AZUSA, Calif. — This spring, APU marked the completion of the Eiro Project, one the largest campus-wide technology upgrades in university history. Named for the Greek term that means "to join or connect," the $10 million project involved the implementation of Oracle's PeopleSoft 9.0, a new web-based software system. Designed to streamline processes, centralize information, and enhance customer service, the new system brought more than 100 individuals from numerous areas within the university together to prepare the software to best fit APU's needs and serve its customers. The project began in October 2007.
"PeopleSoft provides APU with new web portals, a state-of-the-art data architecture, and an information system that supports flexible academic processes, but we're only scratching the surface of what an enterprise solution of this magnitude will mean for the university in the future," said John Reynolds, executive vice president. "This project has resulted in more than services and products—our community of service professionals now have a better understanding of how their service component fits into the entire information framework."
With the expertise of Ciber, a nationally recognized consulting firm, the university implemented PeopleSoft Finance, Campus Solutions, Human Resources, Housing, Judicial, and Customer Relationship Management. APU most recently launched the student records and student financials portions of the new system in addition to a new university portal, bringing increased convenience and self-service functionality to faculty, staff, and students alike.
"We're already seeing the benefit. Students have enjoyed the simpler 'shopping-cart style' registration process, among other features," said Jeffrey Birch, chief technology officer. "And the efforts invested to bring this project to fruition have been phenomenal. More than 100 individuals contributed 127,000 hours over 18 months to bring APU into this next level of student service."
Prior to PeopleSoft, the university utilized the Integrated Financial and Administrative System (IFAS), but identified PeopleSoft as a stronger platform when SunGard, the maker of IFAS, restructured their service offerings.
