Banner SaaS Transition: Driving Innovation for a Future-Ready Lehigh

What is SaaS?

Simply put, SaaS (Software as a Service) is where software is hosted in the cloud and accessed via a web browser or app, rather than being installed and maintained on local devices. Instead of purchasing a license and managing updates yourself, you subscribe to the service, and the provider handles maintenance, security, and upgrades. This allows us to deliver software and services in more scalable and sustainable way that supports a future-ready model. 

Examples include Google Workspace, Dropbox, and LUapps—applications you use online without needing to install or update them manually. SaaS is scalable, cost-effective, and ideal for businesses, organizations, and individuals who need accessible, always-up-to-date software. 

Banner Modernization

Moving our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Student Information System (SIS) systems to a SaaS platform will empower faculty and staff with more accessible, user-friendly, and real-time tools to better support students and streamline operations. With automated updates, enhanced collaboration, and reduced reliance on outdated systems, the SaaS migration ensures that Lehigh remains agile and efficient. This will allow us to focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional education and service.

Key benefits of Future Ready include:

• A better student experience.
• Near real-time data and enhanced reporting to support decision-making.
• Standardized processes that allow us to focus our attention on things that differentiate us.
• Improved and streamlined business processes.
• A modernized system that leverages enhanced availability, scalability, and security with less downtime.
• Ability to deploy new features and updates more quickly for continuous improvement.

Timeline

Banner to SaaS officially kicked off in fall 2024. The project will be a five year journey that will require us to look for ways to streamline processes by engaging and collaborating with members of the campus community. We will communicate regularly throughout the project as we define our timeline and reach milestones.  

Milestones & Next Steps

Completed in Fall 2024:

• Gathered a large group of stakeholders from across departments for two strategic alignment workshops.
• Deep dives into Payroll, General Ledger, and the Registration process. 
• Making Degree Works for all classes (provides students with an academic roadmap that outlines their required courses, tracks credits earned, and updates their cumulative GPA status each semester).
• Identifying features we are currently using that will need to be updated in order to work in a SaaS environment. 

What’s Next?

• Strategies for Effective Data Governance Engagement
• Deep Dive into how Lehigh Uses Data (Data Fluency).
• Consolidated Reporting Strategy

Campus Engagement

Library and Technology Services will conduct ongoing information sessions, open to the entire campus community, where you can learn more about Banner to SaaS, ask questions, and provide feedback. Watch here for event dates and registration.

Steering Committee

• Lucy Bowen, Director of Administration, Office of the Provost

• Christine Cook, Interim Vice President, Finance & Administration

• Tara Coyle, Project Coordinator, Library & Technology Services

• Ilena Key, Chief Technology Officer, Library & Technology Services

• Kurt Weber, Director of Enterprise Systems, Library & Technology Services

Questions & Feedback

If you have questions or feedback about the Banner to SaaS project, please share them with us by emailing inb2Saas@lehigh.edu and a member of the project team will be in contact with you.