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For an expanded source of Project Enterprise and Banner implementation FAQs, see the Knowledge Base.
What does ERP mean?
An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system is a comprehensive, integrated set of business software tools installed on a centralized computer platform. The system includes a central database that stores all critical information necessary to perform daily University business operations, from student and employee names, to payroll and financial information. With continuity among programs and a consistent, single data source, ERP systems enable departments to streamline processes and update, access, and share information more easily.
Why is the project called Enterprise?
SunGard's Integrated Digital Campus is an Enterprise Resource Planning system. Given the size and complexity of this project, the Executive Steering Committee felt it important to give the project a name. A contest was undertaken by all the members of the working groups to find a suitable name. Project Enterprise, submitted by Frank Azuola, Assistant, Vice President, Computer Services, was selected because it complements the current marketing strategy of the University.
Why does Temple need an ERP system?
The set of core administrative systems (Finance, Human Resources, and Student, also known as "legacy" systems) that currently support Temple’s business processes are, in most cases, at least 20 - 25 years old. Many of the programs on these systems are written in COBOL, an older programming language that is not used much anymore. Supporting systems that use an outdated language is problematic because it becomes increasingly difficult to find qualified employees who know the language and also to find training courses for employees to learn it.
Temple’s systems are also very fragmented. Over the years, various systems have been appended to handle new functions and programs have been written to address specific processes. This home-grown, customized approach is expensive, time consuming, and very difficult to maintain.
Data storage is also fragmented with critical, operational information stored and maintained in several locations. This results in a complicated framework that has become increasingly unwieldy, unreliable, and incapable of adapting to newer technology that is currently used by many universities and corporations. In fact, in the Urban 21, a group of universities similar in student population and location type, Temple is the only school that has not implemented an ERP system. For a view of Temple's current and future system infrastructure, see an online diagram available in Acrobat format.
Why did the University select Banner?
An Executive Steering Committee representing a range of key Temple academic and administrative departments is directing the Enterprise project. One of the committee’s early tasks was to select a company to provide the applications that will replace Temple’s legacy systems. This decision was a 12-month process for the committee and Gartner Inc., the firm hired to ensure Temple would get the best product available. After careful research, consideration of the features, and site visits to see other universities’ systems, the Executive Committee selected SunGard's Banner software which is in use by more than 1,300 schools, colleges and universities across the country. SunGuard is very familiar with business practices and procedures in the higher education environment from years of experience developing Banner for their customer base.
How much will the new system cost Temple?
The cost to essentially rebuild and replace Temple's information infrastructure will be approximately $38 million. This project is an enormous undertaking that will impact every facet of the University’s academic and administrative operations.
How long will it take?
Implementing Project Enterprise will take five years: four years to implement all the modules and an additional year to fine tune the system to meet additional Temple’s requirements. For the implementation schedule, see the project Timeline.
How will the Enterprise project impact me? When will it affect me?
Project Enterprise will affect all members of Temple’s community including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Starting in the summer of 2009, the FMS system will be implemented, followed shortly by Human Resources, and then the Student system. As these modules are implemented, they will be used by the respective constituencies, and the old systems will be phased out.
Who will be working on the project?
Currently, over 150 people are working on Project Enterprise. Approximately 30 functional department users have been asked to work on the project full time. In many cases, these individuals will be replaced in their departments by temporary help.
Will my everyday work be disrupted?
One of the primary goals of this implementation is to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. It is important, however, to understand that the scope of this project is substantial and some disruption is normal and to be expected.
Project Enterprise will bring a significant amount of change for everyone. The way things are currently done, and have been done for many years, will be different. This, in itself, will cause disruption to our everyday activities, so expect a period of transition and adjustment.
Will I still be able to access all the resources I can now?
Project Enterprise will change many of the familiar resources and processes you currently use. This will, in many cases, require that you learn new ways of processing regular tasks, such as paying bills, registering for classes, and inputting employees' time. Resources will be available for you to get the job done, but in many cases they will be different than what you are using now.
Will I need to upgrade my computer?
We foresee no need to upgrade computers. Banner is a web-based system that will require access to the network and the internet.
Will there be training on the new system? Do I need to prepare for the implementation?
A significant amount of training will be required and provided. Individuals working on the project will receive extensive training as their individual modules are being implemented. All departmental system users will be required to attend training sessions before each module is rolled out. Students, faculty, and staff will be offered optional training on an ongoing basis.
Will I be kept informed of the process? Who do I contact if I have questions?
This web site will be continually updated to show the progress of Project Enterprise. In addition, regular updates will be published in the Temple Times.
If you have any questions, please contact Lynne Zullo, the Project Enterprise Manager, at lynne.zullo@temple.edu or contact the functional leads as indicated on the project organization chart. |
