McMaster is one step closer to replacing many of its aging information systems with a
new web-based integrated platform.

After a period of cross-campus collaboration, joint information sessions and area
meetings, a detailed Request for Proposals is now complete for the new Enterprise
Resource Platform (ERP). Potential vendors have three weeks to prepare and submit their
responses.

“Representatives from across campus have worked together to develop this RFP, which
identifies McMaster needs for the new system,” says Fred Hall, chair of the project
steering committee. “We're looking forward to hearing from potential vendors and to
moving forward to select the right system to meet McMaster's needs.”

The multi-year ERP project will see many of the University's student, finance, research
and human resource information systems replaced by a single technology platform.
Once complete, the ERP will ease the retrieval of accurate information, save time and
money and help the campus community share accurate information.

“Replacing the patchwork of aging systems with one platform is critical to the
University,” says Ilene Busch-Vishniac, provost and vice-president academic. “For
students, the new system will make registration for classes and retrieval of marks easier
and faster. For faculty, it will improve access to information that is critical for teaching
and research. For staff, it will reduce time spent sorting and entering data and help
ensure consistent, accurate and timely reporting.”

Following a review of the proposals, a short list of vendors will be invited to participate
in public information sessions and presentations to be held on campus in early
December.

“During the presentations, students, faculty and staff can learn more about the
individual systems being proposed and they will have an opportunity to ask questions of
the vendors,” Hall says.

Once the sessions are complete, the steering committee and the advisory working
groups from across campus will review the proposals in detail. A successful vendor is
expected to be announced early in the new year. It is expected that installation of the
new ERP will begin in early summer 2012.

More information can be found href=”http://www.mcmaster.ca/uts/systemsrenewal/index.html”>here.