New system to support IRRI staff nears implementation

OCS, or One Corporate System, is a new software that IRRI is adopting to help staff manage projects, human resources, and finances, and perform other administrative functions.

In the last quarter of 2012, OCS will start replacing outdated, costly, and unsupported administrative and management software systems currently in use at IRRI. OCS will provide a more efficient and effective administration service to IRRI staff.

OCS Phase 1 Go Live is scheduled for October 2012 starting with Human Resources and Project Management. Phase 2 Go Live will start in November with Finance, Procurement, and Internal Trading. It is important to note that the phased rollout is just the beginning, with only a few basic functionalities at work. Over time, each new phase will make more functions available. Once the OCS phased rollout begins, the IRRI Helpdesk will provide OCS technical support.

Focus group briefings will be held in August and early September across IRRI to further inform staff about OCS and the changes related to its deployment. Following this, OCS training will be held for all staff. 

OCS is part of IRRI’s strategy to improve processes and partnerships within the CGIAR. IRRI can expect OCS to have the capacity to boost efficiencies and collaboration across the CGIAR centers and research programs, such as GRiSP—the Global Rice Science Partnership.

IRRI is one of the CGIAR centers leading the development and implementation of OCS. Joining IRRI in the first wave of implementing OCS this year are the International Potato Center (CIP), Consortium Office, and Worldfish. Later, OCS will be implemented by AfricaRice and the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Bioversity International, the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), and World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF).

The OCS Steering Committee in IRRI is led by Norman Macdonald (chairman), Eric Clutario (project manager), Corinta Guerta (project/donor management), Fiona Farrell (human resources), Sunil Jhunjhunwala (finance), Elisa Panes (treasury), Melba Aquino (budget), Hiram Gomez (procurement), Sarah Beebout (research), Marco van den Berg (information technology), and Sophie Clayton (communications).

For more information on OCS, visit their FAQs page or contact Elemarie Rosellon, IRRI’s internal communication specialist for the project.