Oracle/RF Business System to be shut down April 20-30

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- In conjunction with an upgrade of the Oracle/Research Foundation (RF) Business System, the system will be shut down from the close of business on April 20 through April 30.

The system is being upgraded from 11.0.3 to the new 11i version since Oracle no longer supports the current version used by the RF.  The new applications will have the current level of functionality in all modules, increased functionality in many modules and easier navigation through out the system.

The new 11i version is scheduled to be implemented on May 1.

During the shutdown period from April 20 through April 30, business offices will not be able to process RF transactions, although an inquiry-only version of the Oracle/RF Business System and Principal Investigator Award Interface (PIAI) will be available. In order for RF Human Resource Services to process new appointments, terminations and payroll change forms affecting the May 11 payroll, forms must be submitted by April 13. Hourly time sheets affecting the April 27 payroll must be submitted no later than April 17.

In order for Sponsored Projects Services (SPS) to process business transactions prior to the shutdown, required business information and transaction requests must be received in SPS by the close of business tomorrow. Items received after April 13 will be processed as time permits.

Because shutdown of the system will have a temporary impact on Procurement Services' ability to service the university fully, departments are encouraged to obtain and utilize a procurement card and to establish blanket orders. While for the most part only RF transactions will be affected, delays may occur in processing state and UBF orders that reference suppliers new to the eReq system.

The following due dates have been established for processing of RF procurement transactions prior to the shutdown period: April 13 for submission of eReqs for advance payments required during the period April 20 through May 3; April 16 for submission of general eReqs for priority processing; April 19 for submission of invoices and receiving copies of payment during the period from April 20 through 30.Priority will be given to eReqs received on or before April 16. Those received after April 16 will be processed as time permits.

Individuals with questions should contact RF Human Resource Services at 645-7777, Procurement Services at 645-2676 or Sponsored Projects Services at 645-2634.