Why do we need to implement SUNFin?
The following reasons highlight the case for change and the need for SU to implement SUNFin:
- Our current financial system developed in 1989, has reached the end of its lifecycle. The system cannot be effectively maintained and upgraded as Natural, the programming language on which the system is based, is no longer taught at tertiary institutions, resulting in a diminishing skill set
- The current system does not provide for or support the Decentralised Responsibility Centre Management Model that SU has adopted, where each faculty and department is responsible for their financial sustainability
- We require accurate, real-time data presented via smart user-friendly analytics and dashboards to make better informed and effective institutional decisions.
Who is leading the implementation of the project?
Mr Manie Lombard, Chief Director: Finance, is leading the SUNFin Implementation Project and chairs the SUNFin Steering Committee. The SteerCom includes representatives from Finance, Information Technology, Faculty Management, Information Governance and the SUNStudent project. The Steering Committee is supported by a project management team.
What will change with the introduction of the new system?
With the introduction of any new system within SU, we need to consider the impact the system will have on our people and business processes. Below are some of the exciting changes SUNFin will introduce:
- A new user-friendly, intuitive web-based interface. We will say goodbye to the 'black screen'
- The ability for users to connect with each other real-time to resolve outstanding transactions and follow up on pending items to complete actions faster by using Oracle Social Networking, the collaboration tool embedded in the solution
- Integration of spreadsheets with SUNFin for high volume data entry and the ability to export reports and transactional tables to Excel for further analysis of large amounts of data
- Robust reporting and analysis delivering continuous insight directly to business managers and decision makers. Budget managers will be able to view budgets, commitments, obligations, expenditure, and funds available balances and supporting transactions in a single view.
The SUNFin system will be hosted by Oracle at an offsite location. We will access SUNFin via a secure communication protocol provided by Oracle.
Who will be involved in the SUNFin project?
The successful implementation of SUNFin depends on a committed & supportive leadership team and engaged staff and students. The SUNFin project management team will ensure that the right stakeholders are engaged and trained at the right time with the appropriate knowledge and skills to ensure that all users of SUNFin are committed and capable of embracing the new way of working at SU.
