As part of The University of New Mexico's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation, a project team consisting of key executive leadership and stakeholders from areas across the entire institution, including Student, Finance, Human Resources, Research, and IT, is conducting an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) Modernization and Strategic Readiness Assessment.
The goal of the assessment is to ensure that UNM's administrative systems are optimized to meet the institution's evolving needs, including UNM 2040 goals and the expanding healthcare workforce initiative. As part of the process, Gartner was selected to do the assessment.
What is an ERP?
ERP stands for Enterprise Resource Planning. It is the administrative software that handles the major business processes for an organization. Ellucian Banner, Lawson and UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) are the ERP systems currently used at UNM.
What is the ERP Readiness Assessment?
This assessment will evaluate our current ERP system, identify areas for improvement, and determine how well our technology can support the UNM community's needs in the future. It will focus on streamlining processes, improving data management, and enhancing user experience across various functions, including:
- Student Services
- Finance, Accounting and Receivables
- Human Resources
- Inventory, Supply Chain and Asset Management
Which UNM Organizations are Included in the Assessment?
The assessment encompasses all of UNM, including the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, the Branch campuses, Finance and Administration, as well as the entire Health Sciences Center, including the clinical operations at the UNM Hospital and in the Medical Group.
Why is This Important?
The findings from this assessment will guide the development of a strategic roadmap to ensure UNM's ERP system aligns with its goals and priorities. By investing in available technology, the project team aims to create a more efficient, user-friendly environment for students, faculty, and staff alike.
Previous Discovery Efforts
In 2022, UNM completed an RFI (Request for Information) to research the current ERP vendor landscape. The scope was limited to the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, including the Branch campuses, Finance & Administration, and the Health Sciences. Based on the recommendations gleaned from the RFI, UNM contracted with JJH Consulting in 2023 to evaluate our current ERP applications and help determine a viable strategic direction. JJH Consulting recommended that UNM conduct a comprehensive review that includes all its entities to identify potential financial and operational efficiencies and to move certain systems that are on-premises to a cloud-based ERP.
Has UNM decided to move to a fully cloud-based ERP?
No. The assessment will help identify and inform leadership which systems need to move to a cloud-based solution and if the institution would benefit financially and operationally by using a single system in some functional areas. The results of the assessment will also include a roadmap and implementation timeline.
Who from UNM will be Working on this Assessment?
Executive leadership and stakeholders from key areas across the entire UNM institution, including Student, Finance, Human Resources, Research, and IT, have been identified. These key stakeholders are working with the UNM Project Manager and Gartner to identify functional and technical staff to participate in the assessment as well.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, the project team will gather input from key stakeholders, including functional and technical staff from across the institution, through interviews, documentation gathering, workshops, and surveys. This feedback will be invaluable in helping the University understand how it can improve the experience of students, faculty, and staff and ensure a smooth transition to any new or upgraded systems.
Your continued support is appreciated as the institution works toward enhancing its ERP systems to benefit all UNM.
