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January
25, 200111
This edition presents
information on:
-
SKIES Data
Conversion Nears Completion -
SKIES
Application Servers Certified & Ready to Go
-
Statewide SKIES
Stress Test Next Week
-
SKIES Bi-Weekly
Teleconference Call Set for February 8
-
SKIES Q & A
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
SKIES
Data Conversion Nears Completion
With just 17 days until the
start of the SKIES pilot sites, project staff have successfully converted all JobNet and
WIA files into the SKIES data base. "This is a major milestone,"
said Jim DeBlasio, SKIES Project. "It was the last major hurdle to SKIES
implementation. Our last test went extremely well surfacing only a few anomalies that we
will fix this weekend. At this point, conversion is locked." A SKIES performance stress exercise on
January 29 and 31 is the last test before moving forward with the SKIES pilots February
11-22. The SKIES pilots sites are WorkSource Grays Harbor, North Seattle, Vancouver Town
Plaza and WorkSource Clallam County Affiliate.
SKIES Application
Servers Certified & Ready to Go
SKIES project staff have
certified that the SKIES hardware configuration can successfully handle 500 concurrent
Internet user sessions from outside the state's protected fire wall. This means that 800 concurrent user
sessions have been certified on the ESD Internet backbone and that 500 concurrent user
sessions can take place through an outside Internet provider with out causing performance
problems with the SKIES application. "As Spock might say to Captain
Kirk, we have optimum configuration for SKIES performance," said Gary Mortenson,
SKIES Project. The last remaining performance stress
test will be on January 29 and 31 (see third article). If the test goes well, the project
will move forward with SKIES pilots February 11-22, followed by statewide implementation
in March.
Statewide
SKIES Stress Test Next Week
A statewide SKIES performance
stress test will take place January 29 and 31 to determine if the system is ready for the
next phase of implementation - SKIES Pilots. Between 7 and 8:30 a.m. staff will
logon to the system in a TEST environment so that performance can be measured. In
addition, two short exercises will be conducted between the logon time and noon both days.
The test will provide valuable performance data when there are a large number of
simultaneous users logged on the system. "There is just no substitute for
live bodies hammering on the system from different areas all at the same time," said
Gary Mortenson, SKIES Project. "Once complete, we will be able to make a sound
decision on whether we are ready to move forward with pilots." Logons for the test have been
distributed to each WorkSource Development Area (WDA), as well as instructions for the
test. Training coordinators for each area are responsible for dividing the logons to each
office in the WDA.
The TEST environment
will contain real converted employer and job seekers data from December
1, 2001. However, the forms (screens) in the TEST environment have not
been updated to the latest version. According to testers this won't be a
problem because the primary intent is to test system performance, not
data. "We are asking the local SKIES trainers or designees to time
the logon and two test exercises at four work stations and report back
on the results," said Mortenson. "This will give us a good
feel for how the system will perform when we are in production." If
you have questions about the test please contact Jan Oswold at (360)
438-4636 or joswold@esd.wa.gov.
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for February 8
The SKIES Project will hold its next Bi-weekly teleconference on
SKIES implementation on February 8, from 9 to 10 a.m. The meeting will
focus on results of the SKIES Performance Stress Test and the start-up
of SKIES Pilots. The number to call is 360-357-2911. Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to
participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in.
Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a
group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES Questions
and Answers
1. When will the
screens (forms) be updated to the most current version of the SKIES
application in the training environment?
There was discussion at a recent
SKIES teleconference regarding the updating of screens in the training environment. Though
that may seem simple there are a number potential difficulties that updating would create.
The majority of trainers and system
users have chosen to not refresh the training database so that their created job seekers,
employers and providers would continue to be available. SKIES requires that the screens (forms)
and the database be synchronized in order for it to work effectively. If the screens are
updated and the database is not updated there is a high probability that the system might
search for something that is not in the database or is different than the database tables
and cause clocking or errors. When WorkSource and affiliate offices
around the state decide to refresh the database the updated screens can be loaded into the
training environment.
2. What happens
to data that doesn't convert well into SKIES?
As a result of data conversion,
the conversion team is creating a document identifying converted data that did not have an
exact one-to-one relationship from the old systems into SKIES. It is anticipated that this document
will be distributed in draft form to each pilot site prior to pilot implementation with
the final document distributed before statewide implementation. This should assist staff
with finding the anomalous data converted from the old systems into SKIES.
January 4,
2002
Welcome to the January 4 edition of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on
SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange System). SKIES is a new
information technology system that is being developed to support case
management, labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES
web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents
information on:
-
Team Effort
Turns SKIES Performance Around
-
Data
Conversion: The Last Big Hurdle
-
All Eyes
Turn to January 10
-
SKIES Training Resumes January -
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for January 11
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Team Effort Turns
SKIES Performance Around
A special
effort by the SKIES project team and representatives from Oracle and IBM
have helped correct performance problems with the Services, Knowledge
and Information Exchange System (SKIES) application. “When you have
folks working day and night and through the holidays, it’s not about
collecting a paycheck,” said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director.
“It’s about caring and wanting to deliver a quality system that
makes a difference. I’m just so proud of everyone involved with the
project.” Currently, SKIES technology staff are stress testing the
system to ensure that it can handle 800 concurrent users. During a test
this week, project staff were able to take one server easily to 300
concurrent user sessions and didn’t experience performance issues
until hitting 395. With three servers dedicated to the SKIES
application, it appears the certification for 800 concurrent users is
just around the corner. “We’re feeling pretty good about system
performance at this point,” said Gary Mortenson, SKIES Project. “While
there are still more tests to run, if things continue on the present
course we should certify within a few weeks.” For more information,
contact Mortenson at (360) 438-4648.
Data Conversion:
The Last Big Hurdle
The
conversion of JobNet and WIA data files is the biggest remaining
challenge to the successful implementation of SKIES. More than 500,000
JobNet files and some 50,000 WIA files must be converted into the new
SKIES database for the system to function properly. “At this point the
biggest problem is duplicative data,” explained Jim DeBlasio, SKIES
Project Data Conversion Director. “When duplication occurs, the system
has a difficult time determining which data to populate on the SKIES
screens. And the only way to fix it is to get in there and clean it up.
Any assistance field staff can provide would be appreciated.” Toward
that end, WIA staff are encouraged to contact Larry Henderson, of
SkillSource in Wenatchee, for a new utility tool that can help flag
duplicative data in Dataflex files. Individuals can obtain the tool by
contacting Larry at 509- 663-3091 or by emailing him at
larry@picw.com. Employment Security
has also distributed instructions to local field offices on how to
clean-up JobNet Job Orders and Employer Record files. This included a
list of employer records to simplify the task and help minimize clean-up
after implementation. For more information, contact Rachel Johnston at
(360) 438-4674.
All Eyes Turn to
January 10
The next data conversion test
for SKIES will take place on January 10, according to Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project
Director. If all goes well, SKIES project staff should be able to complete SKIES data
conversion by February 1. The conversion includes some 500,000 JobNet files and nearly
50,000 WIA files. "This is an important moment for the project," said Zimmerman.
"If successful, we will be able to set the start date for the SKIES Pilots and wrap
up data conversion within the month. We are all working hard and keeping our fingers
crossed." For more information, contact Peggy Zimmerman at (360) 438-3227.
SKIES Training
Resumes January 7
After a three week break, SKIES
training will begin again on January 7. Information gathered from the last SKIES
teleconference indicates there are approximately 300 people left to receive formal
training. There is a remote chance of system delays on Monday, January 7, due to a
Department of Information Services statewide network reconfiguration on Sunday, January 6,
2002. "Problems are not anticipated," said Jan Oswold, SKIES Training Manager,
"but it's always better to be informed than surprised." The only other scheduled
training interruption will occur on January 18 for data conversion. Training will not be
able to take place on that day.
Updated
J-Initiator Can Be Installed Now
An earlier Forecast newsletter
shared that an upgraded Oracle J-Initiator would be necessary to enhance the performance
of the SKIES application. Since that time, CDs providing the updated and current versions
of the J-Initiator and a training manual have been distributed to WDC areas. "We
would like everyone to have the upgrade loaded by January 31," said Gary Mortenson,
SKIES Project. "Staff should not deinstall the old one. Just leave it on the computer
and it will automatically use the right one." For more information, contact Mortenson
at (360) 438-4648. Requests for J-Initiator CD's should be forwarded to Jeanette Nelson at
jcnelson@esd.wa.gov.
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for January 11
The SKIES Project
will hold its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES
implementation January 11, from
9 to 10 a.m. The number to call is 360-357-2911. Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to
participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in.
Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a
group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
December 11, 2001
Welcome to the December 11 edition of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on
SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange System). SKIES
is a new information technology system that is being developed to
support case management, labor exchange, management information and
performance measures for WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES web
site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This
edition presents information on:
-
Experts
Brought In To Help Tune SKIES
-
Current
JobNet Data Needed for Clear SKIES
-
SKIES
System Testing Complete
-
SKIES
Training Impacted By Pilot Delay
-
Updated
Java Initiator Needed for SKIES
-
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference Call Set
for December 14
-
SKIES
Q & A
Readers
that know individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact
Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution
list.
Experts
Brought In To Help Tune SKIES
Technology experts have been brought in to help rectify
performance problems with the SKIES application. An
earlier edition of Forecast shared that the SKIES database was having problems
communicating with the SKIES servers, which led to the postponement of the SKIES
Pilots. Since that time, Oracle representatives have fixed their software to improve
communication between the SKIES database and server, IBM has tuned the way forms run
through the SKIES application, and more memory has been added to each of the SKIES
servers. The result is vastly improved
performance of the SKIES application, according to Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project
Director. "We have said that we will not have anyone serving customers with
SKIES until we can ensure system performance," said Zimmerman. "While we feel we have put the corrections in
place, we now must test all the fixes to see how the application holds up." Starting
the evening of December 11, SKIES project staff will begin stress testing the application. The testing will continue every night until the
SKIES application can handle 800 concurrent work sessions (meaning 800 staff pushing a key
at the same time). Once system
performance have been met and certified, the SKIES Executive Oversight Committee will meet
to discuss a new schedule for
implementation. For more information, contact Zimmerman at (360)
438-3227.
Current JobNet Data Needed for Clear SKIES
The process of converting JobNet and Dataflex records
into SKIES has been a difficult task. SKIES project staff
familiar with the two existing computer systems have been thoroughly analyzing the
converted data elements for accuracy. Among the information is a large number of JobNet job orders that are ninety
days past the open date, but are still in open, hold or fully referred status. Also reflective in the sample data are a large
number of duplicate employer records. "The
old and duplicative data makes it really difficult for the SKIES application to determine
which data to populate into the different fields within SKIES," explained Rachel
Johnston, SKIES Project. "We really need
the help of the local field offices to clean this up." A
communication has gone out to local WorkSource offices that asked for help in cleaning up
job order lists, finalizing the status of job orders and combining employer records. "Your
efforts will greatly improve the accuracy of the job orders and employer records in
SKIES," added Johnston.
SKIES
System Testing Complete
The fourth and final cycle of testing of the
SKIES application has been completed, according the SKIES Project Director Peggy
Zimmerman. "This is a major milestone that has resulted in an improved system for
staff," said Zimmerman. "I'm so
proud of all the staff that worked so hard to make this happen." A total of 900 incidences were identified, tested,
repaired and then retested. The close out of
testing means that all the screens and fields within the SKIES application work as
originally specified in the project requirements document. For more information,
contact Zimmerman at (360) 438-3227.
SKIES
Training Impacted By Pilot Delay
The implementation delay of the SKIES pilots is
impacting training in different ways across the state, according to Jan
Oswold, SKIES
Training Manager. "Some areas are moving forward with SKIES training, while others
have decided to delay," said Oswold. "Whatever
the case, I encourage people not to wait too long before resuming the effort."
In the
Tri-Cities area, training continues. "Locally we have decided to
continue with SKIES training," said Tiffany Scott, of Columbia Basin. "We are now in the fourth week and have three more to
go." A firm believer in the 'Use it or Loose it'
saying, Scott is working with the Train-The-Trainer Team and Leadership to figure out what
can be done to ensure WorkSource staff are still ready to serve customers once
implementation occurs. "I am proud of the way WorkSource Columbia Basin Staff
have progressed above the technical challenges of the SKIES training environment,"
added Scott. "They are to be applauded
for their understanding and commitment to SKIES."
Updated
Java Initiator Needed for SKIES
An updated Oracle Java Initiator is needed to
enhance SKIES system performance, according to SKIES technology staff. "The new
Java initiator should be installed via CD or from the local area network to reduce overall
network demand," said Peter Mann, SKIES Project. Training
manuals and CDs providing the updated and current versions of the Java Initiator will be
distributed soon. Local staff should not load the new version of the J-Initiator until
SKIES project staff have communicated the proper time for installation. Requests
for J Initiator CDs should be forwarded to Jeanette
Nelson at jcnelson@esd.wa.gov.
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference Call Set for
December 14
The SKIES Project will hold its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES
implementation on December 14, from 9 to 10 a.m. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select
representatives to participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in. Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD
must participate via a group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more information, contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284.
SKIES
Questions and Answers
1. How does the SKIES Help Desk support SKIES users?
Support for SKIES users is provided through a
three-tiered approach. This assures the best customer service and the effective use of
available resources. The following is an overview of this three-tiered system.
Level
One Support
-
An
on-line SKIES Knowledge Base (available through the SKIES web site,
along with other useful SKIES resources), allows the front-end
customer access to a wide variety of customer service responses and
answers to user questions.
-
A
SKIES Discussion Board facilitates discussion among users. The
Discussion Board provides useful up-to-date on-line information and
encourages sharing of experiences. It is available through the SKIES
web site.
-
Each
WDA will designate a local SKIES User Support Coordinator(s) who is
available to customers within the WDA and who is fully SKIES
knowledgeable. The hours of availability are a local decision. Users
are encouraged to seek assistance from the local Support Coordinator
prior to contacting the SKIES help desk.
Level
Two (for problems
unresolved through Level One)
-
The SKIES Help Desk is available
Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00
pm. A SKIES e-mail address, an on-line help request form, and a
SKIES Help Desk phone line will be available to customers needing to
contact the Help Desk.
-
The
SKIES Help Desk phone line is available to provide immediate access
to Help Desk staff. In cases where immediate
help is necessary, and Help Desk staff are unable to immediately
resolve the problem, staff will refer the request to the appropriate
expert who will be responsible for making prompt follow-up contact
with the customer. All customer questions will be tracked through
Remedy (an on-line customer tracking database), assuring full
records and reporting capacity and assuring each request is properly
processed.
Level
Three (for problems unresolved through Level Two)
-
A
panel of SKIES experts will be available to respond to customer
queries that have not been resolved through Levels One and Two.
Remedy will be used to route customer requests to the appropriate
expert.
-
Experts
are also available by phone for immediate consultation with
customers as needed.
2. What are the likely
responsibilities for local SKIES User Support Coordinators?
The Local SKIES User Support Coordinator assures
the availability of localized user support for the SKIES application. Responsibilities may
include:
-
Expert
knowledge of the SKIES application and the local area policies,
procedures and business processes related to SKIES
-
Availability
of knowledgeable on-site assistance in each CDC or Affiliated site
office
-
Clarification on business issues or
problems related to implementation of SKIES Mail SKIES at the local level
-
Determination
of which problems are best resolved at the local level, and which
need to be elevated to the state level
-
Liaison
with state help desk to assure good communication and coordination
of user support
-
Collectection
of information about recommended revisions for consideration for
future versions
November
27, 2001
Special Edition - SKIES
Pilots Pushed Back Indefinitely
Continuing performance
problems have led the SKIES Executive Oversight Committee to indefinitely postpone the
start-up of the four SKIES pilot sites in Aberdeen, North Seattle, Port Angeles and
Vancouver. "We will not have anyone serving customers with SKIES until we can ensure
system performance," said Paul Trause, Employment Security Deputy Commissioner and
Chair of the committee. "While this is extremely disappointing for all of us, it
would be more disappointing to have staff trying to serve customers with an application
that is misbehaving." System analyst now believe the
problems are related to software capability. Essentially this means that a piece of
software that interprets from the SKIES database isn't communicating very well with the
SKIES server. To correct the problem, the SKIES Project brought in an Oracle expert to
change settings and work with the servers. However, a recent test showed that the changes
did not provide a solution.
Now, SKIES project
staff are looking at putting different software on the server which may
result in clearer communication with the software that does the
interpreting. In addition, the project will have experts from IBM,
Microsoft, and Oracle come in this week to complete a problem assessment
and recommend solutions. According to Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project
Director, no new dates for the pilots will be set until a solution has
been identified. "This is hard, and we appreciate all your patience
and support with the delays. I have posted on my desk "People will
forget how fast you did a job--but they remember how well you did
it" by Howard W. Newton," said Zimmerman. "Whoever he
is---I'm hanging on to this as a truth. Anyway, we should know more by
the end of next week and we will communicate it to staff via the
Forecast." For more information, contact Peggy Zimmerman at (360)
438-3227.
November 9, 2001
Welcome to the November 9 edition of Forecast - your electronic
newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange
System). SKIES is a new information technology system that is being
developed to support case management, labor exchange, management
information and performance measures for WorkSource Washington. For more
information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
Readers who know individuals
interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Nimda Virus Hits SKIES
SKIES development, testing and training was seriously hampered by the
Nimda virus that hit last week. Employment Security's core network was
almost brought down and some field offices are still being
impacted.
"It has affected areas of
the project in different ways," said Mark Borgaard, SKIES Testing
Manager. "Fortunately, we believe we can see the light at the end
of the tunnel with system testing." Currently, SKIES system testing
is on schedule to be complete by November 16. For more information,
contact Borgaard at (360) 438-4710.
SKIES Training Has Bumpy Week
SKIES training has been bumpy this week due to system performance issues
and mail delivery delays of SKIES training manuals. Over 900 SKIES paper
training manuals and 600 manuals on compact disks were mailed to field
offices for SKIES training.
"The anthrax scare has had a big impacts on the delivery of the
mail," said Jan Oswold, SKIES Training Manager. "We sent all
manuals out priority mail some time ago. If you haven't received them
you should shortly."
Poor system performance has
also made training a challenge. Fortunately, a performance test
conducted on Wednesday, November 7, surfaced some glitches in the way
some settings had been put into the SKIES browser. Changes have been
made and performance has improved markedly. Another test was conducted
the evening of November 8 to further tune performance. For more
information, contact Gary Mortenson at (360) 438-4648.
SKIES Power-Users Get Set For
Training
The first SKIES Power-User Training has been set November 16, from 9
a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Olympia Job Service Center - WorkSource
Affiliate. The training will provide SKIES Power-Users the knowledge to
access the SKIES Data Warehouse database for performance reporting
purposes.
Additional classes will be
held on November 30 and December 14 at the same location and time. Each
class will accommodate eleven trainees. Registration will be based on a
first come-first served basis. Registration submissions and questions
about the power-user training can be directed to Ina Schmidt. <mailto:ischmidt@esd.wa.gov>
SKIES Security Policy Released
A draft policy on SKIES security and administration was released for
comment last week, according to Joe Racek, SKIES Project. The purpose of
the draft policy is to provide direction for SKIES data sharing, data
disclosure and administration of system security. It also defines
requirements for access to SKIES data; defines roles and
responsibilities for SKIES system administration, data sharing,
disclosure and security administration; and assures compliance with
applicable laws, rules and policies that govern SKIES data.
This policy will apply to any
individual, agency, organization or entity with access to the SKIES
system. The draft policy is available on the SKIES web site at
<http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies/library.htm> . For more information,
or to submit comments on the policy, contact Joe Racek at <mailto:jracek@esd.wa.gov>
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference
Call Set for November 16
The SKIES Project will hold its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES
implementation on November 16, from 9 to 10 a.m. The number to call is
360-357-2911. Due to the limited number of ports, WDC areas are
encouraged to select representatives to participate in a group setting
rather than having individuals call in. Central Office and Lacey
Building staff for ESD must participate via a group call from the First
Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more information, contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES Questions and Answers
What is the process for making changes in the SKIES application?
The SKIES Project Team has received several suggestions to improve the
functionality of the SKIES application. They have all been recorded in
the project’s tracking tool. Most of the suggestions have been
previously identified through either system testing, user acceptance
test or during train-the-trainer. Some, however, have been categorized
as Release 2 candidates. Suggestions that were previously identified are
being addressed through an incident repair process, which includes:
However, SKIES users, the
Project Director, and project personnel may also submit a proposed
request for change. These requests are submitted to the SKIES Project
Director on SKIES Change Order Forms. When this occurs the SKIES team
leads will:
The Project Manager will then
review the Change Order, provide a detailed estimate of resources and
costs associated with the change, and then submit the information to the
Project Director for final review and decision by the Executive
Oversight Committee.
For more information, contact
Project Manager Gil Mendoza at (360) 438-4726.
Special edition
October 23 , 2001
SKIES Implementation Set for January 7
The implementation of SKIES
has been pushed back from December 3 to January 7 to provide additional time to correct
performance problems and test converted data. SKIES is the new information technology
system for WorkSource Washington. The decision to delay was made by the SKIES Executive
Oversight Committee after a recent analysis raised concerns about the performance of the
application. The committee is charged with the overall implementation of SKIES. "We
want the system to perform at the highest possible standard," said Paul Trause,
Employment Security Deputy Commissioner and chair of the committee. "To achieve that,
we need more time for tuning." The decision to delay implementation considered the
holiday season and the difficulty of bringing up the system in the middle of December.
Further, the delay allows more time to ensure all the streams of project activity are
integrated for implementation. "We could have been ready by the middle of December,
but it just didn't make sense to try to squeeze it in during the holiday season,"
said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director. "We have talked with several local area
people and they have been very supportive. Ultimately staff just want a system that works
and is reliable." For more information, please contact Peggy Zimmerman at (360)
438-3227.
Thanks to Future
SKIES Users
The implementation of a new
technology system is a monumental task for any organization. The SKIES Executive Oversight
Committee and SKIES Project staff would like to thank all of the future SKIES users for
their patience and perseverance during this time of change.
October
12 , 2001
Welcome to the October 12 edition
of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information
Exchange System). SKIES is a new information technology system that is
being developed to support case management, labor exchange, management information and
performance measures for WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES web site.
This
edition presents information on:
User
Acceptance Testing Concludes
SKIES Job Seeker Tab To Be Re-tested
SKIES Trainer Training Gets Into Full Swing
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference Call Set for 10/19
SKIES Q & A
Readers
that know individuals interested in receiving Forecast should contact
Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution
list.
User
Acceptance Testing Concludes
The User
Acceptance Test (UAT) of the SKIES application officially ended October 5, according to
Jan Peters, SKIES Project. However, some of the testers will continue with their work
until the SKIES pilots begins October 29. The UAT testers' findings have been submitted to
the SKIES Customer Service Center, where they were assessed and submitted to the
appropriate persons for repair/modifications. The UAT testers will also submit a
"Pass or Fail" evaluation of the SKIES application. When the findings and
evaluations are reviewed, a final UAT Report will be developed and submitted to the SKIES
Executive Oversight Committee. "We want to thank all the UAT testers who have helped
this past month on this crucial phase in the development of the SKIES application,"
said Peters. "Our thanks also go out to UAT developer Linda Groulx for providing an
excellent product to the SKIES project". Individuals assisting with User Acceptance
Tester were: Tom Leedy, Kathy Gross, Scher Gates, Karen Lane, Bruce
Nimmo, Larry Scott,
Suk Young, Gail Kallinen, Paul Jacobsen, Dona Piercey, Rueben Ruelas and Georgie Thomas.
SKIES
Job Seeker Tab Re-Tested
A large number
of incidents have been found in the Job Seeker Tab of the SKIES application during the
third cycle of SKIES testing, according to Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director. As a
result, the Job Seeker Tab will be re-tested next week. "This was expected and is a
good thing so we can make the necessary repairs," said Zimmerman. "However, we
were expecting the number of findings to diminish over this week and that hasn't
happened." Upon completion of the retest, an analysis will be conducted to determine
how the SKIES application is performing. Then the SKIES Executive Sponsors will meet
October 22 to decide whether to proceed with the SKIES Pilots scheduled to begin October
29. "If there are problems, it is possible the pilots will be delayed," added
Zimmerman. "If there are significant problems, the sponsors may determine that the
entire implementation schedule needs to be changed." More information on the testing
will be shared during the SKIES bi-weekly teleconference on October 19 (See fourth
article).
SKIES
Trainer Training Gets Into Full Swing
SKIES
Train-The-Trainer sessions begin in seven sites across the state on Monday, October 15.
"Eighty-nine staff from Employment Security and our WorkSource partners will be
participating in the trainer training," said Jan Oswold, SKIES Training Manager.
"The feedback on the UAT training was very positive and it is anticipated that this
next round will be even better." Trainer training will include instruction on the SKIES
application and training skills. For more details, contact Oswold at joswold@esd.wa.gov or (360) 438-4636.
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for October 19
The SKIES
Project will hold its next Bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation October 19,
from 9 to 10 a.m. The meeting will cover the Job Seeker Tab Retest and the possible Go/No
Go decision for the SKIES Pilots. The number to call is 360-357-2911. Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate in a
group setting rather than having individuals call. Central Office and Lacey Building staff
for ESD must participate via a group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey.
For more information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES
Question and Answer
When can we
expect to hear more about Version 2 of SKIES?
At
this point, the focus is on SKIES Version 1. We want users to have the
opportunity to explore and use the new system for at least six to nine
months following implementation. This will give users some time to
"forget" the old system and get comfortable with the new
system. Once that occurs, staff will be in a much better position to
provide information on what changes need to happen in Version 2. This
doesn't mean we don't have ideas for Version 2. We already have a long
list of suggested modifications/additions. With testing the SKIES
application, using it and then putting together a formal structure to
develop the next version, however, it will be at least one year before
we are ready with Version 2. In the mean time, staff should feel free to
forward any suggestions for Version 2 to the SKIES Project
September
28, 2001
Welcome to the September 28
edition of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge &
Information Exchange System).
SKIES is a new
information technology system that is being developed to support case
management, labor exchange, management information and performance
measures for WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES,
please visit the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition
presents information on:
SKIES Pilots
Pushed Back Two Weeks
Findings Roll in From User Acceptance Testers
UAT and Pilot Training Complete
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference Call Set for 10/5
SKIES Questions And Answer
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
SKIES Pilots
Pushed Back Two Weeks
The start-up date for the
SKIES pilots have been pushed back two weeks to October 29, according to SKIES Project
Director Peggy Zimmeran. The slight delay will provide the time necessary for SKIES
project staff to complete incident repairs and complete data conversion.
"The schedule
change was necessary to ensure the SKIES application is clean and
refreshed for the start of the pilots," explained Zimmerman.
"The good news is that this shouldn't impact the implementation
schedule and it will give sites more time to study and prepare for the
pilot. For more information, contact Zimmerman at 360-438-3227.
Findings
Roll in From User Acceptance Testers
The User Acceptance Test
(UAT)
for the SKIES application has begun and the findings from the testers are coming into the
Customer Service Center (help desk) on a daily basis.
A teleconference was
held today for all the UAT testers and other interested parties to
discuss progress to date. Discussions ranged from accessing SKIES from
the Internet to specific findings related to the SKIES application.
"The testers are
devoting a portion of each day to exploring and testing the
system," explained Jan Peters, SKIES Project. "Their findings
assist the SKIES Project Management in assessing the accuracy of the
SKIES application. Their work is critical to the success of the
project."
When UAT reports come
in, SKIES Project staff make repairs to the application where necessary.
The objective is to ensure that the SKIES application is clean and
refreshed for the start of the pilots in October. For more information,
contact Peters at 360-438-3258.
UAT and
Pilot Training Complete
The first round of SKIES
training was officially completed on September 21, 2001. "It was hectic getting ready
and the first couple of days required a lot of coordination," said Jan Oswold SKIES
Training Manager, but it was successful." Our hats are off to WorkSource North
Seattle and Vancouver Town Plaza for their efforts to make the training run as smoothly as
possible.
Tom Leedy, a Local
Veterans Employment Representative from WorkSource Moses Lake Affiliate,
wrote this letter to the SKIES Project to share his feedback on the
training.
"Just wanted to
say that in my humble opinion, the UAT training went extremely well. The
six instructors at the Vancouver location worked very well together,
were very patient and made sure our concerns got answered. For not
having done the training before as a complete presentation, they came
across very coordinated and backed each other up as needed. I think they
will do an even better job when they present the upcoming
"train-the-trainer" training. Looks like you have a solid
foundation in the core trainers. Keep up the good work."
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for October 5
The SKIES Project will hold
its next Bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on October 5, from 9 to 10 a.m.
The meeting will provide a recap on User Acceptance Testing, System Test and Pilot
Training. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to
participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in.
Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a
group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
Questions
and Answers
1. What is a Power Users?
There continues to be
inquiries by WorkSource partners regarding the exact definition and
purpose of a SKIES “power user”. The below listed is a general
description
One individual per
local Workforce Development area will be assigned to this role. The
System Partners will determine who to assign. This is a description of
recommended requirements. Of course, these requirements can be enhanced
to meet the specific needs of the local area.
Power User
Characteristics
A candidate for a power user
is someone who has demonstrated an aptitude for and an interest in technology. This role
requires attention to detail. The individual will also need to be a self-starter and able
to work independently as well as with others.
Minimum Requirements:
Experience in at
least one reporting tool. Examples are:
SQL, PL/SQL, Brio, SAS, Crystal Reports,
FileMaker, Access & Excel
Knowledge of the
data structures
Understanding of
how to assure accuracy of a report.
Completed power
user training as provided by central office. This will include the
following components: What is a Data Warehouse, Understanding the Data
and Data Confidentiality.
Responsibilities will
include the following:
Gathering reporting
requirements and documenting those needs.
Produce reports and/or files.
Checking reports for accuracy.
Develop and
maintain communication with other power users of the Work Source
partnerships, throughout the state; to share lessons learned, queries
developed, and best practices.
Other Suggestions:
It is recommend
that stakeholder buy-off of reports and/or files is obtained.
Following buy-off, reports and/or files are published or disseminated
to the intended recipients.
September
14, 2001
Welcome to the September 14 edition of
Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge
& Information Exchange System). SKIES is a new information
technology system that is being developed to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit
the SKIES web site. This edition
presents information on:
Third Cycle of
SKIES Testing Begins
SKIES Training is Underway
Twelve Staff Volunteer as User Acceptance Testers
SKIES Is The Limit For Montana
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for September 21
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Third Cycle of
SKIES Testing Begins
SKIES project staff completed
the second cycle of SKIES testing and will begin the third cycle today, according to Mark
Borgaard, SKIES System Test Manager. "We're optimistic about the testing to
date," said Borgaard, SKIES System Test Manager. "We're a little nervous about
interfaces still to be tested, but overall things are going well." The third cycle
will test all SKIES screens, including all converted job orders and job seeker data from
JobNet except seeker notes. The third cycle of testing is scheduled for completion October
10.
SKIES Training is
Underwayay
Training for the User
Acceptance Testers and Pilot office trainers started on September 10 in Seattle and
Vancouver. "There was a lot of activity and some frazzled nerves getting ready for
the event," said Jan Oswold Skies Training Manager, "but participants comments
on the progress of the training has made it all worth it."All participants have
received their SKIES Training and Reference Manual, which has become affectionately
referred to as "the SKIES door stop" due to its size. In the weeks ahead, pilot
trainers will be training their local office staff for the pilot exercise which start
October 15. User Acceptance Testers will be conducting their tests from September 24 to
October 5.
Twelve Staff
Volunteer as User Acceptance Testers
Thirteen staff have volunteered
to conduct User Acceptance Testing (UAT) for the SKIES application. They are Sher Gates
and Kathy Gross, Olympic WDA; Paul Jacobson and Donna Piercey, Pacific Mountain WDA; Karen
Lane, Seattle-King County WDA; Suk Young and Larry Scott, Tacoma-Pierce WDA; Gail Kallinen
and Bruce Nimmo, Southwest Washington WDA; Tom Leady and Ruben Ruelas, North Central WDA;
and Georgie Thomas from ESD's Corrections Clearinghouse. The UAT testers will test the
SKIES application in their own offices. They will conduct the test in a simulated business
environment using scripts that have been pre-designed, as well as scripts that they will
create during their training in Vancouver. The UAT findings will be submitted to a SKIES
Help Desk at the end of each working day. From these findings, SKIES project staff will be
able to continue determining the level of accessibility and accuracy of the SKIES
application. For information contact Jan Peters at
(360) 438-3258.
SKIES Is The
Limit For Montana
The State of Montana has
adopted the SKIES application as the information technology system for its workforce
development system. It will support case management, labor exchange, management
information and performance measures. "This is a testament to all the hard work
Washington has put forth to create a vibrant technology system that truly supports the
one-stop business model of delivering employment and training service," said Peggy
Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director. "All the staff involved in SKIES should feel proud
of this compliment." Washington will send the SKIES application and necessary coding
to Montana by the end of the month.
Bi-Weekly
SKIES Conference Call Set for September 21
The SKIES Project will hold its
next Bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on September 21, from 9 to 10 a.m. The meeting will provide a recap of User
Acceptance Testing and Pilot Training. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited number of
ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate in a group
setting rather than having individuals call in. Central Office and Lacey Building staff
for ESD must participate via a group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey.
For more information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
August
31, 2001
Welcome to the August 31
edition of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services,
Knowledge & Information Exchange System). SKIES is a new information
technology system that is being developed to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit
the . This edition presents
information on:
Second Cycle of
SKIES Testing Nears Completion
Bandwidth and Field Performance Testing Complete
Local Trainer Training In October
User Acceptance Training Comes to Vancouver
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for September 7
Readers that know individuals
interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Second Cycle of SKIES Testing Nears
Completion
SKIES project staff have found 313
incidences during the first two cycles of testing the SKIES application.
Of those, 290 have been repaired, with the remaining 23 slated for
completion by the beginning of next week. "Our testers and
developers are putting forth an unbelievable effort to bring this
project up," said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director. "At
this point, we are on schedule for implementation." SKIES project
staff will begin testing all the fixes that have been put in place by
the developers Tuesday, September 4. Once that testing is complete, the
project will move forward with the third cycle of testing on September
10.
Bandwidth and Field Performance Testing
Complete
Over the past few weeks, SKIES contact
teams have been visiting WDC areas to determine Internet bandwidth and
SKIES network performance. "The test results confirmed what we
already knew," said Gary Mortenson, Technical Project for the SKIES
Project. SKIES performs well at sites with high bandwidth capacity and
slow at those sites that have low speed connections. The bottom line is
that some locations will need line upgrades to insure adequate line
capacity." Information Technology staff with the SKIES Project have
developed the following table to determine bandwidth capacity based on
network connections at each location. The line speeds should meet the
needs of the business. Offices with 50 computers or more will need a
full T-1 line. Offices with 25 to 49 computers will need a T-1 (CIR
768), and offices with five to 24 computers will need a T-1 (CIR 512).
Line upgrade priorities have been established by SKIES management, with
pilot and training sites having highest priority. The SKIES Executive
Oversight Committee will review a complete list of sites and budget
implications next week. Once decisions are made, a complete list of line
upgrades for each location supported by ESD will be distributed. For
information, contact Mortenson at (360) 438-4648.
Local
Trainer Training Set for October
Staff who have been chosen to
be SKIES local trainers will receive their training from October 15,
2001 to October 26, 2001. The only exception is the Benton-Franklin WDA
which will start training on October 22, 2001 to November 2, 2001. State
trainers are finalizing the training sites across the state and will
communicate the locations very soon through e-mail to each trainer. For
more details, contact Jan Oswold at joswold@esd.wa.gov or (360)
438-4636.
User
Acceptance Training Comes to Vancouver
UAT ( User Acceptance Test)
testers from around the state will convene in Vancouver from September
10 through September 21 for SKIES training. They will be joining
Vancouver staff who will be involved in the Vancouver pilot testing.
Immediately after training, the UAT testers will test their knowledge
and the SKIES application in their own offices. They will be conducting
this test in a simulated business environment using scripts that have
been designed for this test, as well as scripts that they will create
during their training in Vancouver. UAT findings will be submitted to a
SKIES Help Desk at the end of each working day. From these findings,
SKIES project staff will be able to continue determining the level of
accessibility and accuracy of the SKIES application. "We appreciate
staff volunteering their time to conduct this important phase of the
SKIES project," said Peggy Zimmerman. UAT testing is the second of
three tests that will occur from August through October.
Bi-Weekly SKIES Conference Call Set for
September 7
The SKIES Project will hold its next
Bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on September 7, from 9
to 10 a.m. The meeting will cover User Acceptance Testing and
Pilot. The number to call is 360-357-2911. Due to the limited number of
ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate
in a group setting rather than having individuals call in. Central
Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a group
call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
August
17, 2001
Welcome to the August 17 edition of Forecast - your electronic
newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange
System).
SKIES is a new information technology system that is being
developed to support case management, labor exchange, management
information and performance measures for WorkSource Washington.
For more information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES web site at
http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents information on:
· SKIES Testing
Surfaces Few Errors
· Three new SKIES Pilot
Sites Selected
· UAT and Pilot Office
Training Moves Forward
· User Acceptance
Testing Slated for September
· SKIES Bi-Weekly
Teleconference Call Set for August 24
· SKIES Q & A
Readers who know individuals interested in receiving Forecast,
should contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to
the distribution list.
SKIES Testing Surfaces Few Errors
SKIES project staff found 158 incidences during the first two
cycles of testing the SKIES application (the second cycle of testing is
still underway). Of those, only five were fatal errors and all were
easily corrected.
"We have enjoyed a very small percentage of incidences for
a major technology project," said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project
Director. "At this point, we are on schedule for
implementation."
SKIES project staff will continue to test the application over
the next three weeks. At least three cycles of testing will be
needed to finalize system testing. Once that is successfully
completed, the project will move forward with User Acceptance Testing,
followed by Pilot Office Testing.
"The testers continue to burn the midnight oil to bring
this project in on schedule," added Zimmerman. "We
appreciate all their hard work."
Three More Offices Selected As SKIES Pilots
Three new
WorkSource offices have been selected as pilots for testing the SKIES
Application in a "real time" field environment.
The sites
are WorkSource Grays Harbor in Aberdeen, WorkSource Clallam County
Affiliate in Port Angeles and WorkSource North Seattle. The fourth
site, Vancouver Town Plaza, was announced in the last edition of
Forecast.
"These
new sites offer us a great mix of service delivery areas, ranging from
rural and city to WorkSource Center and Affiliate," said Peggy
Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director. "We're happy to have them
on board and look forward to working with them."
For more information, contact
Zimmerman at (360) 438-3227.
UAT and Pilot Office Training
Moves Forward
The first
round of SKIES training will be those WorkSource staff who have been
identified as User Acceptance Testers (UAT) and Pilot office trainers.
Training
for UAT testers and Vancouver pilot trainers will take place in
Vancouver at WorkSource Vancouver Town Plaza. Training for the
pilot trainers in Aberdeen, Port Angles and North Seattle offices will
take place at WorkSource North Seattle. Training at both sites
begins at 1:00 PM on September 10 and ends at Noon on September 21.
Testers and
trainers will receive training on SKIES, as well as instruction in how
to test and record information about the application during the test and
pilot periods.
If
you have questions about this training, contact Jan Oswold at joswold@esd.wa.gov
or (360)
438-4636.
User Acceptance Testing Slated
for September
Each Workforce Development
Area has been asked to designate two staff to conduct User Acceptance
Testing September 24 through October 5.
The testing will require each
staff to dedicate four hours a day for two weeks to test the SKIES
Application in a simulated business environment.
"Testers can think of it
as the ultimate office sandbox," said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES
Project Director. "They
will be the first to play with SKIES to test business events ranging
from job matching and employment plans to job orders and
referrals."
The volunteers will be trained
for User Acceptance Testing September 10-21. For
more information, contact Jan Oswold at joswold@esd.wa.gov or (360)
438-4636.
SKIES Teleconference Call Set
for August 24
The SKIES Project will hold
its next Bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on August 24,
from 9 to 10 a.m.
The meeting will provide a
status report on application development, schedule, business preparation
and training. SKIES project staff will
also discuss system testing, including incidences and the expected date
for completion. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited number of
ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate
in a group setting rather than having individuals call in. Central
Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a group
call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For
more information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
1. Is there any training
needed prior to learning the SKIES application?
It has become apparent as we
move toward implementation that there is some confusion about the scope
of SKIES training. The training is designed to teach the SKIES
application, including how data is entered and
retrieved. The training curriculum is based
on the assumption that staff have already been trained in WIA program
eligibility requirements and O*NET/SOC codes. While
training in these program areas is essential, it is outside of the scope
of SKIES.
These training’s are outside
the scope of SKIES and should already have been provided to staff before
they attend SKIES training. New staff that have not been
exposed to programs, either case management or labor exchange activities
should be trained in these areas before they receive training in SKIES.
SKIES will serve as a good support tool but it will never
replace the need to have well trained staff who understand the program
requirements they are working with and employ the counseling skills
needed to provide quality customer service.
July 6, 2001
Welcome to the July 6 edition of
Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information
Exchange System).
SKIES is a new information technology system that is
being developed to support case management, labor exchange, management
information and performance measures for WorkSource Washington.
This edition presents
information on:
SKIES Access
Criteria Established
JInitiator Powers SKIES
Training Coordinators Meeting Set for July
SKIES Gets Good Marks for Communcation
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for July 13
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
SKIES Access
Criteria Established
The need to protect client
information has led the SKIES Executive Oversight Committee to adopt formal criteria for
accessing the SKIES system.
“While universal
access is a cornerstone of SKIES and WorkSource, we need to do
everything possible to protect our clients personal information,” said
Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project Director.
A person will be able
access SKIES when/if:
their agency or
organization has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the local
Workforce Development Council (WDC);
their agency or
organization has a signed data sharing agreement;
they have
completed SKIES training (extent of required training to be
determined by the local Council); and
they have signed
a notice or oath of confidentiality.
“This means that an
individual may have access to SKIES even though they may work in a
satellite office or a remote location,” added Zimmerman. “The access
will be predicated on the individual meeting the criteria and not on
where they are located.”
Another method of
access to SKIES will be through a contract for services that a local WDC
or the state may have for evaluation and/or research purposes.
Confidentiality of data will be included as a condition of the contract.
Oracle's
JInitiator Powers SKIES
Oracle’s
JInitiator must be installed on all WorkSource computers that need to
access and use the SKIES application. The Java plug-in enables the SKIES
application to run directly within Internet Explorer on the Windows95/98
and Windows NT4.0 platforms.
A CDROM with the
current version of JInitiator will be available to all SKIES LAN,
Desktop Support, and select support personnel. The JInitiator should be
installed either from a local CDROM or from a shared device on the local
area network. Downloads across the wide area network can take from
twenty to fifty minutes depending on bandwidth and line speed, and place
unnecessary demand on network bandwidth.
The JInitiator will
be ready within two weeks. To obtain a CDROM copy of Oracle’s
JInitiator at that time, contact Jeannette Nelson at (360)
438-3284. More details about the JInitiator are available at JInitiator.
Training
Coordinators Conference Planned for July
A SKIES Training Coordinators
Conference will be held the end of July, according the SKIES Training Manager Jan
Oswold.
The exact date and location are being determined.
"The conference
will be a time for all the coordinators to discuss their important role
in SKIES implementation ," said Oswold. "It's important that
all the coordinators come together as a team."
Additional
information will be provided to coordinators and area management in the
near future.
SKIES Gets
Positive Marks for Communication
The department recently
received positive marks for communication on SKIES development and implementation.
A survey that was
sent out to some 2,000 people found some 91 percent of people ranked the
SKIES Forecast newletter very useful (57%) to Interesting, but not very
useful (34%). Nine percent of respondent found that the newsletter was
not interesting or useful.
"Clearly, the
SKIES Forecast has proven to be a very useful tool for keeping people
informed about SKIES," said Joe Racek, Employment Security
Department. "Further it's distribution was found to be very
effective with 91 percent of respondents saying they receive the SKIES
Forecast."
Other survey data
showed the majority of people have visited the SKIES website and that 59
percent found it very useful and 29 percent found it at least
interesting. The Frequently Asked Questions page is the most popular
feature of the site.
SKIES Bi-Weekly
Teleconference Set for July 13
The SKIES Project will
hold its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on July 13, from 9 to 10
a.m. The meeting will provide a status report on application development, schedule,
business preparation and training. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to
participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in.
Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a
group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey.
For more information,
contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
June
22, 2001
Welcome to the June 22nd edition of Forecast - your electronic
newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange
System). SKIES is a new information technology system that is being
developed to support case management, labor exchange, management
information and performance measures for WorkSource Washington. For more
information about SKIES, please visit the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents
information on:
Information
Services Board Presentation
State of Montana Looks to SKIES
What's Hot & What's Not in SKIES
SKIES Application Frozen
SKIES BI-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for June 15th
SKIES Q & A
Readers that know
individuals interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette
Nelson at (360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Information
Services Board (ISB) Presentation
Dr. Sylvia
Mundy, ESD Commissioner and Paul Trause, Deputy Commissioner provided
the Information Services Board with information on SKIES budget and
schedule on June 12th. A board member commented on SKIES, “In a
project there are three drivers, budget, schedule, and quality. It is
clear that quality is the highest driver in SKIES and that is as it
should be”. The presentation went well.
Montana Looks To
Skies
The state of
Montana is currently working with Washington to transfer the SKIES
application to their state for their one-stop system. The project lead
and the technology lead will be joining our teleconferences and
receiving the Forecast to stay abreast of the work we are doing. We
are excited about this opportunity and look forward to working closely
with the state of Montana.
What's Hot in
Skies
The ability to
have both an active Work Readiness Plan and Employment Plan will be
available in SKIES. The Work Readiness Plan will assist staff in
recording other needed services necessary for the customer that are
not directly tied to training. This form should be available for
viewing soon through screen shots provided on the SKIES Website.
Application
Frozen
As noted in the
last Forecast, the SKIES application has been frozen. System testing
has started on the System Administration tab. The next tab to be
tested will be Staff Functions, we will then move to the Provider tab,
the Employer tab, and finally the Job Seeker tab. The final code
changes to the Job Seeker are underway and expect to be completed by
the first week of July.
The project plan has
been worked and worked to accommodate all of the testing and that must
happen before implementation. At this time, implementation will be the
end of November.
SKIES BI-Weekly
Teleconference Set for July 13th
The SKIES
Project will hold its next BI-weekly teleconference on SKIES
implementation on July 13, from 9 to 10 a.m. The meeting will provide
a status report on application development, schedule, business
preparation and training. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited
number of ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to
participate in a group setting rather than having individuals call in.
Central Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a
group call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES Questions
and Answers
1. Who
will be responsible for data entry? Will this mean that data will be
entered twice? (Our system STARS & SKIES?)
The
Counselor will enter the information in the system as they work with the
customer.
2. Can ability
to basic self-register be added on, as an enhancement? As Gary Gallwas
says, our philosophy has changed to "one stop self service".
No, SKIES is a
staff mediated system. Confidential information is collected from
customer into SKIES. It is not appropriate to have customers, neither
job seekers nor employers, to have access to SKIES. However; When
applicants register on the Go2WorkSource.com Website, will they be
registered in SKIES automatically.
Questions
related to various aspects of entering data into SKIES?
Please go to the
SKIES Training web page
to view the screen shots.
June
8, 2001
Welcome to the June 8th edition of Forecast -
your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange
System).
SKIES is a new information
technology system that is being developed to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit
the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents
information on:
SKIES Pilot Site Meeting
Job Initiator Installation
Coordination of Training Facilities
SKIES Application To Freeze
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for June 15th
SKIES Q & A
Readers that know individuals
interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
SKIES Pilot Site Meeting
SKIES Project Manager Peggy
Zimmerman and representatives from across the state met today to discuss the pro's and
con's involved in becoming a "Pilot Site" for SKIES. There was a great deal of
good information gathered by all, as well as a clearer picture of what would be expected
if picked to run the pilot. While there are many issues to work out in the details, we
will be sending out pilot site selection criteria by June 13th. In addition the centers
interested will submit a proposal for consideration in writing by June 29th
SKIES Java Initiator Installation
The J-initiator is a software
program that is essentially the "engine" necessary to launch the SKIES
application. It was determined during installation of the Oracle J-Initiator that it
required the use of excessive network bandwidth. To reduce network demand during
installation of the J-Initiator it is highly recommended that installation be performed
from CD or from the local area network. CD's providing the current version of the
J-Initiator will be provided to SKIES staff. Request for CD's should be forwarded to Jeanette Nelson.
Scouting Local SKIES Training
Facilities
There will be access to the
SKIES training database from outside the Department of Information (DIS) firewall for
those areas that would like to use facilities that are not connected to DIS. "There
will be two methods of accessing the training data using unique student logons when local
user training occurs this fall.". said Jan Oswold SKIES Training Manager. For
more information on the conference, call Peggy Zimmerman at (360) 438-3227.
SKIES Application to Freeze
It may look like
summer today but the SKIES project is thinking freezing. Freezing the
scope of the application, that is. “It is time to make the tough
decisions and limit the additional changes in the application. That time
is now”, says Peggy Zimmerman, Project Director. The items that are
left to be coded will enhance the users ability to move around in the
system, ensure that individual and group correspondence works well, and
the application collects all the required reporting requirements. A
recommendation will go to the Executive Sponsors on Monday for the cost
of the remaining items to be programmed. It is anticipated the coding
would be completed with 2 and a half weeks. Once those are approved, no
additional functions will be added to version 1.
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Set for
June 15
The SKIES Project will hold
its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on June 15, from 9 to 10 a.m.
The meeting will provide a status report on application development, schedule, business
preparation and training. The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited number of
ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate
in a group setting rather than having individuals call in. Central
Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a group
call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES Questions and Answers
1. What is the relationship
or interaction with the CSO's and SKIES? How do you envision this
occurring?
If a local CSO is certified
as an WorkSource Affiliate or Center, they will have access to SKIES
(Internet platform). It would require the "users" to meet
the access criteria:
Employee of an agency or
organization that has signed on to the WDC Memorandum of Agreement
Employee of an agency or
organization that has signed the data sharing agreement/resource
sharing agreement
Has completed SKIES
training
Has signed an Oath of
Confidentiality
2. Are reports “real time”?
The list of reports under the
“report tab” in the application is real time reports. Reports will
also be made available through a file that will be sent to each local
Workforce Development Area that has that WDA’s information.
Questions related to various
aspects of entering data into SKIES?
View the screen shots.
May 25, 2001
Welcome to the May 25 edition of Forecast - your electronic newsletter
on SKIES (Services, Knowledge & Information Exchange System).
SKIES is a new information
technology system that is being developed to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit
the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents
information on:
SKIES Pilot Sites Needed
Local Offices Comment On Implementation Planning
Talk Training At SKIES Chat Room
Trainers Get Head Start With SKIES DEMO
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference Call Set for June 1
SKIES Q & A
Readers that know individuals
interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
Pilots Needed For SKIES
Take-Off
The state is looking for a
couple of "good sites" to serve as pilots for testing the
SKIES application.
“The sites selected will
have to be courageous and brave with keen observation skills, and
willing to leap over challenges,” said Peggy Zimmerman, SKIES Project
Director. “We have had several areas that indicated an interest in
being selected, but we don't want to overlook any site that would like
to discuss the possibilities.”
Staff from interested
WorkSource sites will meet to discuss pilot responsibilities and
challenges on June 8, from 9:30 to Noon, at the Employment Security
Lacey Building, 1st floor conference room. The purpose of the pilot is
to evaluate the performance of the application in a business
environment. “We are hoping to identify one urban and one rural site,”
added Zimmerman.
For more information, contact
Zimmerman at pzimmerman@esd.wa.gov or
360.438.3227.
Local Offices Comment On
Business Preparation Planning
The SKIES Project has been
incorporating comments received back from local WorkSource sites on the
DRAFT business planning approach that will be used for implementation of
SKIES.
“The feedback ranged from it
doesn’t work for their office to please provide more detail,” said
Rachel Johnston, SKIES Project.
The goal of the implementation
preparedness planning is to provide offices with a set of criteria, in a
checklist format, to ensure local areas know everything necessary for
implementation and how to use SKIES as a tool to support their business
process.
The reworked, Final Schedule
and Implementation Preparedness Instructions should be ready for
distribution by June 8.
Go2SKIES Prepares Staff For
Transition To SKIES
Local area training
coordinators and local area trainers are encouraged to visit the
go2skies Demo to become more familiar with SKIES application.
“View the latest SKIES
screens,” said Jan Oswold, SKIES Training Manager. “Note the
extensive use of drop down lists, check boxes, and yes/no buttons that
assist the user in completing the forms while standardizing the data
collection. The more experience you (trainers) have using the system,
the easier it will be for you to train and mentor other users.”
Staff are encouraged to send
any questions about the demo or training in general to the SKIES
Discussion Room: All Things Training.
Talk SKIES Training On-Line
The SKIES web site Discussion
Room is a great place to get your training-related questions answered.
SKIES is the new information technology tool to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington.
“Training
on how to use this tool will determine, in part, the success we have in
moving from Dataflex and JobNet to SKIES,” said Jan Oswold, SKIES
Training Manager. “Share your opinions, offer suggestions, and raise
issues you have related to SKIES training under All Things Training.”
SKIES Bi-Weekly Teleconference
Set for June 1
The SKIES Project will hold
its next bi-weekly teleconference on SKIES implementation on June 1,
from 9 to 10 a.m. The meeting will provide a status report on
application development, schedule, business preparation and training.
The number to call is 360-357-2911.
Due to the limited number of
ports, WDC areas are encouraged to select representatives to participate
in a group setting rather than having individuals call in. Central
Office and Lacey Building staff for ESD must participate via a group
call from the First Floor Conference Room in Lacey. For more
information, contact Jeanette Nelson at (360) 438-3284.
SKIES Questions and Answers
1. Is SKIES training being
coordinated between all partners and affiliates and when will training
begin?
Training on the SKIES system
will be for all partners, both Center and Affiliates. Training for
implementation will begin in early September.
2. Who can receive the electronic Forecast newsletter?
Anyone who would like to
have a copy will be put on the list. Contact Jeanette Nelson at jcnelson@esd.wa.gov
, she will send them an electronic form to be completed and just like
that, they will receive the electronic newsletter.
3. How much information from
JobNet will be converted into SKIES?
All of the job order
information, employer information and intake of job seeker
information.
4. On the job seeker &
employer sections, will there be fields left blank to allow specific
WDA’s to customize according to their needs?
In some screens, local WDAs
will be able to add to the values list to customize to their areas.
May 11, 2001
Welcome to the May 11 edition
of Forecast - your electronic newsletter on SKIES (Services, Knowledge
& Information Exchange System). SKIES is a new information
technology system that is being developed to support case management,
labor exchange, management information and performance measures for
WorkSource Washington. For more information about SKIES, please visit
the SKIES web site at http://www.wa.gov/esd/skies.
This edition presents information on:
ONET/SCANS Crosswalk Delayed
Training Coordinators
Meeting Set
SKIES DEMO Hits the Road
SKIES Bi-Weekly
Teleconference Call Set for May 18
SKIES Q & A
Readers that know individuals
interested in receiving Forecast, should contact Jeanette Nelson at
(360) 438-3284 to have them added to the distribution list.
ONET/SCANS Crosswalk Delayed
The ONET/SCANS Skills
crosswalk will not be available for Phase I of SKIES implementation due
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