SUMMA – 100 Days Strong!

After months of hard work, SUMMA successfully went live on 1 January. To mark this achievement, we gathered for the SUMMA Go-Live Drink on 4 March, where we had the pleasure of coming together with some of you who contributed to this success. Whether you worked on SUMMA remotely, helped with testing, data cleansing, or focused on communications, it was fantastic to share this moment and acknowledge our collective efforts. 

But while SUMMA officially went live on 1 January, the work didn’t stop there. The transition from ABAC to SUMMA is a major change, and we understand that it takes time for everyone to adjust. That’s why we’ve been focused on providing ongoing and tailored support to ensure that all users are confident and equipped to navigate this new system.  

How have we done this? Since the launch, we’ve provided Hypercare support, with dedicated teams ready to assist whenever needed. Additionally, ongoing training sessions and specialised clinics have been set up, playing a key role in helping everyone adapt smoothly. We continue to monitor the system closely and cooperate with the DGs to ensure that everything runs as expected. As with any new system, challenges are inevitable – but together, we are facing them and overcoming them, one step at a time. 

At the end of April, we launched the first new release of SUMMA since the go live. The new version includes mainly bug-fixes as well as some awaited functionalities. Looking ahead to the rest of the year, we plan one major release per quarter, each bringing improvements, significant enhancements and new functionalities designed to increase efficiency and address evolving business needs.   

Now, as we look back on these first 100 days, it’s important to recognise the teamwork that has brought us this far. The integration of SUMMA with existing systems, the thorough testing and the fine-tuning of its processes have all been achieved thanks to your dedication. The fact that SUMMA is now fully operational is a direct result of our collective effort, and we couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve accomplished together.  

Innovation continues to play a central role in our success, and we are excited to introduce PACIOLI, the new SUMMA chatbot dedicated to answering your questions and providing real-time assistance!  Give it a try through this link!  

As we move forward, there are exciting milestones on the horizon. Our next major goal is to roll out SUMMA to the European External Action Service (EEAS) and 23 other entities currently using ABAC. This transition is scheduled for January 2026, and your continued collaboration will be key to ensuring that this next phase is as successful as the first.  

In 2025, new SUMMA reports – covering operational, management, legal, and external requirements – will be made available. These reports, like any effective monitoring tool, will help to pinpoint areas where additional efforts and improvements may be required. 

We remain fully committed to addressing any issues promptly and providing the necessary support to ensure that the transition to SUMMA remains seamless. Our ongoing training sessions will continue, and we will offer additional specialised clinics to address any specific needs or challenges that may arise. 

In this edition of SUMMA News, you’ll find the latest updates on the system, including practical how-to guides for both current and future users.  

Thank you once again for your unwavering dedication and for playing such a crucial role in the success of SUMMA. Together, we’re not just adopting a new system – we’re transforming the way we work for the better. 

We look forward to continuing this journey with you, and we’re excited for what lies ahead. 

Enjoy reading the latest SUMMA News, 

Beatriz and Rein