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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s SciQuest?
When will we see it?
What testing?
Who is testing?
When is go live?
What will my involvement be?
Will I be trained?
What do I need to know?
How will this affect my job?
Do I need any special equipment?
Will I be limited to who I can buy from? Are some vendors restricted?

What’s SciQuest?: SciQuest is the software product behind our "WolfMart" marketplace. WolfMart will be the on-line requisitioning/ordering tool for SBU faculty, researchers, staff and students. It is equipped with catalogs designed to create purchase requisitions and purchase orders. It will allow for streamlining of the procurement process and allow for quick and easy order placement, greater institutional savings through comparative shopping, and improved financial management through improved data collection.
When will we see it?: The implementation is in final testing stage with a planned pilot rollout to fifteen different campus departments. The planned campus-wide roll-out is slated to begin in late January 2012, completing by June 30, 2012.
What testing?: The SciQuest system is being integrated with the existing RF Oracle system and SUNY web systems. We are testing these integration points to ensure that all systems are communicating with each other and required financial data is being transferred in both a timely and accurate basis. Simultaneously we are testing the functionality of the system, ensuring that end-user operation is smooth and seamless.
Who is testing?: The Procurement Office, RF Grants Management and several other campus departments are involved in transaction testing at this time.
When is go live?: The system is currently live. We have run some live transactions through it as a part of the test process. The bulk of campus Procurement transactions continue to run through the legacy RF Oracle and SUNY web systems. During the months of November and December the Procurement Office will be transitioning to run the product natively, allowing us to build familiarity with it and therefore assist in the training aspect of the implementation.
What will my involvement be?: If you are currently involved in the selection, ordering and approval process for commodities and service required by your department, you will have direct involvement in this implementation. You will need to be trained and given access to the system, just as you have in the current State and RF systems, to perform the procurement functions required for the daily operation of your area(s).
Will I be trained?: Yes, you will be trained to utilize the system. A robust training program has been developed to support initial roll-out and on-going utilization of the SciQuest system and the WolfMart Marketplace. Hands on training is currently available and 0n-line help is being developed that will be specific to the job and functions of those at all levels.
What do I need to know?: To schedule training you will need to contact Mary La Corte at (631) 632-9849 and schedule a training date. Training classes are being scheduled to accommodate all involve. You will need to know you NETID log in as well as your SBU ID#. Training will take place in various areas of the campus, to make travel by the campus community or convenient.
How will this affect my job?: We hope to be making your job, as it relates to the Procurement function, more effective and streamlined. The envisioned process simplifies existing processes, reduces (eliminates) current paper-based processes and allows for the active engagement of those involved to save money and support the University’s teaching, research and community missions.
Do I need any special equipment?: No the system is web based and no hardware changes are expected.
Will I be limited to who I can buy from? Are some vendors restricted?: There is a wide range of vendors and catalogs available for you to shop from. As is the University policy (past, present and future), specific vendors will be identified as the University source for that particular commodity (such as office supplies and custodial supply) and shoppers will be directed to them.