ERP assessment highlights modernization opportunities, includes proposed timeline

Following a comprehensive assessment of business processes and technologies, Ohio University is preparing to modernize its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, with a roadmap designed to improve human resources, finance, and student administration functions into the next decade.

This roadmap was shaped by input from more than 300 faculty and staff and conducted in collaboration with a steering committee and Huron Consulting Group. The roadmap aims to position OHIO for the future through a phased implementation, beginning with human resources and finance systems, followed by student administration systems.  

Why modernization matters 

As OHIO continues to modernize its academic programming, research enterprise and the student experience across all campuses, centers, and modalities, the University’s current administrative systems, some of which were built more than two decades ago, must also be modernized.

These systems encompass more than 100 applications and touch almost every aspect of OHIO’s operations—from processing payroll and awarding scholarships to enrolling students and managing research funds. Years of customizations and rapidly evolving technology will make these systems increasingly inefficient and costly to operate over time.  

This initiative is about more than upgrading technology—it’s about modernizing the way we work. Expected benefits include: 

• Adaptability to change: Flexibility to respond quickly to evolving needs and take advantage of new opportunities. 
• Improved user experience: Modern, intuitive tools that simplify tasks, integrate workflows, and free up time for more meaningful work. 
• Better decision-making: Access to timely, accurate data insights and information to support both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. 
• Increased effectiveness: Streamlined processes through simplification, standardization, and automation. 
• Enhanced security and resilience: Strengthened compliance measures, improved data security, and robust support for business continuity. 

This modernization effort is akin to constructing a new building—requiring extensive planning, coordination, and investment—but its benefits will touch everyone at OHIO. Thanks to strategic planning in prior years, sufficient one-time funding has already been allocated to fully support the first phase of this initiative. 

Next steps 

Key milestones for the human resources and finance systems components include the following: 

• January 2025: Begin readiness projects, including governance, team structure and vendor selection. 
• January 2026: Launch the implementation of new human resources and finance systems. 
• January 2028: Go live with the new human resources and finance ERP platform. 

Subsequent phases, including the student administration system, will be planned based on ongoing assessments and evolving technology. 

Staying informed and involved 

As this initiative gets underway, OIT will develop a comprehensive website to serve as a central hub for updates and resources. There will also be continued opportunities for you to provide feedback to support a successful project. 

For more details on the results of the assessment, visit the ERP Assessment website. To submit feedback, questions, or concerns, complete the ERP Assessment Feedback Form.