Replacement of Current Mainframe Applications  
When OSC migrates to a new, integrated systems solution, the alignment of information technology with the OSC’s business strategy is essential for providing statewide timely, reliable, accurate, consistent, and complete accounting information. The alignment of the information and business strategies is a critical success factor in this stage. The goal at this point of the migration strategy is to improve the functionality, flexibility, and responsiveness of the software supporting the NCAS Business Model.  Some of the characteristics of the future NCAS Business Model will be determined by the characteristics of the systems and databases.  The following are critical business driven capabilities that will help define the new integration system solutions:

• Data Availability: The information resident in the NCAS will be more accessible to users leading to improved decision making capabilities and increased responsiveness.  State employees will be empowered by information availability resulting in increased quality of the services delivered to North Carolina citizens.
• Data Navigation: Data navigation will provide simple and easy guidelines for State Government users to find the right data at the right time resulting in increased productivity and savings statewide.
• Data Expansion: Data expansion refers to the capability of the NCAS Business Model to make available an increase in the volume of historical data as well as an increase in the amount of detailed information required to support user requests for information.  The OSC will be able to expand its services and adapt to changes more readily.
• Data Sharing: Data sharing refers to the wide availability of information to all NCAS users with appropriate levels of security.  It will contribute to collaboration between agencies, foster improved communications, and provide the means to reach prompt decisions with the best use of available resources.

Process and system improvements will occur as a result of the implementation of the integrated system solution during the migration strategy.  Some of these are listed here.

• Information flows will be integrated; processes will no longer require multiple, redundant data entries leading to potential data integrity risks.
• Complex, unreliable and fragile interfaces or manual data entries will be.  Central systems supporting budget management, human resources (payroll, personnel, benefits) and cash management will be fully integrated, seamless applications within the new integrated systems solution.
• Financial information needed to support improved decision making processes will be available in a more flexible format allowing for rapid changes in processing and reporting requirements.
• The software used for on-line transaction processing will contain functionality enabling the OSC to ensure that best practices are followed in the materials management and accounts receivable modules.
• New systems and technology will be used for on-line transaction processing ensuring the continued ability to maintain and enhance the system and the market availability of trained personnel to support the system.