Publication:Sea Talk Spring 2008/PSS changes for the better
By LEUT Michael Wilson, DNPISM
A number of recently introduced functions of PMKeyS Self Service (PSS) enable those with Defence Restricted Network (DRN) access to make changes to their pay and to apply for PMKeyS access appropriate to their job. The new functions provide greater flexibility, choice and convenience.
Personnel without access to the DRN will still have to rely on the ship’s office or the Defence Service Centre (DSC) on 1800 000 677 for pay issues, or DNPISM for PMKeyS access issues.
Planning for further extensions of PSS functionalities is also well underway and will be advised in due course.
Do it yourself pay
Personnel can now use PSS to:
- Vary net pay deposit (NPD) details;
- Start, vary and cease discretionary allotments;
- Start, vary and cease additional tax deductions; and,
- Vary MSBS member contribution percentage.
You enter the functions by logging onto PSS and then navigating to the My Pay menu. You can then select either the Net Pay Deposit, Allotments, Vary Additional Tax or Vary MSBS Contribution menu items and make your changes. Note that the Vary MSBS Contribution menu is only available to personnel in the MSBS superannuation fund.
PSS uses your latest salary variation advice (SVA) to determine the current NPD, allotment, additional tax and MSBS contribution details. You are able to update these details using PSS for upload to the ADFPAY system.
Transactions entered via PSS will be uploaded to ADFPAY and any rejected transactions are automatically forwarded to the PAC for resolution.
You should also be aware that updating NPD details via PSS will not affect ROMAN direct credit instructions, such as allowances for removals and movements. If this is required, you must complete and submit form AD 576-Defence Employee Bank and Financial Institution Account Authorisation to update ROMAN direct credit instructions.
Numerous safeguards have been built into the system to guard against incorrect or illegal transactions. You cannot allot more than your normal fortnightly entitlement and MSBS contributions cannot be varied more than once in a three-month period.
However, care must be taken to ensure information such as account details are entered correctly. (Contact your bank if you are unsure of your BSB and/or account number before updating any bank instructions and never close your bank account until you are sure that your new banking arrangements have taken effect in ADFPAY.)
You have the option to delete or modify any transaction through PSS up until PSS system closure on pay Thursday for the following pay day. Please note that there will be no change to ADFPAY functions and procedures undertaken by pay staff.
DIY PMKeyS access via PSS
For those who require PMKeyS for their job or role, you are now able to view the access appropriate to your current position and to also apply for that PMKeyS access online using PSS.
If you have completed the required PMKeyS proficiencies, you will be able to request access to production and reporting electronically, and access should be automatically applied the next working day. If you have not completed the proficiencies you will need to complete the requisite online CAMPUS training.
Role-based access is based on an assessment of the PMKeyS access necessary for the position holder to complete their duties and that the person posted has satisfied the training prerequisites for the position. You can only apply online for access classes listed against your own position and you must satisfy all of the proficiencies for the access class/es attached to the position.
Current access to PMKeyS is not changed with the introduction of the new functions. However, it is important for all current PMKeyS users to ensure their current level of access is matched with their recorded PMKeyS proficiencies. Role-based access will in the future enforce the, ‘no assessment, no access rule’.
If additional or urgent access is required applicants can still apply by completing the paper based AD688, and faxing it to DNPISM on (02) 6266 5056.
PSS performance issues and further help
PSS performance is under increased stress at present because of high user demand. The Chief Information Officer Group is investigating options to improve performance, particularly during times of peak demand such as the end of financial year. To improve system performance and user experience, you are encouraged to use PSS between 0700-0830 and 1600-1900 AEST where possible.
If you require further help you should contact the Defence Service Centre Cooma on 1800 333 362. For Navy specific queries visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/NavyWeb/sites/DNPISM/ and follow the prompts, or email navy.dnpism@defence.gov.au.
