University of Illinois System
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Our Path Forward (with Implementation Timeline)

Transitioning from Banner to a modern, cloud-based ERP system is a multi-year effort that will move through four major phases: Readiness, Selection, Implementation, and Post-Deployment Support. During this journey, we will assess and prepare our current systems, evaluate future solutions, implement new technologies in stages, and support users as they adapt to new tools and processes. The timeline below outlines what to expect during each stage of this transition.

University of Illinois System - Saas ERP Project Timeline

Phase 1 - Functional and Business Readiness

During this phase, we will work closely with administrative leaders and staff to understand how our current processes work and what we may need in the future. The duration of this phase is dependent on several factors, including consultant engagement, readiness state, and prep work required. Phase 1 will include:

  • Engaging in sponsor awareness to prepare their units for the coming change.
  • Reviewing how complex our processes are, where we can simplify or improve them, and how ready different areas are for a major change.
  • Bringing in demonstrations of leading ERP systems—such as Workday and Oracle Fusion Cloud—so employees can see how these tools work and share feedback.
  • Taking inventory of the systems and applications that currently interface with Banner to determine which ones would be replaced by the new cloud-based ERP.

Readiness Activities

The University of Illinois System’s leadership will continue working on the Readiness program over the next two years with the help of a consultant who will guide us through Readiness activities, some of which are listed below:

Readiness & Change Management

Create and refine the readiness program and change management plans based on collaborative planning across business units and functions.

Leadership Alignment

Facilitate leadership workshops to develop a business case, decision process, governance roadmap, and additional timeline details, resulting in a shared understanding and commitment across our university system partners.

Governance & Staffing

Develop a staffing plan, governance playbook, and program office for the Readiness and Selection phases.

Readiness Assessment

Perform readiness assessments across the University of Illinois System to evaluate change readiness.

Stakeholder Engagement

Obtain input by involving stakeholders in vendor demonstrations of leading ERP platforms (Workday, Oracle Fusion Cloud) customized for the University of Illinois.

Application Rationalization

Identify current products/functions to be replaced with a SaaS ERP solution by performing current-to-future-state application rationalization.

Phase 2 - Selection

This phase involves a structured evaluation of ERP vendors and implementation partners to ensure alignment with the U of I System’s institutional needs, financial planning, and long-term strategic goals. Leadership will determine and select the ERP that best meets our unique needs and goals.

Phase 3 - Implementation

During this phase, the selected ERP is implemented across the System. In most cases, universities typically implement the Finance and HR modules first, followed later by Student modules. Using a phased approach minimizes disruption and allows for iterative improvements as the systems are activated.

Phase 4 - Post-Deployment Support

This phase focuses on product stabilization, adoption, training, issue resolution, and continuous optimization to fully realize the benefits of the new ERP for the University of Illinois System.