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Readiness Projects

To prepare for the upcoming Oracle Cloud implementation, the University is conducting several readiness projects to ensure a smooth transition. The goal is to address technical and process-related requirements in advance.

Readiness projects are a set of planning, analysis, and preparation activities that take place before an organization launches a new enterprise system like Oracle Cloud. By investing time upfront in planning and preparation, we can prevent delays, reduce risk, and ensure the new system meets the University’s needs from day one.

Implementation partner RFP

The University has issued a request for proposal (RFP) to select an implementation partner to support this initiative. This consulting partner will bring technical expertise, higher education experience, and guidance on best practice processes to support the Oracle Cloud implementation. Finalists will be invited to campus presentations in May.

Chart of accounts redesign

As part of our Oracle Cloud implementation, we are reviewing and updating our chart of accounts to ensure it aligns with the new system’s structure and reporting capabilities. The chart of accounts serves as the foundation for how financial data is categorized and reported, directly impacting the accuracy of management reporting, financial statements, and compliance. By revising our chart of accounts, we can streamline account structures, eliminate redundancies, and incorporate best practices that support both current operational needs and future growth. This proactive approach ensures that the Oracle Cloud system delivers accurate, consistent, and actionable financial information from day one.

Updating the chart prior to the implementation will ensure the redesign can be done thoughtfully without the pressure of a concurrent system implementation and allow staff time to learn about the new chart prior to adopting a new system.

Identity lifecycle management

Oracle Cloud uses role-based access, granting permissions based on an employee’s role and position. This ensures everyone automatically has the exact tools and system access they need to do their job smoothly and efficiently from day one. To make this possible, this project will look at the best ways to seamlessly provide and coordinate that access across a variety of users (faculty, staff, students, retirees, alumni, etc.) throughout their time with the university. This readiness project will focus on planning and design. Any changes will be implemented alongside Oracle Cloud and launch in January 2029.

Position management and planning

Position management is a system term that refers to how job roles are organized behind the scenes to ensure everyone has the right system access for their role. In Oracle Cloud, your access is tied directly to your position. To ensure this works seamlessly, this project will help accurately map job responsibilities and departmental reporting lines within the new system. 
We are also reviewing how the system tracks the creation and filling of open positions to provide a clearer overview for budget planning. Together, these updates simply create a better behind-the-scenes framework to help departments organize their structures and support their teams. Like the identity lifecycle management project, this readiness project will focus solely on planning and system design work. Any recommended changes will be carefully reviewed and discussed prior to implementation.

Why these readiness projects?

Because roles, system access, and budgets are seamlessly connected in Oracle Cloud. 
At OHIO, supporting our faculty and staff and organizing our resources is a team effort, and Oracle Cloud helps make it clear and organized behind the scenes. Four connected pieces work together to make this happen: Position Management, Position Planning, Identity Management, and the Chart of Accounts.

  • Position Management and Planning defines the jobs within the University, including responsibilities and reporting lines, while ensuring each role is funded and tied to the right department.
  • The Chart of Accounts tracks the financial side, linking roles to budgets for clear, accurate reporting.
  • Identity Management uses this structure to automatically provide people with the right system access, so faculty, staff, students, and other users can do their work efficiently. 

Together, these tools ensure that the right people have the correct access, with budgets tracked accurately, helping the University operate smoothly and in alignment with its mission. By connecting roles, access, and budgets, Oracle Cloud supports a system that works for everyone.