A2C Data Exchange Project Andrew Thomson Project Director

SFCF Information Systems Conference – 17 May 2012

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A2C Data Exchange Project • The A2C Project is a JCQ-funded initiative. • Defining new standards to replace “EDI” formats, i.e. how your MIS communicates directly with awarding organisations’ systems. • Stakeholder engagement, especially MIS suppliers (as the other end of a B2B solution) 2

Two stages 1. Replace VAN with A2C Migration Application • • •

JCQ has commissioned a temporary A2C migration application for data transport… …but we won’t be developing any more solutions ourselves. An implementation of the Oasis AS4 open standard for secure, encrypted, authenticated file transfers.

2. Upgrade MIS to a version that exploits A2C standards •

A2C standards will enable awarding organisations and MIS suppliers to redevelop around generic processes, a flexible data model and a common interface standard. 3

Migration application • All colleges must be using the A2C Migration Application by 31 August 2012 if you want to continue using EDI from 1 September 2012 • It is straightforward and low risk so don’t put it off. • You do need to do this! 4

Historic

? AO VAN front end Centre MIS

VAN hub

AO

Outbox Inbox

AO

AO

AO Centre Network

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Transition up to 31 August 2012

? AO VAN front end Centre MIS

VAN hub

AO

Outbox Inbox

AO A2C Mig App

AO

AO Centre Network

This is what you need to add

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After 31 August 2012

? AO VAN front end Centre MIS

VAN hub

AO

Outbox Inbox

AO A2C Mig App

AO

AO Centre Network

After 31 August 2012, AOs will not be connected to VANs

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After MIS upgrade

AO AO AO Centre MIS

AO AO AO AO AO AO Centre Network

AO AO 8

A2C benefits reminder The A2C Project is changing the way you work in your MIS; making exam entries, receiving results, etc. It is producing standards designed to • extend the scope of “EDI” in respect of qualifications, processes and awarding organisations • replace JCQ’s EDI, Edexcel’s Edifact and C&G’s walled garden data transfers with one generic standard. • integrate the way you send and receive data within your MIS • allow MIS suppliers to give you more efficient and effective ways of working – better MIS processes, and less use of awarding organisation extranets and paper 9

Efficient MIS working New MIS versions will be able to exploit the opportunity to improve exam-related processes. • Do a lot more in standard processes in your MIS and a lot less on all the different awarding organisation extranets • Improved, integrated processes that make the job easier, more efficient and more under control. • MIS can automatically download and maintain awarding organisation product catalogues. • Capture a lot more learner achievement data in your MIS. • A long-awaited opportunity for a fresh start – and for you to help your MIS supplier give you what you need. 10

What next? • Keep using the A2C migration application • At sometime in the future, your MIS supplier will offer you an upgrade which gives you the new features and benefits • Last year we said this might be as early as September 2012 – but too optimistic • Now September 2014 launch

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Why is it taking longer? • We simply underestimated the effort compared to EDI formats • Determination not to descope benefits or compromise on quality • Systems changes are deeper, more extensive and may be costlier than we anticipated so getting agreement is not quick • Strategy to align with emerging Information Standards Board standards where it is sensible 12

What’s in the standards? • Process summaries, process diagrams, user stories, business rules, best practice recommendations, service levels, transactions, advice on permitted data and new to old mapping • Data architecture • XML schema • Worked and complex examples • Glossary • Twin-track strategy Plus the specification and code for integrating the client side AS4 implementation 13

Timeline By 31 August 2012

Start using the migration application

After 31 August 2012

Allow EDI VAN contract to lapse

From September 2014

Upgrade MIS to A2C compliant version

After upgrade

Use more efficient exam-related processes Add more qualifications Stop sending EDI files as separate operation Start to add non-JCQ awarding organisations

After December 2015

JCQ no longer supports EDI Formats

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Questions? [email protected] http://a2c.jcq.org.uk [email protected]