Frequently Asked Questions
Data & Migration Logistics
Q
Will historical data be included?
A
No, transactional data from our legacy eSTART system will be moved to our upgraded eSTART instance. We will retain the old system for an indefinite amount of time.
Q
How long will the migration take?
A
We are expecting to upgrade to the new eSTART instance on 08/16/26. Additional communications will be shared as we get closer to the go-live date.
Q
What happens if something goes wrong?
A
A rollback and recovery plan will be in place.
Process & Functionality
Q
How will workflows change?
A
Some processes will be streamlined or updated to match new system capabilities.
Q
Will we lose any functionality?
A
Core features remain; some may look or operate differently; gaps will be addressed with alternatives/enhancements.
Q
What new features are included?
A
Updated tools, improved automation, enhanced reporting; full overview will be given during training.
Q
What happens to existing integrations?
A
Names and formats may change to existing eSTART integrations. Training will be provided.
Q
Will existing agency contractors, grants and projects be available in the new system?
A
Yes, they will be available.
People & Change Management
Q
How will this impact my day-to-day work?
A
You may see changes in accessing info, completing tasks, or collaborating; training/support will ease the transition.
Q
What training will be available?
A
Live sessions, recorded modules, job aids, and hands-on practice.
Q
When will we start using the new system?
A
08/16/2026. Additional details will be shared as we get closer to our go-live date.
Q
Who do I contact for help?
A
eSTART Help Desk at eSTART.support@finance.alabama.gov or 334-353-9700.
Technical Considerations
Q
Will there be downtime?
A
No, downtime is expected during the upgrade. Time clocks may be unavailable during the cutover period. Additional information will be provided to agencies at the appropriate time.
Q
How will security & access be managed?
A
Users will log into the new eSTART instance via SSO, the same process users log into the system today.
Q
What testing will be done?
A
The program team is diligently testing the new eSTART instance, including but not limited to system integration testing, end-to-end testing, user acceptance testing & functional validation.
Q
Will agency generic extract files require any updates for the recipient?
A
No, the generic extract files will be in the same location and file format.
Q
Will agency time clocks migrate to the new system?
A
Yes, A notification will be provided to agency administrators specifying the availabilty of clocks.
Business Impact
Q
Why upgrade to a new system?
A
Supports growth, improves efficiency, better tools for collaboration and decision making.
Q
How will success be measured?
A
Metrics: user adoption, process improvements, data quality, system performance.
Q
What benefits should we expect?
A
Improved usability, faster workflows, better reporting, enhanced integration across teams.
Governance
Q
How are decisions being made?
A
Decisions are made by the program team, which consists of program sponsors, system owners, & SME’s.
Q
What is the fallback plan?
A
The fallback strategy is to revert to our current eSTART system for a short period of time, if needed.
General Upgrade
Q
What is changing?
A
We are upgrading our current eSTART platform to the newest version of UKG Pro Workforce Management.
Q
Why are we upgrading?
A
The new instance offers improved usability, mobile access, scheduling, timekeeping, reporting, and long-term support.
Q
When is the upgrade happening?
A
We are expecting to upgrade to the new eSTART instance on 08/16/26. Additional communications will be shared as we get closer to the go-live date.
Q
Will our previous eSTART instance still be available after go-live?
A
The previous eSTART instance will remain accessible in inquiry-only modes after signoff on August 25, 2026, to allow review of prior pay-period data. Beginning August 15, 2026, the new eSTART system will serve as the platform for entering new information and managing ongoing employee administration.
Employee Timekeeping & Access
Q
Will my time punches transfer to the new system?
A
No, transactional data from our legacy eSTART system will be moved to our upgraded eSTART instance unless it impacts the go-live FLSA pay period.
Q
Will I need a new login?
A
No, you will still utilize SSO to log into eSTART when the upgrade is complete.
Q
Can I still clock in/out the same way?
A
Yes. Nothing will change with the way you clock in/out.
Q
Will existing mobile users migrate to the new system?
A
Yes, the mobile identifier will be copied over to the new system for access.
Scheduling & Time Off
Q
Will my schedule look different?
A
The layout may differ, but schedules and rules follow the same policies unless communicated otherwise.
Q
Do time-off balances carry over?
A
Yes, all time-off balances will carry over.
Q
Will time-off requests submitted in the previous eSTART system still be honored?
A
Yes, approved request will be honored. Unapproved requests may require resubmission.
Managers & Supervisors
Q
Will approvals work the same way?
A
Yes, though the process may be more streamlined. Training will be provided.
Q
Will reports still be available?
A
Yes, though names or formats may change. A job aid will be available to assist with mapping reports and dataviews from the current eSTART application to the new.
Q
Will manager access or permissions change?
A
Yes, though roles & permissions may be more streamlined. Training will be provided.
Q
Can a regular employee be designated as a delegate manager?
A
Yes, a regular employee may be designated as a delegate for a manager. For detailed guidance, please refer to the Delegation job aids available on the estartinfo.alabama.gov site under Communications > Reference Material. The employee cannot accept the delegate task until the next day. This is an overnight process.
Payroll & Data Accuracy
Q
Will this affect payroll?
A
No, this will not impact payroll. Training will be provided on upgraded process steps.
Q
Will pay rules change?
A
No, policy changes are planned unless explicitly communicated.
Q
What happens if there is an error after go-live?
A
A dedicated support team will be available during hypercare to quickly resolve issues.
Q
Will the accrual balances be correct on 08/16?
A
No, accruals will be the balance as of 08/01. The accruals will not be accurate until 08/31 when reset to HRM balances.
Q
Will punches from 08/15 be available in the new eSTART application?
A
Yes. The punches will be copied from the current eSTART system to the new application after signoff is completed for the 08/01-08/15 pay period.
Training & Support
Q
Will training be provided?
A
Yes — quick guides, recorded sessions, and role-based training. The manager and employee online training is available on the eSTARTinfo.alabama.gov home page underneath Communications - Reference Material. Registration for classroom training is available at https://sbsapptraining.alabama.gov/ (Agency Administrators and Managers only).
Technical & Security
Q
Is my data secure?
A
Yes, the system meets industry security and compliance standards.
Q
Will integrations still work?
A
Yes, though names or formats may change. Training will be provided.
Q
If I use Federated or SSO login should I be prompted for MFA every time I log into the application?
A
No, you should not be prompted for MFA each time you access the system. Please ensure that you are signed into your browser using your work account, which can be confirmed by checking the profile icon in the upper-right corner. For most users, Microsoft Edge has been proven to be the most reliable browser.
Q
Is it possible to extend the application session timeout beyond 30 minutes?
A
No, the default session timeout for all tenants is not customizable and maintained by the vendor.
Post-Go-Live
Q
How long is the hypercare period?
A
Hypercare support will be available for two full pay periods following go-live.
Q
Will there be system updates after launch?
A
Yes, there will be system updates for eSTART. We will receive notifications for scheduled maintenance, updates and enhancements.