This case study is provided by Microsoft.
As one of the nation’s top health sciences institutions, with campuses across the globe, RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) has very particular CRM needs. Successful collaboration between students, trainers, and health professionals is key. Taking into account RCSI’s high demand for flexibility, security and cross-continental collaboration, Microsoft Dynamics was able to rise to the challenge and produce tangible results.
In the past RCSI had either developed individual solutions for specific tasks or procured specialist applications from third party suppliers. This resulted in a considerable amount of rework across its various teams and locations, and less than ideal speed in meeting adapting to business requirements.
Rather than implementing an upfront enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution – which is a huge undertaking in its own right – RCSI opted to utilise the flexibility afforded by Microsoft Dynamics.
Microsoft Dynamics went live with the first bespoke version in January 2016, installed over a six-month consultation process involving Microsoft supplying two senior business architects in the earlier stages of the project.
Dealing with data
The considerable data generated by assessments and competencies across various disciplines in RCSI (nursing, pharmacy and surgical) was brought together and stored securely through Microsoft’s cloud offering, Azure.
This new system of data management and storage greatly streamlines processes, dramatically reducing time and bottlenecks in areas such as postgraduate interviews – where a sometimes significant amount of information is collected and reviewed.
As a result, the time taken to input information about candidates is dramatically reduced, and the potential for error is all but eradicated. This is critical in timely and accurate feedback to students.
Training and devices
Upon implementation of Microsoft Dynamics, RCSI’s training has changed significantly. Assessments that previously produced paperwork, to be stored for at least eight years, have moved to a data capture system.
After trying out several kinds of devices, it was decided that the Surface Pro 3 worked best due to its size and typing facilities.
The big advantage was true portability; the device can be kept flat, but the keyboard is there when it’s needed.
Staff uptake
The simplicity of the entire system meant that everyone within RCSI, including those happier with paper, moved over with relative ease. Trial runs were hugely positive, with those using the Surface Pro 3 reluctant to go back to paper following their positive experiences as they found they had more time to concentrate on students undertaking the assessment process.
RCSI is happy to report unanimous acceptance of the new system.
Global Success
Microsoft’s value added involvement with this project was largely due to the many global locations where RCSI operates.
Security was a challenge, given RCSI is a single faculty with multiple sites. However, the Microsoft Dynamics solution ensures that key performance indicators (KPIs) and ease of access were stable across all of the campuses.
A system like Microsoft Dynamics not only adds value for assessors and students alike by reducing clerical work and improving the assessment process, it also allows RCSI to consolidate projects across campuses and faculties, winning over the hearts and minds of colleagues and students. It is an extremely focused piece of work and RCSI can already see the benefits and organisational rewards.
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