Frequently Asked Questions
Production Simulation
Q: Are we able to use the CARES 104 environment for workflow testing or are we only to use the Product Simulation Environment?
A: The Production Simulation Environment should be used for workflow testing. The CARES 104 Environment will not have the necessary data to test all workflows.
Q: How many cases does the Project suggest counties validate — is it a sampling?
A: There is no set projection or required number of cases. The guidance provided was in the All County Letter (ACL) issued when Production Simulation first launched; the Project is not prescribing additional specifics beyond that.
Q: May we please have a reminder outlining the expected items to continue testing in Mock cycles in Production Simulation?
A: Users are free to validate data at their own discretion, as there are no formal test cases to execute. For example, users may compare a record in CWS-CMS with the corresponding record in CWS-CARES Production Simulation to validate that the data matches. Based on county requests, resources will be available on the Production Simulation Hub, including EUST scenarios, navigation guides, walkthrough meeting recordings, and source-to-target mappings that detail source and target fields, as well as data transformations. In addition, Enablement Programs will become available to help guide users through the system.
Q: Will enablement trainings be available in the Prod Sim CARES 100 environment specifically?
A: Yes, Enablements trainings willl be in available in the CARES 100 environment, also known as Production Simulation.
Q: Is there a data validation process for CARES-Live Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessment (CANS)?
A: Converted CARES-Live data will be available for validation in Production Simulation environment after Phase 2 begins in July 2026.
Q: When do counties need to start submitting tickets to ServiceNow? And how long will office hours be used for questions/issue logging?
A: Counties can begin submitting ServiceNow tickets as soon as they are comfortable doing so. At this time, office hours end dates have not been finalized.
Q: Would there be a change in training dates and plans with the change to Production Simulation testing?
A: No, the changes to Production Simulation testing will not affect the training schedule and dates that was shared.
Q: Has the Go-Live Support Group been replaced, and what should counties know about the transition?
A: The Service Desk County Advisory Committee (CAC) now replaces the Go-Live Support Group. To maintain continuity, the February 3rd announcement suggests that counties include their former Go-Live Support members if they choose to participate in the Service Desk CAC.
Q: Will Extended User Scenario Testing (EUST) 3 tester feedback on worker permissions be reviewed and considered for changes prior to Go-Live?
A: The Project team will take all feedback into consideration. Each item of feedback will be reviewed and prioritized by the Project team to identify any critical gaps that would need to be addressed prior to Go-Live, and what can be delivered after to enhance user experience at a later date.
Q: Is there a specific number of participants expected during Production Simulation?
A: All counties are expected to engage in Production Simulation. The state is working on getting an All County Letter (ACL) that will outline that guidance. We will continue to communicate about this through all county channels.