Allama Iqbal Open University

Automation of University/Allama Iqbal Open University

The largest university of Pakistan by enrolments, commissions PeopleSoft Campus for the automation of Student Lifecycle Mmanagement, and PeopleSoft HCM & FSCM for back-office automation

Business Objective

AIOU provides both distant learning and on-premise education throughout Pakistan. It initiated the digitalization of its campus activities with intend to facilitate university community with an effective tool for better operations, instructional management, good governance, and survival in today’s highly competitive market of knowledge economy.

Challenges

AIOU working environment consisted of semi-automated systems. Disparate IT systems with no interconnectivity between applications resulted in re-entry of data that created inefficiencies and introduced errors. A lot of manual work was done during the routine operations. University staff were not familiar with the ERP implementation benefits and strong resistance to change was evident.

Solution

PeopleSoft Campus Management Solution (CMS) was used to automate Student Life Cycle Management and PeopleSoft Financial, Supply Chain Management (FSCM) and Human Capital Management (HCM) for the back-office operations for the entire university. Apart from implementing Peoplesoft modules, Sapphire also performed Data Migration, Application Integration activities and Infrastructure related tasks.

Various continuous sessions and continuous training programs were executed for better understanding of the solution and to assist the university staff gain the benefits of post-ERP implementation. Post-implementation support ensured smooth running of the campus-wide solution.

Business Outcomes/Results

• Fully integrated system resulted in bringing about efficiencies in operations and improved productivity.
• Better access to information and online features for students such as online admissions/enrolments, online dissemination of grades, student financials etc.
• Improved Reporting tools with real-time information resulted in informed decision-making for management.

Technology

PeopleSoft HCM, PeopleSoft FSCM and PeopleSoft Campus Management