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UM System

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

A New Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System is Coming.

The University is preparing for a move to a new ERP system with cloud functionality for Finance and HR operations. Our current PeopleSoft ERP system, implemented in 2001, is outdated and will not support future HR and Finance technology needs. As the technological foundation of our HR and Finance services across the University, a modern ERP will strengthen our ability to deliver our institutional mission.

Benefits of a New ERP

  • Cybersecurity enhancements
  • Modern platform that is easier to integrate with and scale
  • Improved user experience

Our Approach

This project is a multi-year implementation with the earliest changes likely in 2029. This spring, we are building a roadmap for the project and creating a project structure to guide us through the next phases and help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of ERP modernization. Our next steps include: 

  • Recruiting a program director
  • Meeting with advisory groups
  • Finance, HR and IT working on a software selection process

Project Structure

Our new ERP modernization project will be supported by a governance structure designed to ensure strong executive oversight, clear accountability, and broad input from across the university. 

At the highest level, an Executive Committee will guide the program and make final decisions on major items such as scope, budget, timeline, and cross-campus issues. Working closely with them, the Steering Committee will drive key decisions on policies, data, roles and system changes, drawing on input from existing advisory groups, the Project Management Office, and a newly created high-level Advisory Committee. While the Advisory Committee will not make decisions, it will represent campuses and functional areas, surface risks, and help support change management efforts.

Executive Committee

Responsible for: 

  • Approval of program vision, outcomes, guiding principles and any subsequent changes
  • Approval of program scope, budget, and timeline and any subsequent changes
  • Resolution of issues related to multi-campus/enterprise-wide impact or risk
  • Approval of ERP software and system implementer vendor selection
  • Approval of major technology architecture strategy decisions
  • Endorsement of governance committee membership and any subsequent changes
  • Endorsement of enterprise-wide change management strategy
 

Steering Committee

Responsible for: 

  • Design and implementation of policy changes with cross-functional impact
  • Approval of exceptions to program guiding principles
  • Approval of application rationalization decisions
  • Support for data access/data management and conversion activities
  • Recommendation on requested upgrade exceptions during enterprise system containment period
 

High-Level Advisory

Responsible for: 
  • Representation for key stakeholder groups across UM System, the four campuses, and MU Health Care
  • Input on proposed cross-functional policy changes and impact to relevant stakeholder group(s)
  • Recommendations related to change management
  • Coordination with relevant colleagues for issue resolution
  • Input on system requirements and module adoption
  • Identification of program risks and mitigation strategy development
  • Recommendations for modernization enhancements and long-term ERP optimization
 

Reviewed 2026-02-05