SIG’s structured solution for the procurement of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software, hardware, and services enables colleges and universities to acquire the best possible information technology in the most timely, simple, and affordable manner.
ERP systems support the primary administrative functions and services (e.g., registration, financial aid, accounting, payroll, advising) of a college or university. The procurement of supportive information technology is a significant challenge. There are many issues with respect to software functionality, RFP processes, hardware specifications, training, pricing, contract negotiations, etc.
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 procurement solution for each client, most engagements usually include the following components:
- Assessment of existing operations within key functional offices/departments (e.g., human resources, registration, financial aid, payroll, accounting, advising, payroll)
- Assessment of existing information technology (e.g., legacy applications, data center operations, network infrastructure)
- Clarification of institutional objectives and the impetus behind the procurement process
- Creation of user-driven advisory committees
- Development of a budget to support the ERP procurement and implementation
- Educational demonstrations of vendors’ ERP products and services
- Documentation of functional requirements
- Documentation of technical specifications
- Issuance of a “Thin RFP”
- Detailed onsite vendor demonstrations
- Solution pricing
- Comparative solution analysis and selection of vendor finalists
- Vendor negotiations
SIG’s overall approach entails four major efforts: Assessment, Exploration, Analysis, and Selection.
- Assessment: Understanding the institution’s current issues, concerns, objectives, infrastructure, processes, needs, systems, etc.
- Exploration: Learning about potential ERP solutions
- Analysis: Understanding the relative pros/cons of alternative ERP solutions
- Selection: Deciding upon the most appropriate ERP products and services, negotiating for best pricing, and contracting for favorable terms
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 procurement process. We are pleased to offer assistance.
