Version 1 signs €102.7m deal with Department of Education to transform Ireland’s school employee payroll systems

Version 1, a leader in AI and digital transformation, today announced it has been awarded a significant contract of up to 15 years by the Department of Education Ireland, integrating HCM and Payroll Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that will enable the timely, secure and accurate processing of payroll.

Version 1 will lead on the design, development, integration and management of the technology systems that service approximately 155,000 teaching and non-teaching staff, as well as retirees across Ireland. Version 1 has partnered with The Access Group to deliver on this major change programme.

The project will see the Department of Education providing payees with employee self-service including online access to their payroll related information. Version 1 has proven, long-standing experience of delivering similar technology solutions for other public sector organisations and will work closely with the Department of Education on this change programme. Version 1 will build, integrate and manage the systems, drawing on a reputation of consistent quality of delivery for public sector organisations.

Commenting on the award of the contract, Chief Information Officer for the Department of Education, Anne-Marie Sherkle said, “I would like to congratulate Version 1 on the award of this contract.  Connecting Government 2030 highlights the need to harness Cloud solutions so that we can deliver online services to our citizens. Leveraging Cloud will allow us to provide not just effective public facing services but will help streamline back-end processes and systems.”

Assistant Secretary General, Martin Clohessy with responsibility for Major Operations in the Department of Education commented, “I very much welcome the improved customer service benefits that will be provided to school employees, retirees, and our school administrators. The Department looks forward to working closely with Version 1 to ensure the successful delivery of this very important programme of work.”

“We have been truly inspired by the vision and drive of the team at the Department of Education to meaningfully improve payroll related services,” said Ger O’Sullivan, Head of Public Sector Ireland at Version 1. “Version 1 has industry leading customer satisfaction scores because we deliver on our customer commitments. We look forward to evolving this partnership even further to unlock this transformation”.

How to Level Up Your Business With The Right Software

In today’s digital age, using the right software can significantly enhance the efficiency, productivity, and overall success of your business. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, leveraging the power of software can help you level up your business operations and stay ahead of the competition. 

Identify Your Needs

The first step in leveling up your business with software is to identify your specific needs. Assess your current workflows, pain points, and areas that require improvement. This will help you determine the type of software solutions that can address these needs and provide the most significant impact on your business operations. If help is needed with hiring and managing employees, picking the right HCM software involves determining what the software needs to do to accomplish specific goals. 

Research and Evaluate Software Options

Once you’ve identified your needs, research and evaluate different software options available in the market. Consider factors such as functionality, features, user-friendliness, scalability, and compatibility with your existing systems. Read reviews, compare prices, and explore demo versions to gain a better understanding of how each software solution can benefit your business.

Customize and Integrate

Opt for software solutions that offer customization options to tailor them to your business’s specific needs. Look for software that can integrate seamlessly with your existing systems, such as accounting software, CRM platforms, or project management tools. Integration eliminates data silos, enhances communication, and streamlines workflows across different departments, improving overall efficiency.

Automation and Workflow Optimization

Leverage software solutions that offer automation and workflow optimization capabilities. Automation reduces manual tasks, eliminates errors, and frees up valuable time for your team to focus on more strategic activities. Look for software that can automate repetitive tasks, such as data entry, report generation, or invoice processing. Workflow optimization tools can help streamline processes by visualizing, analyzing, and optimizing your business processes, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

Data Analytics and Reporting

Choose software solutions that offer robust data analytics and reporting capabilities. Analyzing and understanding your business data is essential for making informed decisions and identifying areas for improvement. Look for software that provides real-time insights, visualizations, and customizable reports. Advanced analytics can help you track key performance indicators, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to drive your business forward.

Collaboration and Communication

Communication and collaboration are crucial for the success of any business. Look for software tools that facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among your team members, both within the office and remotely. Consider using project management software, cloud-based file-sharing platforms, and communication tools such as video conferencing or instant messaging apps. These tools enable effective collaboration, streamline workflows, and foster a more productive and connected work environment.

Security and Data Protection

With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats, it’s vital to prioritize security and data protection when choosing software solutions. Ensure that the software you select has robust security measures in place, such as data encryption, user access controls, and regular software updates. Additionally, consider cloud-based solutions that offer secure data storage and backup capabilities to protect your business data from loss or unauthorized access.

The right software can be a game-changer for your business. By identifying your needs, researching and evaluating software options, setting clear objectives, customizing and integrating, and leveraging automation and workflow optimization, you can streamline processes, increase efficiency, and improve productivity.