Improved Financial Management with Cloud-Based Budgeting
Abstract
An agency of an intergovernmental organization used cloud to digitize its institutional post budgeting process. The new cloud-based system automated key processes and improved tracking and utilization of funds, ensuring compliance with parent organization’s policies.
Cloud-based transformation of the budgeting system
The agency decided to use Oracle Planning and Budgeting Cloud Service (PBCS) system to digitize its institutional post budgeting process. When our team (Infosys Public Services) started the implementation program, we realized that the process was too complex for the PBCS system to support out of the box.
Stage 1: Proof of concept
We worked with different stakeholders from the agency to understand the key features and requirements that they wanted in the new system. The team then created a small proof of concept, leveraging PBCS framework to show how the system would support these requirements and digitize the budgeting process. The demo was successful and inspired confidence within the agency to continue with a full-blown implementation.
The program was not without its challenges. Since documentation about the process and the system was limited, the team brainstormed to finalize the requirements and features required in the new system.
Product workshops and demonstrations, documentation and walk through of requirements, and agile development ensured that the project was executed successfully on time and within budget.
Stage 2: System implementation
The agency realized that the program will entail certain customizations to the PBCS system. Our team conducted extensive workshops to document all the requirements and used this information to create a set of configurations and customizations.
The team adopted an agile approach consisting of four sprints to build the entire solution. This allowed the team to effectively manage scope and requirements changes, and at the same time, enable faster adoption of the new system and the process.
Benefits from the cloud- based budgeting system
The first phase of the project is live and the agency is using the system for the 2020- 21 biennial budgeting activities. Initial outcomes are encouraging.
