What is an ERP?
An Enterprise Resource Planning system, or ERP, is the platform that manages core university operations like finance, human resources and student administration. It connects data and processes across the institution so that work can happen efficiently and consistently.
Where are we today?
U-M’s primary ERP is M-Pathways, which manages finance, HR and student data and is used by thousands of people across campus each day. Ann Arbor, Flint, Dearborn and Michigan Medicine use M-Pathways. The university operates separate ERP systems and UM Health-Sparrow and UM Health-West.
Who will be affected?
M-Pathways users, UM Health-Sparrow ERP users, UM Health-West ERP users, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Dearborn campuses. (workshop this language)
Why change now?
M-Pathways has served the university well, but it is more than 25 years old. Oracle plans to end support for this aging product. It requires heavy customization and maintenance and is based on an outdated, non-cloud-based technology, making it increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
At the same time, the broader higher education and healthcare landscapes have shifted. Modern, cloud-based ERP systems offer stronger security, improved data and reporting, more standardized interfaces, and regular updates that help institutions stay current with regulations.
Continuing to rely on aging, fragmented systems increases risks and limits the university’s ability to adapt.
How the project will unfold
Replacing the ERP is a complex effort that will take place over several years, based on several phases. Each stage builds on the last, allowing for careful decisions and broad input. The project is currently in the strategy phase. This is an institution-wide effort. Units across the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses and Michigan Medicine will be represented throughout the process, and their input will help shape key decisions. Ongoing communication is a priority.
Develop a winning strategy
During the Strategy phase the ERP leadership team will:
- Develop the overall strategy
- Validate key foundational assumptions
- Determine governance structure
- Change management strategy
Assess, align, and prepare.
Pre-planning translates strategy into action, assessing the university's readiness and defining the approach that will guide vendor selection and implementation.
- Assess organizational readiness and cost-benefit analysis
- Select an ERP approach
- Answer gating questions
- Assemble / define teams
Define the path forward.
With an ERP direction selected, the planning phase focuses on the detailed work required to prepare the university for a successful transition.
- Select ERP vendor and implementation partner
- Define detailed requirements and business processes
- Plan data migration, integration and risk management
Build, launch, and support.
Implementation is where the new system comes to life — configuring the platform, preparing people across the university, and ensuring a stable launch and ongoing support.
- Configure and customize ERP system
- Train end users and support teams
- Execute go-live
- Provide post-implementation support and monitoring
*The implementation will occur in two phases, the first phase will include HR and Finance, Student Administration will follow in the second phase.
Develop a winning strategy
During the Strategy phase the ERP leadership team will:
- Develop the overall strategy
- Validate key foundational assumptions
- Determine governance structure
- Change management strategy
Assess, align, and prepare.
Pre-planning translates strategy into action, assessing the university's readiness and defining the approach that will guide vendor selection and implementation.
- Assess organizational readiness and cost-benefit analysis
- Select an ERP approach
- Answer gating questions
- Assemble / define teams
Define the path forward.
With an ERP direction selected, the planning phase focuses on the detailed work required to prepare the university for a successful transition.
- Select ERP vendor and implementation partner
- Define detailed requirements and business processes
- Plan data migration, integration and risk management
Build, launch, and support.
Implementation is where the new system comes to life — configuring the platform, preparing people across the university, and ensuring a stable launch and ongoing support.
- Configure and customize ERP system
- Train end users and support teams
- Execute go-live
- Provide post-implementation support and monitoring
*The implementation will occur in two phases, the first phase will include HR and Finance, Student Administration will follow in the second phase.
ERP Vendor Demonstrations
In summer 2026, ERP vendors will provide demonstrations of their modern, cloud-based systems. Campus stakeholders will have opportunities to take part in the demonstrations and share input as part of this process.
ERP vendors will present their capabilities during a Zoom conference the week of June 15th, 2026 and the week of June 22nd, 2026. You are invited to register to hear the vendor presentations and offer your reactions and feedback.
