Purpose

To inform PS Query users about:

• the availability of the current and upgraded versions of PS Query
• the status of upgraded queries
• access to query training guides
• logging into the upgraded version of PS Query
• plans for query training.

Affected Employees

All PS Query users

Overview

The upgraded version of PS Query is browser-based and has a different look and feel than the current version. Most of the functionality in the upgraded version remains the same.

Background

In conjunction with the upgrade of the Payroll System, PS Query is also being upgraded. OSC and agencies have taken many steps to prepare for this upgrade.

1. OSC has upgraded a total of 2,382 (1,929 Public and 453 Private Priority 1 queries).
2. Queries that did not comply with PeopleSoft's naming standards were not copied into the upgraded query version.
3. Any Public or Priority 1 query that did not run in the current version has not been copied into the upgraded query version.
4. Agencies are responsible for upgrading all lower priority queries and those created after 5/14/03.

Current and New Query Availability

The upgraded version of Query will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, beginning Tuesday, 8/5/2003.

The current version of Query will be refreshed on 7/28/03 with data through 7/24/03. This will be the last refresh for the current Query version. This version will be available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, through Wednesday, 10/15/2003. It will no longer be available after 10/15/2003.

The current version is being made available through 10/15/03 to give agencies time to upgrade lower priority private queries and any queries (Public or Private) created after 5/14/03 that were not upgraded.

Agencies can begin upgrading lower priority queries as soon as the new Query version becomes available (8/5/03).

Queries Upgraded

On 8/1/03, a complete list of the queries upgraded by OSC will be posted to the OSC Website at http://www.osc.state.ny.us/payroll/payrollsystem/. After entering the User Name "payrolluser" and Password "upgrade2003," click on the "List of Upgraded Queries" link under the PSQuery heading on the Payroll System Information page.

Agencies should review this list to ensure that all needed Public and Priority 1 queries have been upgraded.

Guides

Two Query guides have been developed to assist agencies:

Basic Query Guide for the Web

This guide will assist PS Query users to run, modify and create basic queries.

How to Upgrade Queries on the Web

This guide is the primary resource for PS Query users to consult for assistance with upgrading remaining queries. This guide also identifies data fields that have been moved to other records (tables) and/or have been renamed.

Both of these guides will be available on the OSC Website on 8/1/03 at: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/payroll/payrollsystem/. The guide entitled "How to Upgrade Queries on the Web" will remain posted to the OSC page through 10/15/03.

WLA Topics

The Web Learning Assistant (WLA), an on-line help function in the upgraded Payroll System, will include the following valuable information for PS Query users:

• Creating a Basic Query
• Running a Query
• Deleting a Query
• Deleting Duplicate Rows
• Modifying Headings
• Selecting Field Descriptions (Translate Values)
• Selecting Column Order
• Selecting Output Order
• Adding Criteria
• Updating an Existing Query
• Creating Queries with Effective Dates
• Creating a Related Record Join
• Creating a Record Hierarchy Join
• Selecting Aggregate Functions

Other WLA components will be added in the future.

New Tables/Security

By 8/5/03, OSC will ensure that user security classes include all records required to accommodate data fields that have been relocated to new records (tables) in the upgraded version.

Accessing the Upgraded Version of PS Query

To access the upgraded version of PS Query beginning 8/5/03:

1. Log in to the OSC e-Government website (https://login.osc.state.ny.us)
2. Ensure that "OSC PKI Authentication" is selected in the Authentication Method drop-down box
3. Click OK
4. Enter your Username and Password
5. Click the "PayServ-Query" link under PayServ Applications
6. The PS Query Bulletin Board will appear. Click the "Proceed to PayServ-Query" button
7. Click "People Tools"
8. Click "Query Manager"
9. Click "Use"
10. Click "Query Manager"

Training

OSC will train users to run queries in the new version after the upgrade.

OSC expects to offer half-day classes (9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays covering basic information. Classes are tentatively scheduled to start at the end of August and will be held at either 110 State Street in Albany or Rensselaer Technology Park in North Greenbush.

Interested individuals should email Query Help mailbox as soon as possible with their name, agency code, day of the week/time of day preference, and an indication of query expertise level (run only, new query user, experienced query user). OSC will use this information to finalize training content and dates, and will notify interested individuals when training plans are finalized.

Agency Actions

Payroll Officers should distribute this Bulletin to all PS Query users in their agency. PS Query users should do the following, as appropriate:

• Read the "How to Upgrade Queries on the Web" and/or "Basic Query Guide for the Web" to learn how to upgrade a query or to create a new one.
• Review the list of upgraded queries (beginning 8/1/03) to see if your agency's queries (public and/or priority 1) were upgraded.

Questions

Questions regarding this bulletin may be directed to the Query Help mailbox.