January 12, 2001

"A change for the better" is how Jeff Davis, senior vice president for Human Resources, describes the iBridge project, which is comprised of the new PeopleSoft Human Resources (HR)/Payroll system, the new Kronos timekeeping system and the overall improvements being made to employment-related processes.

The new systems were demonstrated in December for MGH managers and timekeepers who received each session with great enthusiasm.

At the demonstration sessions, the iBridge project team previewed the new system, while Davis demonstrated the need for improvement by ripping up merit increase and other human resource forms. He told audience members to "forget about them" because of a major function of the new web-based HR/Payroll system will be to eliminate the hospital's current time-consuming paper processes by providing automated timekeeping and manager and employee self-service.

Through the system, managers can view their unit's HR/Payroll information on their computer workstation and perform standard HR transactions such as merit increases. Employees also will be able to perform routine tasks such as address changes.

Following the demonstration, Davis (at left) spoke about the amount of change that the iBridge project brings to the MGH. He acknowledged that for some employees, the new system will be intuitive and easy to adapt to; for others, who are not as comfortable with technology, more training and support will be needed. The iBridge project team plans to address issues through frequent communication and training so that employees are as comfortable as possible with the new system.

The name iBridge was chosen because the new system will act as an "information bridge" between employees and their important HR/Payroll information needs. The iBridge project is being led by Bob Giunta of Partners Human Resources, with Davis as the MGH sponsor. With a planned FY'02 implementation, more information about iBridge will be offered during the coming year.

For more information, call Traci Knoblaouch at 726-8457.