Request an ERP Integration

This service facilitates the formal request, analysis, design, development, and implementation of integrations between the university's core Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, Banner, and other internal or external applications. ERP integrations are crucial for enabling seamless data flow, eliminating redundant data entry, improving data accuracy, and supporting comprehensive reporting and analytics across the institution.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Seamless Data Exchange: Enables the automatic transfer of data between the ERP and other systems, reducing manual effort and potential for errors.
• Enhanced Data Accuracy and Consistency: Ensures that critical institutional data is consistent across all connected systems, providing a single source of truth.
• Improved Operational Efficiency: Automates processes that span multiple systems, streamlining workflows and freeing up staff time for higher-value activities.
• Comprehensive Reporting and Analytics: Consolidates data from various sources, allowing for more robust and insightful reporting and business intelligence.
• Reduced Manual Effort and Redundancy: Eliminates the need for manual data entry into multiple systems, significantly reducing human error and duplication of effort.
• Supports New Business Initiatives: Enables the adoption of new applications and services by ensuring they can effectively communicate with the core ERP.
• Standardized Integration Process: Provides a structured approach for evaluating, designing, and implementing integrations, ensuring consistency and adherence to best practices.
• Security and Compliance: Integrations are designed and implemented with security best practices and compliance requirements in mind, protecting sensitive institutional data.
• Expert Consultation and Design: Provides access to IT professionals specializing in ERP integrations to help define requirements, design robust solutions, and ensure successful deployment.

What Constitutes an ERP Integration Request:

An ERP integration request is appropriate when there is a need for two or more distinct systems to automatically exchange data with each other, where one of those systems is the university's ERP. Examples include:

• New Third-Party Software: Connecting a new software vendor (e.g., a new CRM, student housing system, survey tool, analytics platform) to exchange student, employee, or financial data with the ERP.
• Internal Application Interoperability: Integrating an existing or new custom-built internal application with the ERP to share data.
• Automated Data Feeds: Establishing automated feeds of data into or out of the ERP for reporting, data warehousing, or external service providers.
• API Development/Utilization: Requesting the development of new Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) for the ERP, or the utilization of existing ERP APIs to facilitate data exchange with another system.
• Data Synchronization: Setting up processes for real-time or batch synchronization of data between the ERP and another system (e.g., student directory information, course catalog data).

How to Request an ERP Integration:

1. Submit an Integration Request Form:

   • Required Information: Provide as much detail as possible to facilitate a thorough evaluation, including:
     • Your full name, university ID/employee ID, and department.
     • A clear and concise title for the integration request.
     • Systems involved: Names of the ERP module(s) and the external/internal application(s) to be integrated.
     • Business justification: Why is this integration needed? What business problem does it solve? What are the expected benefits (e.g., efficiency gains, improved data accuracy, new functionality)?
     • Data to be exchanged: What specific data elements need to move between systems? What is the direction of data flow (e.g., one-way from ERP to external system, bi-directional)?
     • Frequency of exchange: Real-time, daily, weekly, etc.?
     • Volume of data: Estimated number of records.
     • Existing process: How is this data currently managed/exchanged (if at all)?
     • Stakeholders: Who are the key business owners and users of the integrated systems?
     • Timeline/Urgency: Are there any critical deadlines associated with this integration?
     • Vendor information: If applicable, name and contact information for the third-party system vendor.
     • Any supporting documentation: (e.g., data flow diagrams, technical specifications from vendor).

2. Initial Consultation & Review: Upon submission, an IT business analyst or ERP specialist will review your request. They may schedule a meeting to gather additional requirements, discuss technical feasibility, assess potential impact, and understand the full scope of your business needs.

3. Discovery, Design & Approval: Based on the consultation, a detailed design document will be developed. This will outline the proposed integration solution, technical specifications, security considerations, and estimated resources. This design will be reviewed and approved by relevant IT and functional leadership.

4. Implementation & Testing: Once approved, the integration will be developed, rigorously tested in a non-production environment, and then deployed to production. Collaborative testing with functional users is a critical step.

5. Ongoing Maintenance: Integrations require ongoing monitoring and maintenance. This service also covers support for issues arising from existing integrations.

Eligibility:

• This service is available to university faculty and staff who are owners or designated representatives of business processes that require data exchange between the ERP system and other applications.

Support:

• For questions regarding the status of a submitted integration request, or for assistance in completing the request form, please contact the IT Service Desk at (337) 482-4357 or ithelp@louisiana.edu.
• For support with existing integrations that are experiencing issues, please submit a Banner Help Request.