Implementing OAKS will significantly change state business processes related to financials, human capital management, asset management, procurement and capital improvements. Results of a Change Readiness Survey conducted by OAKS this past summer indicate that the state is prepared for the kinds of changes OAKS represents.

More than 2,100 state employees from 92 state agencies took part in the survey. Participants were asked to rate their level of agreement with statements related to seven different change factors: communication, leadership, teamwork, training, motivation, culture, and planning. In expressing their level of agreement with 56 survey items, more than 80% of respondents viewed the state's readiness for change as favorable. Participants were selected based on their use of several aging computer systems that OAKS will replace.

"One of the broad conclusions drawn from the survey is the heightened confidence project leaders should have in the state's ability to effectively plan for and undergo change," stated Steve Lampe, change management team lead for the OAKS project.

The surveys also identified ways that the state could further prepare for and facilitate the change process. Agency readiness specialists from the OAKS program management office work closely with nearly 40 implementation teams that have been established to help prepare agencies for OAKS.

The purpose of the OAKS project is to implement an enterprise resource planning system also known as an ERP system to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the administrative processes of the State of Ohio. The first of four scheduled implementations will occur in December 2006 and will include software functionality for the state's human resource processes.

For further information contact:
OAKS Communications at OAKS.Communications@oaks.state.oh.us