A2C
Data Exchange Project
Andrew Thomson
Project Director
Capita FHE Conference – 3 May 2012
1
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.
• JCQ has commissioned a temporary A2C migration application
for data transport…
• …but we won’t be developing any more solutions ourselves.
• A2C standards will enable awarding organisations and MIS
suppliers to redevelop around generic processes, a flexible data
model and a common interface standard.
2
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
3
Extended scope
• Works for any qualification so awarding organisations
will be able to include their full range, not just seriesbased general qualifications.
• Standards will be defined for generic processes so
JCQ and non-JCQ awarding organisations will be able
to use them.
• A new generic “Orders” process to encompass
Enrolment, Registration, Entries and other types.
• Opportunity to capture exam attendance efficiently
and submit data from the MIS.
• Richer product information including fees.
4
Integrated data transport
New MIS versions will be able to integrate the new A2C
data transport process so that…
• Data is transferred automatically within your MIS,
rather than as a separate operation.
• The is no intermediary hub so you will see a saving
on VAN charges.
• You will get better real time feedback from awarding
organisations.
5
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.
6
Data Transport First
• First change now in progress for centres to send
and receive EDI files via the A2C Migration
Application rather than their VAN
• Quick win – Removes VAN costs for centres and
awarding organisations from September 2012
• Risk management – Gets new mechanism
established before bigger changes to MIS which
will come later
7
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!
8
Historic
?
VAN
front end
Centre
MIS
Outbox
Inbox
VAN
hub
AO
AO
AO
AO
AO
Centre Network
9
Transition up to 31 August 2012
?
VAN
front end
Centre
MIS
VAN
hub
Outbox
Inbox
AO
AO
AO
A2C
Mig App
AO
AO
Centre Network
This is what you need to add
10
After 31 August 2012
?
VAN
front end
Centre
MIS
VAN
hub
Outbox
Inbox
AO
AO
AO
A2C
Mig App
AO
AO
Centre Network
After 31 August 2012, AOs will
not be connected to VANs
11
After MIS upgrade
AO
AO
AO
Centre
MIS
AO
AO
AO
AO
AO
AO
Centre Network
AO
AO
12
It is safe
• Installs onto your network and points at your existing
EDI inbox and outbox
• No change to MIS at all
• No change to EDI files at all
• Does not disable your existing VAN capability
• Switch over to the migration application as soon as you
have it installed
• It is secure, encrypted and authenticated
• Keep your existing VAN contract until 31 August 2012 as
a back up for Summer 2012 results
13
Support process
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Receive email invitation from Avco with hyperlink
Click link to go to dedicated Avco website for
registration and step-by-step instructions
Watch the video on how to do it
Go through the process with usual local support if you
need it
Refer to FAQs on the Avco website if unsure
If following the instructions does not work, email or
call Avco support for technical problems – calls taken
by engineers so not for handholding please
14
Any worries?
1.
Who is not yet using the migration application?
2.
What is holding you back?
15
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
16
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
17
So, is it going to happen?
• YES!
• Generic processes, new data model and XML
schema all virtually done
• Working on completeness (code lists, worked
examples, etc.) and quality (internal consistency,
ISB alignment, etc.)
• Strong buy-in from awarding organisations and
MIS suppliers
18
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
19
Questions?
A2Cenquiries@jcq.org.uk
http://a2c.jcq.org.uk