What does my organization need to run Performance Matters Plus?

As a Web application service, Performance Matters Plus is delivered over the Internet. All the software and hardware required to run the application over the Web is managed by FutureWork Systems. All you need is a Web browser, Internet Explorer 6 or above is required, and an Internet connection. We recommend a high-speed Internet connection.

How many users can I have use Performance Matters Plus?

You can have as many people as you want. As a Web application, each user will be assigned a username and password to access your organization's Performance Matters Plus application.

How often is performance data loaded into my Performance Matters Plus application?

This is up to you and depends upon your needs. We can work with you to determine a data load schedule that's right for your organization. We recommend a monthly data load schedule to keep your performance data in Performance Matters Plus in its most current state. Monthly data loads ensure that your organization is looking at the most current view of performance, placing you in a more proactive management position.

Can I add local or state measures to Performance Matters Plus?

Yes. Performance Matters Plus was developed to easily handle the inclusion of additional state and local performance measures, going beyond the core WIA/Common measures that the base application handles (customization). During the implementation phase of Performance Matters Plus, FutureWork Systems will add your local/state measures to the application so that you'll have one-application for performance management.

How long will it take to implement Performance Matters Plus?

Most clients are up and running within 30 days. Regardless of whether or not you have requested customization to the application, such as the addition of local/state measures, FutureWork Systems will provide you with an implementation schedule. Implementation timeframes will vary depending on the level of customization.

Will anyone outside my organization be able to access my Performance Matters Plus application? I'm concerned about security.

Not unless you want them to. When Performance Matters Plus is implemented for your organization, it is only for the licensed users that you register with FutureWork Systems. Anyone outside your organization cannot access your site without permission from your organization and without paid licensed user privileges.

Performance Matters Plus does however allow users to share interactive Dashboards with people outside Performance Matters Plus. Sharing performance Dashboards is an excellent way to keep interested parties informed.

If you have any data security concerns or specific questions regarding Performance Matters Plus security, please don't hesitate to ask us, 1-800-448-2266 or contact form.

Will Common Measures be included with Performance Matters Plus?

Yes. Common Measures are included with Performance Matters Plus. The current version of Performance Matters Plus, version 7.0, calculates all WIA measures as outlined in DOL's Workforce Investment Act Annual Report: General Reporting Instruction and ETA Form 9091, Revised 2006.

Additional performance measures, as defined by your state or local area may also be included in the application as a customized feature.

How many reports does Performance Matters Plus provide?

Over 100 predefined reports are available. These default reports, or views, as they are called in Performance Matters, are created by FutureWork Systems and current Performance Matters users and are excellent starting points for performance analysis. But hundreds, even thousands, more are available. It's really up to the user. As a dynamic application capable of manipulating the display of performance data in countless combinations, the number of reports available are endless. Default views are organized by a user's area of interest such as, Executive, Dislocated Worker, Adult and Analyst and by topics such as, benchmarking, analytics, and performance overview. Reports are further divided according to program, WIA, Wagner-Peyser, VETS, Trade Act, ARRA.

Who typically uses Performance Matters Plus?

Performance Matters Plus is used by a variety of different workforce development professionals. Most of them fall within the administration and management tier of workforce development. There are Executives, program managers for Dislocated Worker, Adult and Youth programs, IT managers, and analysts. Each group utilizes Performance Matters Plus for tracking performance and gaining insight into their performance data in great detail. We've designed the application service to help them focus on their areas of interest.

Regardless of who uses the application within a workforce development area, all users are using the same version of the truth when discussing performance.

What data files do you need for Performance Matters Plus?

Performance Matters Plus requires the following core data files:

WIA: WIASRD
Wagner-Peyser: LEPR (Labor Exchange Participant Record)
Trade Act: TAPR (Trade Act Participant Record)

Performance Matters Plus will be accepting WISPR format once finalized by US DOL.

In addition to these base data requirements, Performance Matters Plus can include allocation and expenditure data so that you can conduct cost per analysis on the site. To do this, submission of Allocation and Expenditure quarterly data is required and can be provided to FutureWork Systems via a customize spreadsheet provided to you by FutureWork Systems.

Does Performance Matters Plus come with WIA, Wagner-Peyser and Trade Act or do we need to add the modules we want to the system?

Clients may configure Performance Matters Plus to meet their needs. The minimum system configuration is for the management of WIA performance data. Some clients opt to begin using the system for WIA only, then at a later time, add in other management modules, such as Wagner-Peyser and Trade Act.

We built Performance Matters Plus to be as nimble as possible, allowing clients to customize it to meet their needs.