Modernizing Fellowship Management: A Tailored Solution for the CDC

Customer Overview

Customer

Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Industry

Government Administration

Products and Services

  • Power Pages
  • SharePoint
  • Power BI

Client Challenge

The CDC required a modern Electronic Fellowship Management System (eFMS) to replace its outdated web-based system. The old system did not support the agency’s growing needs for efficiency, user experience, and data insights. Manual processes and limited reporting capabilities further hampered fellowship management, creating challenges in tracking applications and managing data.

Client Solution

MERP developed a comprehensive eFMS tailored to the CDC’s requirements. Key aspects of the solution included: 

  1. Modernized Fellowship Management: Built a user-friendly, cloud-based portal using Microsoft Power Apps and SharePoint Online. 

  1. Workflow Automation: Streamlined application reviews and approvals with Power Automate. 

  1. Advanced Reporting: Integrated Power BI for real-time dashboards and actionable insights. 

  1. Secure Document Handling: Leveraged SharePoint Online for efficient and secure document storage and management. 

  1. Collaboration Enhancements: Facilitated communication and collaboration with Microsoft Teams integration. 

  1. Continuous Support: Provided ongoing maintenance and updates to ensure the system adapted to changing requirements and technology.

Business Challenges

  1. Outdated System: The existing web-based system failed to meet the CDC’s evolving needs. 

  1. Manual Processes: Inefficient workflows and lack of automation hindered productivity. 

  1. Limited Reporting Capabilities: Existing tools did not provide comprehensive insights or actionable data. 

  1. User Experience Issues: The old system lacked the intuitive interface necessary for both applicants and administrators.

Business Benefits

  1. Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined fellowship application and management processes reduced manual effort and improved productivity. 

  1. User-Friendly Interface: Cloud-based portal provided an intuitive experience for fellowship applicants and staff. 

  1. Improved Decision-Making: Power BI dashboards delivered comprehensive insights for better management and reporting. 

  1. Scalable and Adaptable: Designed to evolve with changing agency needs and technological advancements. 

  1. Seamless Integration: Leveraged the Microsoft Power Platform and SharePoint for cohesive and efficient operations. 

Key Features

  1. Cloud-Based Portal: Provided a centralized fellowship application and management platform. 

  1. Automated Workflows: Leveraged Power Automate to streamline application reviews and approval processes. 

  1. Comprehensive Dashboards: Power BI dashboards enabled real-time tracking of applications and fellowship data. 

  1. Document Management: Integrated SharePoint Online for secure and efficient document storage and sharing. 

  1. Collaboration Tools: Enhanced communication through integration with Microsoft Teams. 

  1. Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Ensured the system stayed up-to-date and aligned with evolving needs. 

This eFMS enhanced efficiency, user experience, and data insights, enabling the CDC to manage fellowships more effectively and adapt to future challenges.

This solution addressed the county's immediate challenges and positioned them for long-term success by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring compliance with FOIA regulations.