SIG’s structured solution for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and hardware helps colleges and universities implement major administrative systems on time and within budget.
ERP applications support the primary administrative functions and services (e.g., registration, financial aid, accounting, payroll, advising) within a college or university. The implementation of such systems though, can be a daunting challenge. There are a myriad of issues with respect to software configuration, data conversion, user training, hardware infrastructure, and so forth.
SIG helps clients cut through the obstacles and complexities. In addition, SIG’s guidance and industry knowledge can enable significant cost savings. Although SIG customizes its solution for each client, each implementation usually includes the following components:
- Project management services
- Review of institutional objectives and the impetus behind the implementation
- Business process mapping workshops to understand major opportunities
- Development of project plans, milestones, budgets, communications vehicles, vendor management routines, and work assignments
- Creation of change management strategies
- Implementation of project management tools to help ensure proper completion of all tasks
- Development of supportive infrastructures (e.g., application servers, network connectivity, client desktops)
- Installation of core applications, databases, compilers, and other software
- Implementation of test/training and production ERP environments
- Tuning of databases and system parameters
- Development of high-availability solutions and data backup routines
- Documentation of third-party enterprise applications (e.g., library systems) and the need for integration
Development of cross-functional work teams and advisory committees
- Identification of departmental “shadow” systems and the potential for integrating functionality within the ERP solution
- Functional consulting and user training
- Configuration of the ERP applications -- building tables and rules according to institutional requirements
- Review and resolution of reporting needs
- Development of transitional technology (e.g., cross-walk solutions) during the time that both legacy systems and new ERP applications are in production
- Parallel system testing, if appropriate
- Creation of system documentation, manuals, and user guides
- Validation, and conversion of legacy data
- Loading of legacy data into the new ERP system
- Application testing and user acceptance
SIG’s implementation services have been developed to ensure alignment with an institution’s needs. For example, SIG’s consultants work side-by-side with the client’s staff to ensure knowledge transfer, helping customers understand how their system should be configured, operated, and maintained.
SIG is vendor neutral. It does not sell hardware or software. It does not promote products or services from any particular company. Instead, SIG helps clients determine the right blend of tools and resources to meet the institution’s needs.
SIG works effectively with a variety of vendors in the higher education marketplace, including Datatel, Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP, Sigma Systems, SunGard SCT, Microsoft, Jenzabar, Blackboard, WebCT, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, IBM, Sun Microsystems, and Cisco.
Please let us know how SIG can help you with your enterprise technology. We are pleased to offer assistance.
