One of the UK’s largest rail operators is trying to get off an ageing payroll system built on COBOL that it first implemented decades ago – and which has left it requiring regular “manual manipulation” on Excel to pay staff.
Great Western Railway (GWR) is running a now little-known payroll system called “Cyborg Payroll”. The Stack couldn’t quite ascertain precisely when this was first launched*, but it was originally created by Cyborg Systems Inc, founded in 1974, not re-platformed, and has long been deprecated.
"The current systems are outdated, manual and prone to errors. This also hinders our ability to attract, retain and develop top talent at GWR"
As the world turns to shiny new things, Cyborg Payroll still remains dotted about various organisations; supported by a smattering of companies like MicroFocus that are willing to maintain it for clients. (Until recently the London Fire Service was using it, as was transport company FirstGroup.)
GWR has been running the software for two decades, it said.
But it’s getting more problematic: “There is an ever-decreasing number of technical experts who can make changes or troubleshoot issues that arise” GWR lamented this week in a contract notice, adding that “technical upgrades or updated functionality are costly or not possible.
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“Regular payroll processing requires manual manipulation, outside of the system, using Excel spreadsheets that pose both a contingency and security risk… increased complexities in HR and Payroll management have meant that the current systems are outdated, manual and prone to errors. This also hinders our ability to attract, retain and develop top talent at GWR and efficiently manage HR and pay-related processes.” – Great Western Railway
It’s dangling £6 million for the brave supplier that can come in and peel away these layers of accumulated software grime and get something more modern running for its 6,500 staff, of whom procurement note tactfully “Whilst every employee has a mobile phone/PDA the uptake of usage for company processes and the IT maturity of employees varies, as is typical with any frontline/operational business.” (“Give us something very simple to use, please Dear IT Gods” appears to be the likely subtext.)
GWR published a contract notice November 26, asking for requests to participate by… just one day later; November 27. (Could it have a supplier in mind already? Invitations to tender land 27 December 2024.)
*Software historians or those with better ‘Google-Fu’ than we could manage this morning, send recollections on a postcard please!
