Embedded Files
Once you log in to ESS, you will land on the Home Page. Key tools & components of the ESS Home Page include:
Home Icon
Alerts Icon
Help Icon
QuickLinks
My Information Widget
User Profile
Primary Navigation Menu
Advantage Assistant
Footer
1. Home Icon
1. Home Icon
The Home icon (house) provides a quick way to return to your ESS Home Page from anywhere in the system. Simply left-click the icon to return to the ESS landing page. To open your Home Page in a new tab or browser window without interrupting your current session, right-click the icon and select “Open in new tab” or “Open in new window.” This is helpful when you need to work in multiple areas of ESS at the same time.
2. Alerts Icon
2. Alerts Icon
The Alerts icon (bell) displays messages sent by system administrators. These alerts may be directed to all users, specific groups, or individuals, and typically include reminders, updates, or urgent notices. When a red badge appears on the Alerts icon, the number shown indicates how many new alerts you have not yet read.
Managing Alerts
Click the Alerts icon to open the Unread Alerts list. The list shows all alerts that have not expired or been manually deleted.
To remove an alert from the Unread Alerts list, click the “X” next to the message. This hides the alert from the list but does not delete it from your inbox.
To view your full alerts inbox, click View All at the bottom of the alerts list.
Critical Alerts
Critical alerts appear as pop-up messages that overlay your current screen. If you're not logged in when a critical alert is sent, it will display the next time you log in—if the alert has not yet expired. These alerts include an OK link that opens the Unread Alerts list.
3. Help Icon
3. Help Icon
The Help icon (question mark) opens a pop-up window with help content tailored to the page you're currently viewing. This context-sensitive help makes it easy to find definitions, instructions, or references without interrupting your workflow.
To explore additional topics or search across the full help system, click the Show Left Panel link in the upper-left corner of the Help window. This expands the full help menu, allowing you to scroll through and locate the information you need.
In-Depth CGI Advantage User Guides
At the bottom of the help menu, click the User Guides in PDF link to open a new window where you can download PDF versions of in-depth CGI Advantage user guides.
4. QuickLinks
4. QuickLinks
QuickLinks are large, user-friendly icons that provide fast access to the tools you use most often, reducing the need to search or navigate through multiple menus.
5. My Information Widget
5. My Information Widget
The My Information Widget summarizes key employment details such as your Title, Date of Hire, Home Department and Home Unit.
6. User Profile
6. User Profile
Your User Profile is accessible by clicking your name in the top-right corner of the ESS window. It contains three main sections: Account Settings, My Roles, and the Sign Out link.
Account Settings
Account Settings allows you to manage your personal preferences and security settings. To access this information, click the Account Settings link in your User Profile.
My Roles
The My Roles section displays the business roles assigned to you. Employees will only have the Employee Self-Service business role when using the CORE ESS module.
Sign Out
Clicking Sign out securely ends your ESS session. Always use this option rather than closing your browser to ensure your session is properly closed.
7. Primary Navigation Menu
7. Primary Navigation Menu
The Primary Navigation Menu is the vertical blue panel on the far left of the ESS Home Page. It provides structured access to the tools and tasks available to you. You can expand the menu by clicking the three horizontal lines at the top of the panel.
8. Advantage Assistant
8. Advantage Assistant
Advantage Assistant is an in-application help feature that provides real-time, step-by-step guidance for completing tasks within ESS. It delivers tailored support for the specific page or process you are working on, including visual walkthroughs and embedded instructional videos.
You can access Advantage Assistant by clicking the Advantage Assistant icon located at the lower right corner of any page in the application.
Once opened, Advantage Assistant offers:
Screen Guides – On-screen, interactive guides that walk you through each step of a task or scenario on the current page.
Instructional Videos – Short, embedded videos that explain key features or demonstrate business processes.
To find relevant help content, you can use the search bar located within the Screen Guides and Videos tabs. Enter at least three characters to activate the search. Search results are filtered based on both the title and the description of the guide or video.
Advantage Assistant is available whenever you need support—directly from the page you’re working on—making it an essential resource for on-demand training and guidance.
9. Footer
9. Footer
The Footer is displayed at the bottom of every page in ESS and provides quick access to system and environment information. It offers essential context and support resources—always available no matter where you are in the system.
System Information
Located in the bottom-left corner, this section includes links to key reference materials:
About – Opens a pop-up window that displays the ESS release number and copyright information.
Privacy – Opens a pop-up with privacy information related to the application.
Important Links – Opens a pop-up containing links to helpful resources outside of the application.
Accessibility – Opens a pop-up that includes a list of available shortcut keys and a link to system accessibility features. A link to downloadable User Guides (PDF) is also included in this window.
Environment Information
Shown in the bottom-right corner, this section displays details about the system environment you are currently using (e.g., Production).
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