Transformation Journey of the Florida Education Association with the Arrayworks TAP Platform
At a Glance
150,000
MEMBERS
29
Disparate SYSTEMS migrated to THE TAP Platform
43,741
Average number of transactions processed per week in TAP
3.3
Minutes to link bank account for DUES payment in member portal
Introduction
The Florida Education Association (FEA) faced a daunting challenge: managing 29 separate systems, leading to operational inefficiencies, data inaccuracies, and increased costs. To overcome these issues, FEA embarked on a transformational journey to unify these systems into one cohesive platform. The goal was to enhance operational efficiency, cater to diverse membership models, and future-proof their investments against the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Challenges
Fragmented Systems:
Relying on 29 disparate systems caused delays, data errors and administrative inefficiencies, hampering FEA's ability to operate efficiently.
Diverse Stakeholder Needs:
With over 150,000 members across various affiliates, FEA required a solution flexible enough to accommodate diverse membership models and operational structures.
Future-proofing Investments:
FEA sought to reduce vendor dependency and long-term development costs while ensuring scalability and longevity for future growth.
Vendor Selection Process
FEA embarked on an extensive evaluation process, engaging multiple technology providers and testing their solutions through a pilot program. Despite being a nimble player without prior labor union industry experience, Arrayworks stood out for its flexibility and alignment with FEA’s goals. The low-code platform allowed for deep customization, enabling Arrayworks to consolidate FEA’s diverse business models into one streamlined solution. Additionally, Arrayworks' hands-on culture and high-touch customer service approach resonated with FEA, making them the preferred choice.
Implementation of New Dues Collection Method
In 2022, newly passed legislation prohibiting payroll deductions for union dues posed a critical challenge for FEA. Leveraging the flexibility of Arrayworks' TAP and partnering with Dwolla, FEA swiftly transitioned to a new dues collection system. In just six months, the platform processed over 180,000 transactions across 100 local unions, accommodating more than 80 unique school system payment schedules. This rapid implementation not only met diverse member needs but also ensured minimal disruption during the transition, showcasing TAP’s scalability and adaptability.
Solution Highlights
Seamless Integration:
Arrayworks' TAP unified FEA’s ecosystem, integrating the needs of PK-12 educators, higher education staff, retirees, students, and union officers into a single, comprehensive system.
Flexible Customization:
TAP's low-code architecture allowed FEA to consolidate various business models into one comprehensive solution, addressing the unique needs of all members.
Data Fidelity and Security:
The platform ensured real-time data validation, robust role-based security, and auditability, safeguarding sensitive member data and maintaining the highest levels of protection and integrity.
Benefits Realized
Operational Efficiency:
By consolidating data from disparate systems into a single, unified platform, FEA ensured data accuracy and consistency across the organization. This integration minimized manual tasks and enabled staff to focus on higher-value activities resulting in greater efficiencies and overall productivity.
Improved Member Services:
FEA's intuitive member portal simplifies the enrollment process and enables easy setup for ACH payments, making it more convenient for members to manage their dues and preferences.
Scalability and Future-Readiness:
With a scalable, low-code platform, FEA is well-positioned to quickly adapt to future needs and explore new ways to support its members.
Future Outlook
FEA anticipates further leveraging the Arrayworks TAP platform to unlock new possibilities to support their members in innovative ways. In the short term, a fully automated import tool will allow FEA to capture and engage both current and potential members more effectively, helping to drive future improvements in membership enrollment and retention. Additionally, the platform’s low code framework and scalability position FEA for continued growth and adaptation to evolving industry trends.
Conclusion
The transformation journey of FEA, powered by the Arrayworks TAP platform, highlights the profound impact of addressing complex operational challenges with a robust and adaptable solution. By consolidating data from disparate systems into a cohesive platform, FEA has significantly improved operational efficiency, member services, and resource optimization. This strategic approach not only resolves current inefficiencies but also positions FEA for continued growth and adaptation in a rapidly changing educational landscape.