Integrated systems can help reduce administrative costs by eliminating duplicate data entries and reducing the need for manual payroll and personnel data reconciliation. Companies with integrated systems also can quickly access information that helps management make key decisions. For example, a manufacturing company that thinks its employee salary costs are higher than other comparable companies might use an integrated system to compare salary and wage data. Integrating the pay and personnel systems in the military allows soldiers to track their own pay and personnel records from anywhere with Internet access.
The Army’s new information management system, IPPS-A, is a single, integrated platform that will deliver visibility of the total force – active duty, national guard, and reserve. It is designed to improve access and timeliness while streamlining processes and providing auditability. It is a paperless, fully electronic, and fully trackable system with secure commercial network capabilities. Once it is fully implemented, IPPS-A will allow Soldiers and leaders to complete actions online without a trip to a readiness NCO or unit administrator. It will also replace many legacy processes that require a physical document. For example, Soldiers will no longer sign in on a block leave day; they’ll simply indicate they are on administrative leave.
To get started with IPPS-A, Soldiers should ensure they have a DS Logon and CAC and have completed the required training. For more information, visit the Help Desk tile on the IPPS-A Self-Service page. Users can also find FAQs and other helpful resources by visiting the CRM case system while logged into IPPS-A. Civilian personnel and sister service military members who need an IPPS-A account should contact their TRA for assistance. They must also complete the Leader Course, which is not included in the R3 HR Pro d/L.
IPPS-A Development Process
The Integrated Personnel and Pay System-Army (IPPS-A) is a new electronic system that will improve the way the military handles its human resources. It is expected to make Soldiers more efficient by eliminating paperwork and reducing wait times for personnel changes. It will also streamline processing and ensure the safety of sensitive data by using cyber protection measures. IPPS-A will connect more than 30 existing systems and automate many processes, making it easier for Soldiers to access and use information. It will also provide greater visibility over the total force and leverage each Soldier’s talent. The Army spent $900 million on developing IPPS-A and is slated to spend another $200 million on testing, support, and implementation.
In order to utilize IPPS-A, soldiers and civilian government employees must complete training. Those who will be accessing another Soldier’s records or reviewing/approving transactions in IPPS-A must take the Leader Course. HR Professionals and field users should also enroll in the Self-Service course, which includes sub-category training. Civilian personnel and sister service military members need assistance to gain access to IPPS-A and must contact their organization’s TRA as soon as possible to be added as Persons of Interest in the system and granted required roles and permissions to execute their duties.
How Does IPPS-A Work?
IPPS-A is a paperless, mobile-optimized application that allows members to manage their military orders. It also helps the Army better understand its data posture to make data-driven decisions. Members who are experiencing technical difficulties can access self-help materials through the IPPS-A Help Center tile or FAQs webpage; contact their supporting Readiness NCO, Unit Administrator, or S1/G1/J1 HR Professional; or submit a CRM Case (help ticket) within the system through the Help Desk tile. Civilian and sister service military personnel without system access should contact their TRA to get set up.
Features
IPPS-A (Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army) offers several key features designed to modernize and streamline the U.S. Army’s human resources management and pay processes. Please note that additional features might have been introduced or modified since then.
IPPS-A replaces the previous fragmented and stove-piped HR and pay systems with a single, unified platform. This integration eliminates data redundancies and improves the accuracy and consistency of personnel records and pay information. The system provides soldiers with self-service options, allowing them to access and update their personnel and pay information. Soldiers can view their records, request changes, and initiate administrative actions directly through the IPPS-A portal.
IPPS-A offers real-time data updates, ensuring that personnel and pay information is current and accessible when needed. This feature allows for timely decision-making and reduces delays in processing changes or requests. The system supports talent management initiatives by providing comprehensive data on soldiers’ skills, qualifications, and performance. This information helps leaders identify and assign the right individuals to specific roles and career paths.
IPPS-A’s reporting capabilities allow leaders and HR professionals to generate standardized and customizable reports on various personnel and pay metrics. These reports aid in data-driven decision-making and resource planning. IPPS-A is designed to be mobile-friendly, enabling soldiers and commanders to access essential HR and pay information on smartphones and tablets, increasing accessibility and convenience.
The system incorporates robust security measures to protect sensitive personnel information and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and military standards. IPPS-A streamlines payroll processing by integrating with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) and automating pay calculations based on soldiers’ records and entitlements.
The system utilizes automated workflows to streamline administrative processes, reducing manual intervention and improving efficiency.IPPS-A includes audit and tracking functionalities that record changes made to personnel and pay records, enhancing accountability and traceability. The Army provides comprehensive training and support to soldiers, HR professionals, and commanders to ensure effective use of the IPPS-A system.
IPPS-A Talent Profile
The platform, IPPS-A, will replace several existing systems and improve access, timeliness, and suitability of information. It will enable troops to enter data about their skills and expertise, which will help the service better manage its talent pool. The system allows Soldiers to view their entire career history in a 25-point Soldier talent profile, or STP. It will also make tracking promotion points and other advancement criteria easier. It will also allow them to communicate with their commanders and other personnel officers via email or text message. This will cut out the need for multiple people to process a request, which will save time and money.
Release Delays
IPPS-A (Integrated Personnel and Pay System – Army) experienced delays during its implementation. These delays were a significant concern for the U.S. Army, as the system was originally expected to be fully deployed and operational by a certain date. However, several factors contributed to the delays, including the complexity of integrating multiple legacy systems, data migration challenges, and the need to ensure the system’s security and accuracy.
The IPPS-A project faced technical and logistical hurdles that necessitated additional testing, debugging, and refinement time. The U.S. Army, being committed to ensuring a smooth and effective transition, chose to address these issues before moving forward with a complete rollout.
Delays in large-scale IT projects like IPPS-A are not uncommon, especially given the scale and complexity of modernizing a system that touches on critical aspects of personnel management and pay for the entire Army. However, it’s worth noting that delays are not indicative of the project’s failure. In many cases, they are a result of the organization’s dedication to delivering a reliable and secure system that meets all necessary requirements.
During the delays, the Army continued to use its existing personnel and pay management systems while working diligently to overcome the challenges faced during the IPPS-A implementation. Leadership remained focused on ensuring a successful deployment that would ultimately improve the Army’s human resources management capabilities and soldier experience.
The Army is also working on a mobile app that lets soldiers use smartphones to complete many forms. For instance, a soldier on the go will be able to electronically complete leave requests and send them through the chain of command for approval. The app will also offer situational awareness and other benefits that the service hopes will boost morale.