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For Users and Future Users: SUMMA Tips & Tricks

As we continue our journey with SUMMA at the Commission, we have opened a new chapter in EU financial management since the beginning of this year. While colleagues from all DGs and Executive Agencies delve deeper into the capabilities of SUMMA, we have collected the best tips and tricks for users and future users to ensure a smooth onboarding experience and mastery of the SUMMA ecosystem. So, let's unlock the potential of SUMMA together: here are the essentials you don't want to miss!

date:  12/05/2025

BEFORE the SUMMA transition:  

  • Get in touch with your Local SUMMA Coordinator who is responsible for all procedural questions, and your SUMMA Champion, who deals with technical issues. Ideally, they should work closely together from the start.

  • Stay informed and share relevant SUMMA news within your organisation. We invite you to browse the BUDGpedia SUMMA pages and the SUMMA homepage to familiarise yourself with SUMMA and to ensure you are aware of relevant news and upcoming training opportunities.   

  • Complete the SUMMA Awareness Training and attend the training sessions applicable to your specific role. Promoting the learning assets available within your team will benefit your organisation as you familiarise yourself with SUMMA.   

  • Keep testing the system at your own pace and flag any issues that you may encounter. Click here for more information about the free complementary testing.   

  • Liaise with the LAMs within your organisation for any questions related to access management. This will ensure that your SUMMA access will work smoothly in the new system from day one.   

  • Complete as many transactions as possible in ABAC before SUMMA goes live. This will reduce the migration workload and the backlog of transactions in January. 

  • Clean up as much data as possible, as this will facilitate a smooth migration. If possible, familiarise yourself with the migrated data from the last test migration.  

AFTER the SUMMA transition: 

  • Continue to follow SUMMA training sessions to keep up to date, as the system’s functionality is regularly enhanced. You can also explore additional resources such as quick reference cards and webcasts available on the SUMMA training page.  

  • Consult PACIOLI, your 24/7 SUMMA AI companion, whenever you need help working with the new system, for fast and accurate assistance. 

  • Take advantage of the SUMMA Clinics to address the most frequently asked questions about the functioning of SUMMA for additional coaching and support.    

  • Create a Teams channel or similar to centralise your resources and encourage the rapid sharing of workarounds when issues arise - a strong user community is key and can revolutionise your SUMMA experience. 

 Contact the SUMMA Helpdesk 

Getting to grips with the new system will inevitably present you with challenges, but don't worry, we've got your back: Your first point of contact is your Local SUMMA Coordinator or Champion – if an issue requires further action, the SUMMA Helpdesk is here to help. Then, the most efficient way to get fast and comprehensive support is to submit a request via ServiceNow. Here are five tips to help you get started quickly: 

  1. Chose the form that corresponds to your specific issue:
  2. Write a clear, self-explanatory subject line.
  3. Include screenshots of error messages and URLs to speed up issue resolution.
  4. Provide a detailed description of your issue and specify the SUMMA environment you are referring to.
  5. Update your existing ticket with a comment or contact your SUMMA Champion if you are experiencing a delay in response and avoid submitting the same ticket multiple times as this will overload the Helpdesk.  

As we navigate this SUMMA journey, remember that you can propose Change Requests to improve SUMMA’s capabilities. First, discuss your idea with your SUMMA Champion to ensure that your organisation is prepared to defend the request if necessary. By promoting open communication, fostering collaboration and offering mutual support, we can overcome the challenges that arise. By sharing our insights and solutions, we are building a resilient network, ready to embrace this new chapter in EU financial management. You are never alone - we're here for you, every step of the way. Let's continue to support each other and make the most of SUMMA's huge potential!