PeopleSoft has been instrumental in helping organizations run mission-critical business processes for more than twenty years. Yet, many companies only have the resources to focus on application maintenance and support, and therefore don’t spend enough time thinking about how to best optimize their environment. The below strategy is a proven path to maximizing your PeopleSoft investment.
Your organization made a significant investment in PeopleSoft and you’ve seen first-hand the benefits of automation and standardization. Oracle recently announced support for PeopleSoft through at least 2027. New development and strategic investments in the software platform will focus on usability and functionality.
Take advantage of new functionality
The latest versions of PeopleSoft have introduced new functionality that can make a positive impact on your business. Many of these changes focus on the user experience. Elasticsearch, for example, is a new search capability. Unlike previous module-specific searches, Elasticsearch allows you to search across the entire PeopleSoft application. It is designed for horizontal scalability, reliability and easy management, and improves search efficiency and performance. It is also easier to deploy and maintain than previous search capabilities PeopleSoft has supported.
Similarly, the Fluid User Interface brings a seamless mobile experience to PeopleSoft. This is a device-independent capability that works on mobile devices and tablets as well as desktop computers, improving productivity and efficiency. With it’s responsive web design, PeopleSoft applications can show more or less content based on the screen size and orientation (i.e., landscape or portrait) of the device. It happens dynamically and works like the other mobile device apps you use today.
Workcenters, introduced in PeopleSoft version 9.2, is another valuable user experience feature. Workcenters are delivered within each of the modules and are designed to consolidate and streamline daily work activities, reducing user errors and improving efficiency.
It’s easier than ever to stay current
Most organizations know that 9.2 is the last PeopleSoft version. However, this doesn’t mean the application will remain static. PeopleSoft 9.2, uses a continuous update process managed by the PeopleSoft Update Manager, or the PUM. PUM delivers flexibility, efficiencies and significant cost savings.
The PUM makes it easier than ever to stay current because new functionality is available immediately and the delivery of new functionality is greatly simplified. Customers no longer have to wait for a new release of the entire PeopleSoft package; applying patches and fixes work the same way. Organizations can implement only what they need, when it makes the most sense. Additionally, development cycles are faster and features are released more quickly.
Ensure you have the latest security updates
Staying current on the latest PeopleSoft version ensures you have the latest security updates, reducing your organization’s exposure to data theft and other cybercrimes.
Staying current includes your user community
Engaging a user base is a great way to ensure your organization is getting the most out of your ERP investment, and PeopleSoft has a very active user community. There are many opportunities to connect with other users and develop a network of information sharing, insight and assistance with troubleshooting. Regional users groups (RUGS) are especially valuable for introducing you to peers from local institutions. National conferences allow for broader networking and offer a good opportunity to hear from vendors, first hand, about product direction.
Summary
PeopleSoft has been instrumental in helping organizations run mission-critical business processes for more than twenty years. Yet, many companies don’t spend enough time thinking about how to best optimize their environment. Get the Four Essential Strategies to Optimize your PeopleSoft Environment and you have a proven path to maximizing your PeopleSoft investment to achieve better business outcomes.
