Overview


The Enterprise Applications Department (EAD) supports and maintains mission-critical suite of enterprise systems that drive efficiency and excellence across academic, research and administrative domains. These systems collectively embody the IT and EAD commitment to leveraging technology for knowledge, learning, and growth, enabling us to provide a seamless and enriching experience for our academic and administrative communities.

The EAD supported systems include two major Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms, namely, the KFUPM Student Banner Information System and the KFUPM Oracle e-Business System deploying a large number of automated processes and services in the academic and the administrative/business domains respectively. Other major EAD systems include the Blackboard Learning Management System, a multi-tier Business Intelligence & Analytics platform and the University Library Portal.

  • KFUPM Student Banner system maintains the repository for academic, course and student information across the university. This is a comprehensive system that supports critical academic processes. 
  • KFUPM e-Business ERP system to support the financial, human resource and procurement and research functions of the university. The system is a comprehensive system that supports more than 175+ critical business processes. 
  • Blackboard Learning Management system allows instructors to build their online courses by creating course content, announcements, quizzes, grades and other dynamic content.  Also Blackboard allows easy and effective communication between instructors and their students. 
  • The cloud-based KFUPM Research portal on Elsevier PURE platform gives a comprehensive overview of all the university research activities, enables collaboration beyond borders and showcases the impact of KFUPM achievements.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) applications support the reporting and dash-boarding requirement of various stakeholders within the University. More than 300 reports and dashboards are actively in use daily by different academic and executive users.
  • EAD is also responsible for analysis, software development, maintenance, implementation and enhancements for the above-mentioned systems. It supports the users of these systems by providing technical assistance, user support and training for effective utilization of the production systems.



Responsibilities

EAD supports the following systems that maintain student biographic, demographic and academic data and related information. These systems include the following:

  • Smart Card Management System
  • Attendance System
  • E-Desk System
  • Mustanad System
  • Sierra Library Information System
  • Blackboard System
  • Evaluate Explore System
  • Degree Works System
  • Banner Financial Aid
  • Banner Student Information System

Units

The Enterprise Application Department has three units:

  • Business Intelligence Unit (BIU)

    The Business Intelligence Unit (BIU) at our institution is dedicated to optimizing the decision-making process across various departments within the University. Our primary objective is to convert raw system data into actionable insights, empowering departments to make informed choices.

    Key Responsibilities:

    1. Business Requirement Assessment: We collaborate closely with departments across the University to identify and comprehend their unique business needs. This involves conducting in-depth consultations and discussions to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of their data requirements.

    2. Advanced Reporting and Dashboard Development: Leveraging cutting-edge Business Intelligence (BI) applications like IBM Cognos and Tableau, we craft advanced reports and interactive dashboards. These tools transform complex data into visually compelling and easy-to-understand formats, enabling stakeholders to gain valuable insights effortlessly.

    3. Data Integration and Warehouse Management: Our BIU plays a pivotal role in enhancing system efficiency and reducing the strain on transaction systems such as Oracle ERP and Ellucian Banner. We achieve this by utilizing ETL (Extraction, Transformation, and Loading) tools to import data from these systems overnight into a centralized Data Warehouse. This warehouse serves as a reservoir of organized and historical data that fuels our reporting capabilities.

    4. Statistical and Ad-Hoc Reporting: Beyond routine reporting, we are well-equipped to generate statistical and ad-hoc reports. These reports cater to specific, on-demand data needs and support data-driven decision-making at all levels of the University.

    5. Satellite Application Support: In addition to core systems, we extend our reporting capabilities to in-house developed satellite applications. This ensures a holistic approach to data analysis, covering a wide spectrum of data sources.

    By actively engaging with departments, harnessing advanced BI tools, and maintaining an efficient data infrastructure, the BIU acts as a critical catalyst for informed, strategic decision-making throughout the University.

  • Administrative Applications Unit (ADAU)

    Administrative applications unit (ADAU) in ICTC is responsible for major business applications at KFUPM. Oracle e-Business (ERP) is one of the core system supported by ADAU. In addition to ERP there are other satellite systems maintained and supported by ADAU like Enterprise service Bus, Faculty Promotion system, etc.

  • Academic Applications Unit (ACAU)

    The ACAU department maintains the university registration and learning systems and also has a section that provides technical support to the University Libraries and their automation systems and services. Also, ACAU department provides IT services with academic focus to the KFUPM community (Students, Faculty and Staff) as well as the Deanships of Admissions & Registration, Graduate Studies, Student Affairs, Library Affairs, Academic Development and the Student Housing Department.