ALCOAST 183/18 - MAY 2018 DIRECT ACCESS UPGRADE IMPORTANT INFORMATION

R 151219 MAY 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC//CG-1//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N05298//
ALCOAST 183/18
COMDTNOTE 5298
SUBJ:  DIRECT ACCESS UPGRADE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. This ALCOAST announces necessary preparations in advance of the scheduled upgrade
of Direct Access. The software improvement of Direct Access is required to complete the
9.2 version upgrade. While this will result in five days of maintenance without access
to our Human Capital Management System, Direct Access, the upgrade will ensure continued
on time processing of payroll and enable future improvements to Direct Access.
2. At 2100 EST, Thursday, 24 MAY 2018, Direct Access will be taken offline for the
upgrade, and will be reactivated at 0600 EST, Tuesday, 29 MAY 2017. While users will
not have access to the system during the upgrade, there will be no data lost during the
maintenance period.
3.  The Direct Access upgrade affects all users: Active Duty, Reserve, Retirees and
Civilian personnel. In order to prepare for the maintenance period, please ensure that
all military absence requests, processing of pay or separations paperwork and processing
of orders are completed NLT COB, Wednesday, 23 MAY 2018.
4. Your logon access to Direct Access self-service will remain the same, however, the
URL will change on 29 MAY 2018. Direct Access will automatically redirect you to the new
URL log on the home page. After that time, we recommend you update your favorites with
the new URL to ensure quick and easy access. Once you access the new URL, you will notice
the following improved functionalities:
   a. Cleaner look and feel
   b. Work Centers for key business transactions
   c. New Navigation Options
   d. Unified Header with home page tabs (self-service, requests, etc.)
5. The base system functionality is not changing. However, the system will have new
navigation options. Updated user guides and tutorials are available at:
https://www.dcms.uscg.mil/ppc/da/. The user guides and tutorials web page will also
provide links to any known issues and workarounds that may arise following completion of
the upgrade.
6. Separate guidance, regarding payroll processing cutoff dates, for SPOs will be provided
in an upcoming E-Mail ALSPO message.
7. Direct questions regarding the content of this ALCOAST to PPC Customer Care at
(866) 772-8724/ (785) 339-2200 or by submitting a trouble ticket at:
https://cg.portal.uscg.mil/units/ppc/SitePages/Contact%20Us.aspx/.
8. RDML W. G. Kelly, Assistant Commandant for Human Resources, sends.
9. Internet release authorized.