on digital.gov.au together with this Eminent Panel report.

    There is also a download link for a PDF on the Enterprise Resource Planning landing page.

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  • Appendix D: Stakeholders engaged

    Appendix D: Stakeholders engaged 

    ERP Consultative Committee member entities:

    • ACT Government 
    • Attorney-General’s Department 
    • Australian Bureau of Statistics 
    • Australian Taxation Office 
    • Department of Defence 
    • Department of Employment and Workplace Relations 
    • Department of Finance 
    • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 
    • Department of Health and Aged Care
    • Department of Home Affairs
    • Services Australia.

    Note: These entities were also represented in the Assessment’s interviews and working group.

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  • Appendix E: Key reuse assessment-related correspondence (Image version)

    Appendix E: Key reuse assessment-related correspondence

    Correspondence from DTA CEO to Services Australia CEO, 20 May 2024 sharing preliminary observations and insights of the Assessment 

    Page one of correspondence from the Minister for Government Services to the Minister for Finance, 26 April 2024 providing an update on the GovERP program. Full text is available in Accessible Appendix E
    Page two of correspondence from the Minister for Government Services to the Minister for Finance, 26 April 2024 providing an update on the GovERP program. Full text is available in Accessible Appendix E

    Correspondence from the Minister for Government Services to the Minister for Finance, 26 April 2024 providing an update on the GovERP program 

    Page one of correspondence from the Minister for Government Services to the Minister for Finance, 26 April 2024 providing an update on the GovERP program
    Page two of correspondence from the Minister for Government Services to the Minister for Finance, 26 April 2024 providing an update on the GovERP program
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  • Appendix F: MVP capabilities for GovERP (Image version)

    Appendix F: MVP capabilities for GovERP 

    This image shows the five functional capabilities and their current level of development. For a text version of this image, please navigate to 'Accessible Appendix F'.
    Shared Services Steering Committee-agreed MVP 1.0 capabilities for whole-of-government purposes 

    The above table is a list of capabilities grouped by value stream. 

    Within this set of capabilities, a scope for initial delivery (MVP) and target state were both defined, as reflected in the blue and purple respectively. Capabilities marked with a star are those Extended Capabilities that were to be considered for inclusion in the scope of Shared Services. 

    This image shows a range of Australia-developed functionalities and their current level of development. For a text version of this image, please navigate to 'Accessible Appendix F'.
    Services Australia-developed MVP1.1 functional capabilities 

    A brief description of each of the MVP1.1 functional capabilities is below. 

    Capability Description 
    Hire to Retire (H2R)
    Learning management This capability relates to administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development initiatives within an entity 
    Leave and absence management Processes and systems used by an entity to manage employee time off, including vacation, sick leave, and other types of absences 
    Organisational management Process of planning, coordinating, and overseeing the various functions and operations within an entity 
    Performance and goals management Setting, tracking, and evaluating employee performance against established goals and objectives 
    Recruitment  Process of identifying and attracting candidates to fill job vacancies within the entity including the entire hiring process, from inception to the individual recruit's integration into the entity 
    On-boarding  Integration of new employees into an entity   
    Off-boarding  The process of managing the departure of an employee from an entity 
    Work time and attendance Systems used by entities of all sizes, across the APS, to ensure accuracy of employee's time and attendance, pay and absence requests 
    Time sheet recording and management Tracking and managing employee work hours and attendance 
    Capability Description 
    Manager self service Enables managers to access personnel data for their direct reports, such as leave, time-off, performance, and learning information. 
    Employee self service System that supports employees to access and manage their own personal and employment-related information 
    Payroll services Administration of an entity's employee's financial records including salaries, wages, bonuses, deductions, and net pay 
    Employee management Processes, systems, and practices used by an entity to manage its workforce 
    Budget to Report (B2R) 
    Asset accounting Sub-ledger that records the financial transactions related to an entities’ assets 
    Cost management Planning, estimating, budgeting, and controlling costs in a project or business operation 
    Funds management Managing and overseeing the financial resources of an entity 
    General ledger Complete record of all financial transactions over the life of an entity 
    Project accounting Financial transactions related to managing a project including costs, billing, and revenue 
    Tax management Management of an entity’s tax obligations to ensure Australian tax laws and regulations compliance 
    Statutory reporting The mandatory submission of financial and non-financial information by an entity to the australian government or regulatory bodies 

    Management  

    reporting 

    Provision of information to managers, to assist with informed decisions including tracking progress or KPI’s, identifying trends, and highlighting areas that may require attention or improvement 
    Budgeting and planning The process of creating a detailed financial plan for an entities’ future expenses and revenues 

    Commonwealth  

    reporting 

    Mandatory reporting requirements for Australian Government entities to prepare and submit financial statements, performance reports, and other information to the government in accordance with relevant legislation and accounting standards 
    Lease accounting The accounting treatment of leases, which are contractual agreements between a lessee and a lessor for the use of an asset 
    Revenue to Bank (R2B) 
    Accounts receivable Funds that customers owe for products or services that have been invoiced 
    Banking and cash management The operational and banking processes associated with the collection, aggregation, holding and disbursement of cash 
    Procure to Pay (P2) 
    Service procurement The process of acquiring services from vendors including preparing RFTs/RFQs, managing purchasing and contract lifecycles, sourcing, requisition, order processing, payments and reporting 
    Purchasing  Purchase of goods and/or services by an entity 
    Capability Description 
    Receipting The process of recording and acknowledging the receipt of goods, services, or payments 
    Contractor management Management of the relationship between an entity and its contractors 
    Contract management Process of managing legally binding agreements including creation and negotiation, contract execution, contract compliance monitoring and renewal or close out 
    Accounts payable Money owed by the entity to its vendors 

    Report procurement 

    activities  

    Reports showing procurement activities, costings and purchasing information regarding goods and/or services 
    e-Procurement  Use of electronic methods to conduct transactions between buyers and suppliers 
    Whole-ofgovernment central purchasing Whole-of-government procurement designed for permission-based services as permits, accreditations, licenses, and registrations 

    Supplier 

    management  

    Task ensuring suppliers meet the expectations of their contract 
    Sourcing Process of locating products or services outside the entity 
    Travel and Expense Management (TEMs) 
    Expense management Bookkeeping system for controlling, tracking, and processing employee expense reimbursements 
    Auditing and compliance management Measurement of an entity’s adherence to rules and regulations, standards, and any relevant internal bylaws and codes of conduct 

    Credit card 

    management  

    Employee-related corporate credit card transactions 

    Travel 

    management  

    System used by entities to oversee and facilitate business travel 
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