CAMS Enterprise is the totally integrated Academic ERP. With total integration, the burden of using, and the costs associated with maintaining multiple, dissimilar systems, are eliminated.
Totally Integrated Vs. Interfaced Academic ERP Systems Explained
A totally integrated Academic ERP solution like CAMS Enterprise™ utilizes shared applications and data. Without shared applications and data, automation, communication, deep business intelligence, and a verifiable ROI would not be attainable. Using shared applications results in functions like registration, course management, portals, financial management, development, etc., that work seamlessly together. This is possible because the same base technology that powers registration is the basis for all other functions of the solution.
This innovative approach results in essential functions that interact seamlessly with each other. Products which are designed eloquently as a singular solution, as opposed to interfaced systems, provide institutions and its end-users a variety of benefits, for example:
- Each function looks, feels, and operates the same way. Users who master one function can quickly master all other functions of the solution.
- The need to interface multiple, disparate solutions is eliminated, saving manpower, reducing the need to acquire additional hardware, and expediting implementation.
- As an institution grows or adds campuses, the system can be easily and efficiently scaled.
When referring to shared data, functions found in totally integrated solutions like CAMS Enterprise™ store and retrieve information from one place. Doing so results in end-users having:
- One-time data entry. That same data is then made immediately and automatically available to all other functions and its users.
- Real-time and complete access to information.
- Powerful, accurate, and immediate reporting.
Unlike integrated solutions, interfaced systems do not use shared applications and data. Even though they have the appearance of an integrated solution, functions like admissions and registration often utilize different technologies written at different times by different vendors. This results in functions that do not interface seamlessly together. Rather than seamlessly interacting as a coherent collection, functions found in interfaced systems often require middleware to interface them. As in most cases, middleware requires additional staff time, more equipment, added maintenance fees, decreased or non-existent automation, lower user satisfaction, lengthy and complex implementations, and a diminishing ROI.
Since interfaced systems do not share data, and rather store information in different structures and often on different equipment, access to it becomes increasingly more difficult. Because of this lack of data integration and solidarity, data often has to be entered in multiple locations, which leads to inaccuracies, decreased automation, and complex reporting.
See also...
Web-based vs. Client/Server-based technology
Pure Microsoft technology
Predictable cost of ownership (ROI)