PUM PeopleTools Update for Gaming Industry
PeopleSoft Make Me Current – PUM/PeopleTools Update
Scope of the Project
Elire provided System Administration support for Desert Diamond Casino's "Make Me Current" efforts spanning across both FSCM and HCM applications. In addition to updating PUM (moving from PUM 46 to PUM 52 and PUM 50 respectively), the project also included the upgrade of PeopleTools from 8.57 to 8.60. The project had a unique approach, with Elire experts giving remote guidance and technical direction through Webex sessions, while Desert Diamond's internal team performed the hands-on implementation work.
The Challenge
Desert Diamond Casino was significantly behind on their PeopleSoft updates, running PUM 46 and PeopleTools 8.57, creating compliance issues with auditors who were pressuring them to upgrade. Prior "Make Me Current" project efforts experienced challenges related to adherence to best practice approaches and a desire to attempt to perform the project without third-party support. Desert Diamond’s internal upgrade attempts failed, leading to the realization that they lacked the in-house knowledge to successfully complete an upgrade.
Additionally, both platforms had to go live in the same window due to data dependencies, and HCM was required to essentially remain "live" during the upgrade due to the nature of a 24/7 casino operation.
The project also presented unique logistical challenges, including a three-hour time difference that required extended work hours late into the evening to accommodate the client's schedule.
Success Delivered
The Desert Diamond "Make Me Current" PUM and PeopleTools Upgrade project successfully went live June 15, 2025, completing the full PUM upgrade on both environments in just 25 hours - a record completion time. The project experienced no issues during go-live or post go-live except for two Oracle-related bugs across both suite of applications, including a known
Oracle issue with OpenSearch functionality on the newest versions of HCM and Finance.
The overall success of the project can be attributed to collaboration efforts between Elire and the Desert Dimond project team. The project's collaborative approach not only achieved successful results, but also built internal capabilities, empowering Desert Diamond's team to confidently approach system maintenance, setting the foundation for future successful projects.
Client Overview
Desert Diamond Casinos are owned and operated by the Tohono O'odham Nation across Arizona. The casino enterprise currently operates at five locations: Tucson, Sahuarita, Why, West Valley (Glendale), and their newest location White Tanks (near Waddell), which opened December 18, 2024. The West Valley location alone features over 75,000 square feet of entertainment space with over 1,400 slot machines, electronic and live table games, while their newest $450 million White Tanks facility features a 184,000 square-foot gaming floor with 900 slot machines, a poker room, a sportsbook and table games.
