HOW GLOBAL SYSTEMS WILL HELP US FULFIL OUR GLOBAL MISSION

BY TOM FIFIELD INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY SERVICES

I’d be fooling myself if I thought many people would find the phrase ‘integrated global systems’ inspirational.

It isn’t as biblical as ‘making disciples’, nor as compelling as ‘where Christ is least known’. But, as SIM lives out its purpose, ‘integrated global systems’ are essential tools to keep us ministryfocused, safe and accountable.

Many of our current systems sit siloed on outdated, expensive platforms that are difficult to maintain and keep secure. In an increasingly data-driven world, with all the challenges of cyber-security and privacy, our current systems are no longer sustainable.

We have also realised there is great power in bringing our systems out of their silos and building them together. That is how the vision for global integrated systems was formed.

Integrated

Having integrated systems will allow us to see exactly how we are focusing on our Purpose and Mission by seeing which ministries and personnel are engaged in taking the gospel to communities living and dying without Christ.

The reason we’ve included a jigsaw in the logo for this project is because integrated global systems will allow us to bring together different pieces of information to reveal our focus.

Integrating our systems will allow leaders across SIM to ask and answer key questions about our ministries. This will allow those ministries to be better planned and evaluated as they pursue kingdom outcomes in communities.

Global

SIM is a truly global organisation. We move people and resources from country to country across the world. To do this safely and legally we need robust systems that allow us to provide accurate information to our donors, church partners and auditors. Our current systems do not allow us to be as accountable as we would like and we have missed out on funding opportunities as a result.

We also need to hold people’s data securely and for clearly-defined purposes. Our current systems do not provide adequate controls on the use and visibility of information. The legislation in this area is growing fast, so we need systems which can be updated constantly.

Systems

Some decisions have already been made on our three core systems: personnel, finance and ministry. We are still exploring opportunities to upgrade other systems. We have decided to use the Oracle NetSuite platform to be our source of data. NetSuite specialises in helping organisations manage key processes with a single, fully integrated, cloud-based system.

Personnel

We have bought BambooHR as a replacement for IPS. BambooHR is a ready-built HR platform that will enable us to store personnel data safely. It also brings additional features that will make our personnel processes easier. The implementation is going well and we are on course to transition fully in March, 2023.

Finance

The implementation of a new system is underway. The NetSuite finance module is a global software programme which works in multiple languages, currencies and countries. It is being introduced across SIM to help make our financial processes more efficient.

We are working through the implementation carefully, so users can be trained properly and glitches solved promptly. You will receive more information before your entity makes the change.

Ministry

We are aiming to combine Synergie and PURLs into NetSuite next year. This should allow ministry leaders to input reporting and budgeting data directly. We are also looking at ways to make Synergie Search better for our mobilisers, so they can more easily match ministry opportunities with the right candidates.

What’s next?

You will hear more about integrated global systems in the coming weeks. I pray SIM will see the value in this and that it will enable more people to hear God’s good news.

If you have any questions please email me at international. ministryservices@ sim.org.

PLEASE PRAY:

For those working on designing the systems to respond to need and be led by God

For the systems rollouts to go smoothly across SIM and for workers to embrace the changes

For all our workers to grasp the new tools and use them to better plan and evaluate ministries, so they can better share the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus