What is IRIS?
IRIS stands for Integrated R/3 Information System. R/3 is a business software package that will initially improve the way UT conducts accounting, purchasing, budgeting, and human resources functions.

Why replace the old systems?
The current business systems are 25 years old -- a quarter of a century. They use old technology, which does not allow for timely analysis of data. The old systems are not very user-friendly. They require much work to be done on paper that can now be recorded electronically. IRIS will guarantee live data and expand functionality.

What makes R/3 better than the old systems?
Unlike the old systems, R/3 software is a fully integrated, real-time information system.

"Fully integrated" means that R/3 software blends into one system the information that is currently in separate systems. Because all information is in one system, the University will not have to spend time and money trying to make its various systems "talk" to each other. "Real time" means that as soon as a transaction is entered, the system will automatically update all affected areas.

In short, R/3 is a better system because it updates and makes information available immediately.

What is SAP?
SAP is a German company that has been developing software since 1970. SAP has a large team of programmers and consultants who help with the implementation process.

Who else is using SAP software?
Numerous corporations use SAP, including Coca-Cola, IBM, and Microsoft.  The following higher education institutions also use SAP:  Arkansas State Government, Baylor College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Duke University, MIT, The University of Mississippi, and The University of Nebraska.

What benefits will SAP bring to UT?
Some of the benefits of SAP are: simplified business processes, reduced paperwork, electronic routing of documents, improved information management, direct and easy access to needed data, the ability to create reports in a variety of formats, and reduced administrative overhead for some business functions.

How was R/3 selected?  Who was involved?
The selection process for new software began over two years ago. Twenty-six work groups, including over 300 people from across the University, met to define the requirements. A core team was formed to compile the information and a Request for Proposal was issued.

Three vendors were chosen to demonstrate their systems. The core team invited a diverse group of University employees to attend the demonstrations and provide written evaluations of the systems.

Those who participated in the demonstrations and the core team met in the spring of 1999 to discuss their opinions. They decided that SAP's R/3 would best meet the University's needs.

When will the software be implemented?
The project kickoff was held on March 2, 2000 with a reception and formal naming of the project "IRIS." The target date for the end of the first phase of implementation and use of the system is April 2, 2001. At this time, basic functions will be in use and enhancements will be made in subsequent phases.

Will IRIS impact the student systems?
IRIS will not directly affect the student systems. However, all interfaces between the student and financial system, including payroll, will be affected.

Who is responsible for implementation?
A team of University and SAP employees, headed by project director Neal Wormsley, are leading the project. University staff members are also involved in the implementation process.

Members of the Executive Committee are: UT Executive Vice President and Vice President for Business and Finance, Eli Fly; UT Vice President for Research and Information Technology, Dwayne McCay; and President of SAP America's Public Sector, Bob Salvucci.

UT Steering Committee members are: Senior Associate Vice President for Business and Finance, Charles Moss; Executive Director of Internal Audit, Mark Paganelli; Treasurer, Charles Peccolo; Assistant Vice President for Personnel Services, Sara Phillips and UT Budget Officer, Sylvia Davis.