Dear Colleagues,

We want to give you an update on AGI and particularly the phased rollout of AGI Workspaces that will begin this month.  There has been a five-fold increase in AGI usage in since its rollout in Q1.  It went from 20,000 user sessions/month in Q2—typical of AbtNet usage—to 100,000 sessions/month in Q4.

The most popular features are the mobile timesheet, easy access overseas, online service centers and Today I Learned (TIL).  This is a multi-year project, with each new feature moving us closer to the ultimate vision for AGI:  Knowledge sharing is a natural act. 

Workspaces

To date we have eight active pilot workspaces, and pilot participants are providing feedback on what works and what needs to be improved.  We are incorporating what we’ve learned into the broader rollout that begins in January, and these pilots will continue to be supported moving forward. 

One of the goals of AGI is to leverage our global staff, and the Mexico Economic Policy Program team made a point of saying their project workspace:  

“shows Abt is really engaged in looking for new ways that can help the productivity overall of the company and enhance participation regardless of the country you are in;”  “is helpful for people to interact and receive solutions in less time than it would take otherwise;” and “lets you hear from the field now.”

Moving Forward:  January - March

Given that the majority of our pilot AGI Workspaces are for communities, we are focusing on projects and proposals for the next three months.  We particularly want to be prepared for proposal season, which kicks off in March/April.  We will begin to roll out Department—community—workspaces in April.

We are working closely with the Project Management Solutions Team (PMST) to prioritize which AGI Workspaces will be launched by March.   The projects approved for workspaces are:

AGI Workspace Training and FAQ Document

Training and support are the keys to success.  To help you get up to speed quickly with AGI Workspaces, we will be providing wraparound training:  instructor-lead, online videos, and written documentation.   Anyone can attend these classes, and as long as there is demand, there will be classes.  We will have extra resources available in Q4 to help you learn what you need to know,

To Get Started…

1.       What is an AGI Workspace?  

An AGI (Abt Global Intranet) Workspace is an online space where teams can collaborate with one another on shared deliverables, find expertise on relevant topics, discuss new ideas and organize their efforts through shared team calendars, shared tasks and key project announcements. 

2.       What can a workspace do for me? 

An AGI Workspace enables people to collaborate on projects, proposals, or other general topics of interest regardless of where they are located.  AGI Workspaces organize discussions, documents, staff, and knowledge around specific topics, making it easier to find what you need.   No more scrolling through emails.  And, it offers version control!

3.       How do I get a workspace?

The first step is to submit a request.  An AGI Workspace online request form will be available on AGI in January.  Until the request form is ready, please email Tom Dale (tom_dale@abtassoc.com) to indicate your interest in an AGI Workspace. 

A comprehensive FAQ on AGI Workspaces is attached for your reference.  Please feel free to contact me, or my cosponsors, Mark Spranca and Mary Harper, if you have any questions about AGI or about AGI Workspaces that you think need to be added to the FAQ. 

Regards,

Mary