Issue 001

Aggie Enterprise User Groups: Brainstorm, Listen, ​Improve

by Maura McLoughlin

We all encounter challenges in our work. How we engage with those challenges can either foster successful problem ​solving or leave us struggling. Let us take the implementation of Aggie Enterprise (AE), for example. Challenging for ​sure, but through robust user testing, process feedback, surveys, and discussions with the Oracle team, we continued ​forward very successfully. But do we know everything about the platform? Do we all know how to use it correctly? Are ​there trouble spots? Is there room for improvement? Answering these questions is exactly what the Aggie Enterprise ​User Groups have set out to do!

These facilitated user groups are communities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Groups are open to AE users ​that work regularly in the areas of General Ledger, Accounts Receivable, Project Portfolio Management or Supply Chain- ​that’s me! I am a Life Sciences Procurement Buyer and am currently taking part in a Supply Chain user group. The ​atmosphere is fun and casual- but very productive. In just our first gathering, I networked among the department ​Buyers, helped find AE training and communication gaps, and fostered community through common problem ​recognition. I even got tips and tricks for working in AE from my fellow group mates! Everyone was really committed to ​exploring the myriad ways we (collectively) have a direct influence on improving our experience with AE while ​supporting one another.

What I really value about my participation are the results! So far, user groups’ collective feedback quickly led to ​enhanced KBAs, easy to find video training links, improved website navigation, a “what’s new” button, and more- all ​throughout the AE web pages. As with all continual process improvement, no change is ever a “done deal” or rigidly ​“set in stone.” The feedback loop re. AE training, resources and communication is on-going, so our suggestions are ​progressively evolving— continually being refined by those doing the work for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Read more about Aggie Enterprise User Group recommendations.

Maura McLoughlin is a Lean Ambassador and a Procurement Analyst with UC Davis Supply Chain.