Dear Colleague
We are pleased to announce the launch of the A2C Data Exchange Project, which will transform the way awarding bodies and centres share operational data and bring the associated processes into the 21st century.
This email provides you with some background to the project and briefly introduces the changes. Over the coming months, we will continue to share more details about the project and how it is progressing. We will also give you the information and support you will need to reap all the rewards of the new system.
The most important thing to note is that you don’t need to do anything or make any changes yet.
So, what is the A2C project?
The A2C Data Exchange Project is being delivered by the JCQ awarding bodies (England and Wales) in collaboration with other organisations including MIS providers. It is designed to improve the content and transfer of operational data that flows between awarding bodies and centres – the process currently known as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). It is being designed to cover the data needs of all qualifications and will replace the existing processes and EDI formats from JCQ, Edexcel (Edifact) and City & Guilds (Walled Garden Forms).
The current EDI systems have been in place for 20 years and no longer meet the needs of modern qualifications. The A2C project will bring the system into the 21st century, delivering wide ranging benefits to all stakeholders. It will allow you to handle more processes and more qualifications in your MIS, since both vocational and general qualifications will be supported. Also, the JCQ awarding bodies (England and Wales) are working together to harmonise business processes where possible which will mean a more consistent way of working with them. Essentially, the changes will ensure a more flexible and forward looking way of working.
What is the timeline?
You do not need to do anything yet. Some of the changes will start in September 2011 and the project is due to be completed by December 2014. At some point between these dates, you will need to migrate to the new system.
Who are the stakeholders?
We are working closely with the Information Standards Board, the system-wide authority for all information and data standards. We are also consulting with various MIS suppliers, for example Bromcom, Capita FHE, Capita SIMS, Compass, Corero, Double First Ltd, iSAMS, Pearson Phoenix, Pellcomp, RM, Serco Learning, Tribal, UNIT4 and WCBS, to ensure the processes, business rules and data architecture are fit for purpose and flexible. We will ensure that the system is designed so that awarding bodies that are not members of the JCQ can implement this new way of working if they wish.
The future
You will be kept up to date with developments through regular emails and a dedicated A2C website which we will launch shortly. Centres will need to do very little to adapt to this new way of working, however, you will be given all the information, advice and guidance required to manage the transition from the current system to the new one. You will also have the opportunity to raise queries well in advance of any impact of change within your centre. In the meantime, if you have an urgent query, please email [log in to unmask].
Yours faithfully
The A2C Project
