TANF External Interface Strengths and Weaknesses Worksheet

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1. Purpose:
   1. To survey and record the perceived strengths and weaknesses separately for current TANF interfaces.
   2. To survey and record the need for interface where they do not currently exist.
   3. To provide a reference document to utilize in determining actions needed to modify or update existing interface processes to meet minimum or expected needs for the TANF organization.
   4. A factor would be considered a strength when it is a distinct competency that the agency possesses. A factor would be considered a weakness when it is something the agency does poorly or does not have the capacity to do.
   5. This information will be utilized in formulation of a strategy plan for TANF as a summary of interfaces needing update or replacement.
2. Instructions for questions:
   1. Complete the following sample questions for each interface process within the TANF organization.
   2. Because various individuals polled may have different perceptions about the strengths and weaknesses of the process, it is encouraged to review several opinions of respected technical staff members and form a consensus opinion of the strengths and weaknesses.
   3. Augment the list of questions to fit your particular environment.
3. Questions to be considered in determining the strengths and weaknesses of the interface process:
   1. Does the interface currently provide the expected results and accurately and dependably transfer data?
   2. Do you frequently have down time as a result of technical problems?
   3. Is the transfer of data completed within the time limits required?
   4. Does your interface process have the ability to recover from failures?
   5. Does your interface process have the flexibility and scalability to handle anticipated expansion?
   6. Do you have qualified personnel to support the interface?
   7. Does your interface currently work with all required entities?
   8. Do you have interface needs with entities that you cannot currently interface with via automated systems?
   9. What is the number one problem with the interface?
   10. Can you get adequate reporting from the interface process?
   11. Do you need additional reporting capability to verify completeness of interface process?
   12. Is there a technical limitation related to your interface system?
   13. Is there any known system software support issues with your system?
   14. Do you need enhanced speed in completion of the interface process?
   15. Do other systems currently wait for the interface process to complete?
   16. Does your interface provide sufficient validity and summary reporting of transactions?
   17. Does the interface have web capabilities?
   18. Does the interface need web capabilities?
4. Instructions for worksheet:
   1. Column 1 lists the external interfaces.
   2. Column 2 lists the TANF business function that requires the interface
   3. Column 3 lists the evaluation of strengths.
   4. Column 4 lists the evaluation of weaknesses.
   5. Column 5 lists the technique to determine the strengths and weaknesses, such as judgments of key decision makers or historical experience.
   6. Column 6 lists potential changes.
5. All entities from the External Environment Data Collection Plan worksheet must be described.
6. Utilization of the TANF Interface Types Worksheet should assist you in your analysis efforts

Example - External Interface Strengths and Weaknesses Worksheet

1. External Interface	2. TANF Business Function	3. Interface Protocol and Data Format	4. Evaluation of Strengths	5. Evaluation of Weaknesses	6. Evaluation Technique	7. Potential Changes
1. Connect:Direct (C:D) to  Birthing Hospitals	Establish Paternity	E = C:D   M = paper report	E. Connect:Direct is fully implemented in-house.   M. Training package for  hospital  acknowledgement exists.	E. Not all hospitals are using electronic interface.   M. Not all hospitals participate in acknowledgement program.	Judgment	E. Evaluate in-house capacity To accept additional data. M. Train hospitals on paternity acknowledgement.
2. TANFNet2000 to Neighboring State	- Case Initiation - Collections	TANFNet2000 CCD+	E.  Committed TANFNet staged implementation plan	Neighboring State Staging of TANFNet implementation may not be compatible with our plan. CCD+ payment format not supported.	Judgment	Staged TANFNet plan may require change based upon Agency goals. Support CCD+ format.

External Interface Strengths and Weaknesses Worksheet

1. External Interface	2. TANF Business Function	3. Interface Protocol and Data Format	4. Evaluation of Strengths	5. Evaluation of Weaknesses	6. Evaluation Technique	7. Potential Changes