Project One: Fusion Intranet Redesigned

Project 1:

Fusion Intranet Redesign

Overview

The Fusion Intranet Redesigned project at the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) aimed to revolutionize internal communication channels for state staff and local DSS agencies. In response to the limitations of an aging system, the Public Affairs division embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of its intranet content management system (CMS) from 2017 through 2019. As part of this initiative, I was brought on board in 2017 to spearhead the development of Fusion, leveraging the DotNetNuke (DNN) platform.

My role involved orchestrating the entire construction process of Fusion, from setting up the infrastructure to implementing the CMS on a robust web and data server. Alongside my team lead, we meticulously crafted template skins and themes to shape the site's design, ensuring a seamless and user-friendly experience for all users. After rigorous planning and execution, the Fusion platform was successfully launched in 2018, marking a significant milestone in the migration journey from the outdated SPARK intranet to the dynamic and modern Fusion environment.

The Fusion Intranet Redesigned project represents a pivotal shift towards enhancing internal communication and collaboration within VDSS. By leveraging state-of-the-art technologies and a user-centric approach, Fusion is a powerful tool to streamline information dissemination, foster teamwork, and empower employees to fulfill their roles effectively. This project exemplifies VDSS's commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the needs of its staff and stakeholders, driving efficiency and productivity across the organization.

SPARK to Fusion

Transitioning from SPARK to our new content management system, Fusion, built on the DNN platform, presented significant challenges. We established a comprehensive migration project involving the entire agency to navigate this transition seamlessly. Under the adept leadership of our Content Migration Specialist, the migration team operated with remarkable efficiency.

Drawing upon thorough research and analysis of SPARK, the migration team meticulously developed processes and actions tailored to our organization's needs. With the Fusion site ready, our team crafted a meticulous timeline to guide the transfer process. This collaborative effort ensured a smooth transition, underscoring our commitment to embracing innovation and optimizing our internal systems for enhanced performance and user experience.

Empowering Cultural Shifts Through Digital Transformation

As we embarked on the redesign journey for SPARK, our vision extended far beyond a mere facelift. We envisioned Fusion not just as an upgraded platform, but as a dynamic communications powerhouse poised to revolutionize our organizational culture. With unwavering dedication and innovative spirit, we set out to reshape outdated applications and pioneer novel avenues for disseminating information to LDSS and VDSS staff.

Through tireless efforts and forward-thinking initiatives, we have not only realized our initial goal but have far surpassed it. Our transformation journey has yielded remarkable achievements, breathing new life into old applications like Broadcasts and introducing groundbreaking solutions such as Connect, Portfolios, and Touts. These innovations have not only modernized our communication channels but have also fostered a culture of collaboration, efficiency, and empowerment across our organization.

As I reflect on our progress, I take pride in the profound impact our digital transformation has had on our organizational ethos. By embracing change and embracing innovation, the agency has not only embraced change and innovation but has set a new standard for excellence in the digital age. Our journey is a testament to the power of visionary leadership, collective effort, and unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and realizing our boldest aspirations.