A new approach to software standardization and centralized purchasing a priority for BFA
Summary
During one of the Business & Financial Affairs Innovation Sessions, a common theme that emerged was the need for increased software standardization and a more centralized purchasing process across the university. This process helps prevent unnecessary software duplication and promotes the use of existing, university-licensed, products, ultimately saving time and resources. From there, the request may be routed to several university stakeholders, including the Information Security Office, Accessibility Committee, Enterprise Applications Services, and others. Kellen Beam, Western Contracts Specialist, highlighted that early engagement in the review process allows for more strategic purchasing. As Wanna VanCuren, director of Enterprise Application Services explained, having multiple tools serving the same purpose can make support difficult.