eResearch Replacement Recommendation Project Timeline

2024-2026 Planning Schedule 1. Initiation - define project goals and engage planning resources 2. Market Analysis - identify industry leaders, conduct initial demos. Connected with Gartner 3. Requirement Gathering - document, develop RFI packet. This step also includes meeting with research units/leaders to vett the documents. 4. Overview of our philosophy/approach in thinking about an eResearch replacement 5. Conduct RFI - review supplier responses, conduct product demos, solicit preliminary pricing 6. Fit Gap Analysis - update requirements, identify gaps 7. Develop a Recommendation - migration math, preliminary budget, identify resources 2026 Goals - secure funding, issue RFP, begin contract negotiations 2027-2031 - Implementation - new solution using a staged rollout approach
Enlarge Image [+]

The planning effort will continue through 2026. High-level activities include:

  • Through 2024:
    • Document eResearch systems functionality and business requirements
    • Engage with key campus research administration partners
    • Explore top vendors in the research administration software market
  • Through 2025:
    • Participate with our current vendor (Huron Consulting Group) community and advisory groups
    • Network with other higher education institutions
    • Continue market exploration including issuing Request for Information (RFI) and hosting vendor product demonstrations
    • Conduct a fit gap analysis and evaluation based on requirements and vendor demonstrations
  • Spring 2026:
    • Formulate a strategy for migrating all four product lines by the 2031 deadline
    • Develop a preliminary budget, schedule and resource plan
    • Finalize the recommendation and present it to leadership for approval and funding

Download eResearch Replacement Recommendation Project 2024–2026 Planning Schedule PDF