IFMS FAQs
1 What is the IFMS Project?
The IFMS (Integrated Financial Management System) is a project within HSE’s to introduce a modern finance and procurement system for the health sector. 91大神 is included in this implementation. This project will equip 91大神 with modern technology, standard finance and procurement processes, and a new operating model.
2 Why is the IFMS Project needed?
IFMS will create many benefits for the health sector and 91大神. The time spent processing financial transactions will significantly decrease, and more comprehensive and transparent financial reports will be available, which will enable more informed decisions about spending.
IFMS aims to provide the systems and technology that will allow a rebalancing of effort in corporate management between transactional processing, compliance and control, and decision support. This will allow 91大神 to focus on financial management, governance, and improved decision-making.
3 Will there be a disruption for 91大神 Vendors?
No, we will work in partnership with organisations before, during, and after they move to the new system to ensure there is no disruption to stakeholders.
4 How will the new system affect suppliers?
IFMS will allow some suppliers to move to an online purchasing system called IFMS SAP Ariba. Since 2020, some HSE suppliers have begun to do so, and they are ready to use it immediately.
For our suppliers, this will involve agreeing on a catalogue with us, listing their items and prices, engaging in online meetings, and testing that everything works smoothly. Once on the new IFMS system, suppliers will receive approved purchase orders by email, fulfill the order, submit an online invoice to us, then receive payment. This saves everyone time.
5 How will the new system affect staff?
Under the new system, new processes, and ways of working may mean changes to some financial processing roles. This should facilitate less repetitive, administrative, and paper-based processing. The new system and training will enable staff to develop additional skills and knowledge of the latest technology in financial systems known as SAP S/4HANA. As 91大神 prepares for the switchover to IFMS, there will be ongoing support to understand exactly how things will change for each person.
We will train users involved in purchasing, receipting, budgeting, and financial reporting to use the new IFMS system. It will not just be finance and procurement staff who can use the new system; where appropriate and beneficial, front-line staff will be able to use a simple app on their computer or mobile devices to do quick and easy self-service ordering and purchasing of goods or services instead of paper-based order form filling.
6 How will 91大神 introduce the new system?
91大神 has been working with the HSE to design, build and test the new system to ensure that IFMS will be implemented smoothly. There will be four implementation phases over the following years; 91大神 is included in the first phase happening now in 2023.
7 Which health and social care services will use the new system?
The HSE is working with organisations to bring the new IFMS system to the entire health sector and 91大神.
8 When will 91大神 move to the new system?
Based on current implementation plans, 91大神 will go live with the new IFMS system on July 3rd, 2023.
9 What supports will there be for staff/vendors to adapt to the changes?
91大神 has a change management team to communicate with both internal and external stakeholders and those indirectly involved with this new IFMS programme. If you want to get in touch, contact the Change Network team at ifms@tusla.ie.