We have published new standards under an updated policy focusing on the Enterprise Resource Planning Capability. This material – available on the Australian Government Architecture (AGA) - sets guardrails for government entities looking to invest in ERP solutions by outlining a comprehensive framework that includes policies, standards, and technical requirements. 

New standards include the: 

• ERP Finance Standard supports effective stewardship of public funds, transparency, and alignment with government priorities. 
• ERP Human Capital Management (HCM) Standard seeks to streamline processes, improves efficiency, and provides data-driven insights to maximise potential while ensuring compliance with regulations. 
• ERP Procurement Standard improves the efficiency of operations, promotes fiscal responsibility, and ensures proper governance in procurement procedures. 
• ERP (ERP) Travel and Expense Management System (TEMS) Standard simplifies, automates, and effectively manages the complexities associated with travel planning. 

Updates reflecting these standards have been incorporated to the ERP Policy and ERP Standard. 

Changes you’ll see 

This content aims to guide government entities through the complex process of selecting and implementing ERP solutions that are cost-effective, compliant with government standards, and capable of meeting the needs of each entity. 

The new and updated content reflects amendments to several elements: 

• Policy Requirements: Entities are required to align with the government's APS ERP approach, notify the DTA of any ERP investment activities, determine the complexity and unique needs for ERP services, align to ERP technical standards, and identify further ERP reuse opportunities. 
• Reuse and whole-of-government contracts: It encourages the use of whole-of-government contracts and panels to acquire ERP products and services, and to customize only as essential, promoting the 'adopt rather than adapt' approach. 
• Ongoing viability: Entities are expected to ensure the ongoing viability of ERP solutions, making them supportable, affordable, secure, and fit-for-purpose. 

Compliance and expectations 

Agencies are expected to provide the DTA early visibility of their ERP investment plans through the data collection process for the Integrated Digital Investment Plan (IDIP). Having a consolidated view on agency plans through the IDIP will enable visibility and collaboration across the ERP pipeline and help the APS to manage delivery risk in the cases where multiple agencies are working towards similar or overlapping timelines. 

Recent ERP updates 

Recent weeks have seen a broad swathe of changes implementing the new APS ERP approach outlined on 23 November 2023. 

25 July 2024 saw us add a new ERP category to the Software Marketplace on BuyICT. It allows Commonwealth entities to access a wider and more diverse range of sellers of ERP products and services. These sellers offer a range of core and edge enterprise resource planning solutions including financial management, human resources, payroll, and workforce management systems. 

We also made the independent reuse assessment of GovERP evaluation available on 20 August 2024. The assessment handed down 5 key observations and recommendations relating to GovERP’s delivery to date, remaining work to be completed, reusability, and alternate designs or delivery pathways. 

The DTA leads the Australian Government Architecture comprising strategies, policies, standards, and designs. The AGA guides and supports projects across their whole lifecycle and facilitates a contemporary digitally enabled public service.