update The Australian Nuclear and Science Technology Organisation (ANSTO) plans to upgrade SAP systems that currently support its management of radioactive materials and nuclear research projects.
ANSTO chairman, Dr Ziggy Switkowski
(Credit: ANSTO)
ANSTO, Australia's peak nuclear research agency, which is chaired by ex-Telstra CEO and pro-nuclear energy lobbyist Ziggy Switkowski, is planning a major overhaul of its SAP systems, which were implemented in 2002 by technology consultancy Bearing Point.
The systems currently support research planning, materials management, finance, projects, as well as HR and payroll requirements for the agency's 950 staff. The systems also support the manufacturing systems of its Radiopharmaceuticals division.
The overhaul will address a looming 2009 deadline to its existing support arrangements with SAP. According to tender documents, failing to upgrade its SAP systems would cause it "significant business risk" from 2010 onwards.
The upgrade will attempt to remedy the problems caused by inaccurate master data and insufficient training, which have impacted the SAP system's reporting and planning features, according to ANSTO.
The systems' problems stem from ANSTO failing to conduct a business process review prior to the initial implementation in 2002. This led to the adoption of poor processes, according to a 2008 review by Lodestone Management Consultants (LMC).
LMC also outlined ANSTO's three phase implementation strategy for the upgrade, which includes using the upgrade to improve SAP skills within the agency by drawing knowledge and skills from the successful vendor.
ANSTO expects the upgrade to be completed by July 2010.
