Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is the industry's way of describing the systems used to support key areas like finance, human resources, and in higher education, students. In the context of UMass, ERP includes a myriad of technologies, from Peoplesoft HR, Finance and Student, Buyways, to a large number of point solution products acquired and implemented over the past 20 years. The UMass "ERP" is now very much an ecosystem of products that have evolved over time to serve the needs of the campuses and the system.
In the 20 years since we first implemented the core ERP, the higher education industry has evolved significantly. UMass’s size, complexity and needs have changed drastically, and the ERP systems serving higher education have evolved commensurately. In addition, the Peoplesoft platform will eventually reach the “end of life” where updates around functionality and security will no longer be supported.
Thankfully, as a system we are not in “crisis” with our ERP where we are in a reactionary mode – we have time to “Learn, Think, and Share”. Our core tools, while stable, are starting show their age and have become increasingly difficult to maintain. The UMass ERP Summit is designed to start a conversation about ERP at UMass. The goals of the Summit are to:
- Develop a common understanding of the current and future ERP higher education landscape (Learn)
- Develop a common understanding of the UMass current ERP landscape (Learn)
- Think about and discuss our current and potential future ERP challenges (Think)
- Share insights and opinions about the UMass ERP future (Share)
On April 24th, a Team from Deloitte's Higher Education Consulting division facilitated the event, guiding participants through a series of discussions to "Learn, Think, and Share" about Enterprise Resource Planning. Learn more about the Summit at www.umassp.edu/innovation-and-operational-services/UMass-ERP-Summit