IBM launches Arizona human resources system

IBM Business Consulting Services Inc. has completed implementation of a Web-based human resources solution for Arizona, the company announced this week.

The six-year, $34 million contract was awarded in January 2002.

Under the first phase of the contract, IBM implemented a solution incorporating a human resources suite from Lawson Software Inc. of St. Paul, Minn.

The solution provides state agencies with a single administrative system to replace 30-year-old mainframe technology with browser-based technology. In the project's second phase, the company will enhance the functionality of the system and provide support services.

The solution is designed to streamline human resources processes, reduce costs, improve access to human resources information for managers and employees and enhance the state's flexibility to manage a rapidly changing workforce, the company said. The solution also provides the foundation for Arizona to enhance human resources and payroll processing.

By using the human resources solution, the state hopes to save $44.9 million over the next decade, IBM said. Additional savings may develop as agency subsystems are replaced and agencies reengineer processes. The project involves 121 state departments, boards and commissions.

IBM Business Consulting Services is a part of IBM Corp. of Armonk, N.Y. The company has more than 255,000 employees and annual sales of $89.1 billion.