© UNDP Cambodia/Manuth Buth

The Sustainable Development Goals and emerging global issues are reshaping how the UN operates and delivers results. They demand we rethink how we work and partner with others.

Our current enterprise resources planning (ERP) system, ATLAS, has formed the operational and financial backbone of the UN System for more than a decade and has begun to feel the strain. Built using technology that will soon be unsupported, new investments needed to sustain this system are no longer viable.

In 2020, a multi-stakeholder, multi-year project was launched to replace the current ERP with a future-proofed, cloud-based digital engagement platform. It’s called Quantum. 

Quantum will: 

Provide a collaboration platform that is easy to use, accessible from any device, and supports multiple languages.

Simplify transactions for faster processing and integrate with other corporate systems to improve efficiencies.

Improve operational effectiveness, strengthen internal controls, and streamline business processes in line with leading industry practices.

Increase end-to-end process transparency, helping mitigate organizational risks.

Enable data-driven decision making by consolidating data sources, improving data integrity and enhancing reporting capabilities.

Support a greener UN by reducing paper-based transactions and processes. 

What is changing? 

For most of us, the biggest change will be moving to a new, more intuitive and interactive platform that delivers existing and new services, as well as a range of expanded capabilities.

User collaboration and end-to-end process transparency are at the core of the Quantum platform. It will let you submit self-service requests digitally on one platform instead of through email, while embedded social engagement tools allow you to track your cases every step of the way – from your desktop, phone or any other mobile device.

At the organization level, this high-calibre, fit-for-purpose application will help systemize processes such as recruitment, sourcing, partnership management and strategic planning. It will also enable future business transformations that deliver further efficiencies and cost savings that can support programme goals across the UN system.