The University of Alabama is embarking on a bold initiative to modernize its enterprise systems across Finance, Human Resources, and Research Administration. This transformation will replace UA’s decades-old ERP system, Ellucian Banner, with modern, cloud-based solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of our campus community.
After extensive planning and evaluation, UA has selected Workday for its new HR and Finance platform and confirmed the implementation of the Huron Research Suite (HRS) to support our expanding research enterprise. These systems will be supported by upgraded infrastructure for reporting, identity management, and application integration.
Capstone Convergence Officially Launches
On Dec. 11, University leadership and campus partners gathered to officially launch Capstone Convergence, a multiyear initiative focused on modernizing The University of Alabama’s enterprise systems for Finance, Human Resources and Research Administration.
The kickoff event marked an important milestone for the project, featuring remarks from University leaders including the UA President Peter Mohler, Interim Provost Lesley Reid, Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer Dan Layzell, Chief Information Officer Mike Shelton, Capstone Convergence ERP Program Manager Kevin Donahoe, and executive representatives from partner agencies. Speakers shared how Capstone Convergence will replace legacy systems with a modern, cloud-based platform that supports more efficient processes, stronger data security and improved access to information across the University.
Capstone Convergence is designed to support UA’s academic mission by improving how administrative systems work behind the scenes — from finance and human resources to reporting and decision-making.
As the project moves forward, faculty and staff will have opportunities to participate through design sessions, training and ongoing communication. Engagement and collaboration across campus will be key to ensuring the success of Capstone Convergence.
High-Level Project Timeline
- 2021: UA initiated the modernization process and developed a roadmap for planning and readiness projects needed to support UA in its objectives, and initiating program management and governance.
- 2022: UA continued with program management and governance efforts, established a proof-of-concept data warehouse, initiated IT governance, identity and access management (IAM), enterprise standard tools, and application rationalization.
- 2023: UA built and deployed enhanced business analytics dashboards.
- March – August 2025: UA undertook a comprehensive redesign of its chart of accounts; developed program vision, outcomes, and guiding principles; conducted an in-depth analysis of core business processes; performed a cross-domain analysis of student information systems; rigorously evaluated vendors; and prepared detailed materials to secure BOT approval for implementation.
- September 2025: UA selected Workday as its HR and FIN cloud ERP and Huron Consulting Group as system integrator partner.
- November 2025: University of Alabama System Board of Trustees formally approved the implementation project.
- December 2025: Implementation begins.
- February 2028: UA goes “live” on Workday for HR and Finance.