UCSF IT Technology

Myth

Cloud Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is not customizable.

Fact

While cloud ERP systems may have some limitations compared to on-premise solutions, they can still be configured to meet the specific needs of an organization.

Myth

Cloud is not safe.

Fact

Modern cloud ERPs take data security very seriously including full HIPAA compliance utilizing at-rest and in-transit encryption using a 256-bit data encryption along with annual 3rd-party compliance audits.

Myth

Cloud is not user-friendly.

There are 34 R1 universities/university systems that currently live on or are moving to Cloud ERP platforms. All ERP vendors are developing only-cloud ERP solutions.

Cloud ERP is configurable but does have limitations for certain processes.

• Some processes will have to be modified in order to adapt to Cloud ERP workflows
• Cloud versioning update schedules may happen at a faster pace than some organizations are used to
• Some limitations exist related to the creation of custom-built IT jobs (scheduled processing jobs)
  • Non-native data tables may not be able to be added

The ERP market includes full-suite cloud ERP offerings.

On-premise (on-prem) solutions are approaching obsolescence in the ERP marketplace.

On-premise systems lack:

• Ease of use with mobile applications
• Intuitive dashboards displaying standardized data from a centralized solution
• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Continuously developed and expanded capabilities delivered by periodic application updates (avoiding on-premise security patch delays)

The following include an overview of the main areas of focus and scope for Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP).

Note: Payroll, Scheduling and Timekeeping are part of ERP, but not within scope due to UCPath.

The purpose of this program is to help UCSF understand its current state, prepare for vendor selection, and assess the cost of a cloud implementation.