The University of Massachusetts Amherst
The University of Massachusetts Amherst The client, a large higher education institution, relied on Oracle’s PeopleSoft Campus Solutions for critical student information management, financial aid processing, admissions workflows, and other essential operations. To enhance system efficiency, automate routine tasks, and reduce operational complexity, the institution turned to Solidan to implement a comprehensive automation strategy using Deployment Packages (DPK) and Ansible CHALLENGE: Complexity of Automation: PeopleSoft Campus Solutions involved multiple interconnected modules and customizations, requiring a careful approach to automation that avoided service disruptions and ensured proper integration of third-party systems. Manual Maintenance Overload: The client was struggling with the manual effort required to maintain and update its on-premise infrastructure. Routine patches, updates, and system changes were labor-intensive, creating inefficiencies and operational delays. Standardization Across Environments: Ensuring consistency across different environments (development, testing, and production) was challenging, leading to discrepancies in configurations and operational issues. Scalability and Compliance: The client needed an automation solution that would support future growth while meeting stringent compliance requirements for handling student data. SOLUTION: Assessment and Planning:Solidan began by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the client’s existing PeopleSoft Campus Solutions environment. This included identifying key areas where automation could be applied to reduce manual workloads and standardize processes. Solidan mapped out an automation strategy utilizing DPK for streamlining system management tasks and Ansible for orchestrating automated configurations across all environments. Automation with Deployment Packages (DPK):Solidan implemented Oracle’s PeopleSoft DPK to automate the installation, configuration, and patching of the PeopleSoft Campus Solutions environment. The use of DPK allowed the client to manage updates and changes with minimal manual intervention, reducing the risk of human error. DPK also enabled quick environment provisioning and streamlined the rollout of updates across development, testing, and production environments. Orchestration with Ansible:Solidan deployed Ansible to automate the configuration and management of the infrastructure supporting PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. Using Ansible’s playbooks, Solidan automated tasks such as application server configuration, database management, and security settings, ensuring consistency across all environments. This approach allowed the client to manage multiple environments simultaneously, reducing the time spent on manual configurations and enhancing system reliability. Customization and Integration Optimization:The automation project also included reconfiguring the client’s custom workflows and third-party integrations. Solidan worked closely with the IT team to ensure that all integrations, such as student portals and financial systems, were seamlessly automated through Ansible, reducing the need for manual monitoring and intervention. Security and Compliance Setup: As part of the automation strategy, Solidan implemented enhanced security protocols using Ansible to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, including GDPR and FERPA. The automation framework included regular security updates, encryption of sensitive data, and the automation of compliance audits, ensuring that the system met all necessary regulatory requirements. “Solidan provided the right resource with the skills we were seeking to help execute on our strategic goals for our Peoplesoft SIS system.” Scotia Roopnarine Director of Data Engineering, Information Technology Result: Increased Efficiency and Reduced Manual Labor: The implementation of DPK and Ansible drastically reduced the amount of manual labor required to manage PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. Routine updates, patches, and environment configurations were automated, allowing the client’s IT team to focus on higher-value tasks. Consistency Across Environments: Automation ensured uniformity across development, testing, and production environments, eliminating configuration drift and reducing operational issues caused by inconsistencies. Faster System Updates and Deployments: The use of DPK and Ansible enabled faster rollout of updates and system changes, reducing downtime and improving the speed at which new features and patches were deployed. Improved Security and Compliance: Automated security protocols ensured that the system adhered to strict data privacy standards, while reducing the risk of human error in manual processes. Regular security updates were automated, ensuring continuous compliance with regulatory requirements. Scalability for Future Growth: The automation framework provided by Solidan allowed the client to easily scale its PeopleSoft Campus Solutions environment as its needs grew. Ansible’s flexibility ensured that new environments could be rapidly provisioned without additional manual effort. Conclusion: Solidan successfully automated the client’s PeopleSoft Campus Solutions environment using DPK and Ansible, significantly improving operational efficiency, security, and system consistency. The automation project reduced manual labor, streamlined updates, and ensured compliance with regulatory standards, while positioning the client for future growth. Solidan’s expertise in deploying automation frameworks within higher education systems was key to the success of this transformation.
San Diego Community College District (SDCCD)
San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) San Diego Community College District (SDCCD) is a public community college district based in San Diego, California. It provides a vibrant instructional environment complete with contemporary classrooms, labs, and recreational facilities. It also promotes student success through a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer pathways to four-year universities. SDCCD is also noted for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which fosters a friendly and inclusive environment for all students. CHALLENGE: San Diego Community College District’s primary goal in reaching out to Solidan was to stabilize their PeopleSoft production DBA services and receive PeopleSoft development support for Campus Solutions and PeopleSoft Financial Aid. San Diego (SDCCD) faced the following challenges: Complex and time-consuming financial aid processes, especially with FAFSA, led to delays in processing and increased error rates. Projects were often delayed due to a lack of skilled personnel or inefficient allocation of resources. Frequent system downtimes, database performance issues, and lack of scalability in PeopleSoft Campus Solutions. Limited functionality and outdated features in Campus Solutions, coupled with recurring technical issues, hindered user experience and productivity. SOLUTION: Solidan began the engagement with SDCCD by ensuring systematic, efficient, and user-focused implementation of the solutions. Solidan’s methodology: Assessment & Analysis Planning Implementation Testing Implementation Database Support for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions Assessment & Analysis: Solidan conducted an in-depth analysis of existing database performance, identifying bottlenecks and areas for improvement. Planning & Strategy: Solidan worked with SDCCD to develop a database optimization plan, focusing on load balancing, indexing, and partitioning to improve performance and scalability. Implementation: Solidan identified regular maintenance schedules were established for database optimization. Automation tools for monitoring and early detection of potential issues were implemented by Solidan and the SDCCD team. Scaled database architecture was deployed to accommodate increased demand. Testing & Validation: Solidan along with SDCCD teams rigorously tested database updates and optimizations in staging environments before production deployment. Ongoing Support: Continuous monitoring and support to resolve any emerging database issues was conducted by Solidan. Functional Support for Financial Aid, FAFSA Simplification, and Reporting Requirements Gathering: Solidan collaborated with financial aid teams and stakeholders to identify pain points in the existing FAFSA process and reporting tools. Design & Development: Solidan and SDCCD redesigned the FAFSA workflow to reduce complexity and improve user experience. Developed automated workflows to streamline processing and reduce manual errors. Built enhanced reporting tools to provide real-time insights and compliance tracking. Testing & Feedback: Solidan conducted extensive testing of the new processes, gathering feedback from key users to ensure alignment with institutional needs. Training & Documentation: Solidan provided comprehensive training to the financial aid team on using the new tools and workflows. Post-Launch Support: Solidan delivered ongoing production support to handle any issues or changes needed post-launch. Quick Deployment of Resources for Projects Resource Pool Creation: Solidan and SDCCD developed a resource pool of skilled professionals with expertise in PS Campus Solutions, database management, and financial aid functions. Agile Project Management: Solidan used agile methodologies to ensure rapid deployment and iteration in response to project requirements. Cross-Training & Flexibility: Solidan ensured that team members were cross-trained to provide flexibility, allowing for faster resource allocation. Monitoring & Evaluation: Continuous monitoring of resources to ensure allocation efficiency and adjusted as needed to maintain project timelines. Development and PeopleSoft Support for Campus Solutions User-Centered Needs Assessment: Solidan conducted a thorough assessment with end-users and administrators to identify gaps in functionality and pain points. Custom Solution Development: Solidan developed custom features and enhancements based on user feedback, ensuring that the new capabilities aligned with the institution’s operational requirements. Rigorous Testing: Utilizing a test-driven development approach, Solidan ensured new features were thoroughly vetted before deployment. Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Implemented CI/CD pipelines to streamline the development process and allow for faster delivery of updates and patches. Post-Implementation Review & Optimization: Solidan conducted regular performance reviews post-implementation to ensure new features met user expectations and made adjustments as needed. Result: With Solidan’s help, SDCCD successfully stabilized their PeopleSoft production DBA services and successfully updated and implemented de PeopleSoft development support for Campus Solutions and PeopleSoft Financial Aid. Database Support for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions (CS): Delivered consistent and reliable database support for PeopleSoft Campus Solutions focusing on customization, system upgrades, and feature enhancements over a five-year period. Ensured stability and performance of the system for an entire academic institution. Specialized in database management, maintenance, and issue resolution to ensure smooth system performance. Functional Expertise in Financial Aid: Provided expert functional support for financial aid, including enhancements to the FAFSA simplification process. Streamlined financial aid workflows, simplified the FAFSA process, and improved data accuracy. Reporting tools were enhanced for better financial aid tracking and compliance, ultimately speeding up financial aid disbursement. Developed comprehensive reporting solutions and provided ongoing production support for financial aid-related projects. Agile Team Deployment: Demonstrated the ability to quickly assemble and deploy specialized teams for critical projects. Ensured project teams were staffed with the right expertise, enabling rapid project initiation and delivery.
Public College in the North East
Public College in the North East A Public College in the north east is a prominent regional university known for its diverse and supportive community, high-quality academic programs, and small class sizes. Like many other institutions, they recently transitioned to a new CRM system and needed to execute the implementation quickly and efficiently to support prospective and incoming students. To achieve this, they sought external expertise from Solidan. Solidan provided guidance on best practices, risk assessment, work prioritization, and hands-on training for Slate captains. Solidan’s team of technical experts in Slate and PeopleSoft Campus Solutions, along with effective project management, helped the college successfully navigate this transition. CHALLENGE: The project was already in progress when the College faced several challenges that jeopardized the implementation: Risk of Missing Critical Milestones for the New Applicant Population: The college needed to ensure timely execution to support incoming students. One of the project’s objectives was to process next fall’s applicants in Slate and not have to dual process in the old and new CRM. Need for Project Management: Effective project management was essential to keep the implementation on track. The college team was working from the Slate template. They had not reviewed the template as a team and determined what actions applied to their implementation. Lack of Internal Knowledge Implementing Slate: The team lacked experience with Slate, and only one member had prior experience. The college team members were not 100% dedicated to the project. They needed to fulfill their current job responsibilities, learn Slate, and implement the project. Resource Constraints and Competing Priorities: In addition to limited internal expertise, the team faced resource constraints due to competing priorities within the institution. Various departments were affected by the implementation, yet they were unable to commit the time or resources needed to ensure full participation and collaboration. This lack of engagement from key stakeholders risked the project’s overall success. SOLUTION: Solidan promptly assembled a team to support the College’s project. Their objective was straightforward: provide technical expertise, guidance, and execute a plan. Here’s how Solidan achieved this: Planning: The team meticulously reviewed Slate’s recommended work plan, making informed decisions regarding scope and implementation priorities. The team worked on a plan noting decisions, risks, and future work needs. Collaboration: Multiple weekly meetings were held—one for team updates and others were working sessions for documenting requirements, configuring Slate, development, testing, and training. Development: Solidan has deep expertise in PeopleSoft Campus Solutions and built out the solution to integrate from Slate to PeopleSoft using the File Parser paired with the CTM s(Constituent Transaction Management) feature. Training & Support: Solidan provided in-depth training sessions for Slate captains and core team members. This ensured that the college team had the necessary tools and knowledge to manage Slate post-implementation. Training included hands-on practice, customized guides, and ongoing support to address specific use cases. Change Management & Communication: Solidan introduced a clear communication strategy to help the college stakeholders stay informed and aligned with the project’s progress. The team worked closely with institutional leaders to manage change, mitigate concerns, and ensure buy-in from departments across the college. This allowed for a smoother transition and reduced friction during the implementation. “Solidan was an integral part of our team’s success! They provided the support needed for a very successful implementation while also giving us the skills needed to dive deeper and work independently. We are forever grateful!” — Anne C. Result: With Solidan’s help, the college successfully completed the Slate implementation, achieving the following outcomes: Efficiency Gains: The implementation was completed on time, allowing the college to process next fall’s applicants in Slate without dual processing in both the old and new CRM systems. Improved Workflows: The college saw significant improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of their applicant processing. The configured Technolutions Slate instance streamlined their application, communication, and data management workflows, reducing manual errors and saving valuable staff time. Enhanced Team Knowledge: Through Solidan’s training, the college team gained the necessary expertise to manage Slate autonomously, reducing their reliance on external support for future updates. Applicant Experience: The streamlined applicant process provided a more seamless and intuitive experience for prospective students.
