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Accelerate Invoice Data Capture
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Reduce Manual AP Data Entry
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Improve Extraction Accuracy Across Vendors
ERP Modernization Deserves a Different Conversation
Higher education institutions are rethinking their technology foundations as enrollment realities shift, expectations for digital-first experiences grow, and long-established ERP environments face new demands.
At the same time, modernization does not necessarily mean replacing everything that already works.
What role should cloud play? Where can AI create practical value? How can institutions introduce new capabilities without adding another disconnected layer of technology? And how should leaders think about the future of platforms such as Banner, Colleague, PeopleSoft, and EBS?
These are the conversations Astute Business Solutions wants to have at EDUCAUSE 2026.
Not a product presentation. Not a planning workshop.
A focused strategic discussion about how ERP modernization is changing and what higher education leaders should be thinking about now.
Explore the Questions Shaping ERP Modernization
Modernization Without Starting Over
Explore how institutions can introduce new capabilities around Banner, Colleague, PeopleSoft, EBS, and other established ERP environments while continuing to build on investments that still deliver value.
Cloud Without Immediate Rip-and-Replace
Discuss where cloud infrastructure, including OCI, can fit into an ERP modernization strategy without making full application replacement the starting point.
AI Within Existing ERP Processes
Consider where AI can reduce manual processing, improve access to information, and extend existing ERP workflows across student services, finance, HR, and administration.
Modernization Without Unnecessary Disruption
Examine how institutions can introduce cloud, automation, AI, and new digital experiences while maintaining continuity across critical business processes.
Practical Opportunities for Near-Term Value
Discuss where focused modernization initiatives can demonstrate value without waiting for a large-scale transformation program.
The Changing ERP Modernization Roadmap
Explore how AI, cloud, automation, user experience, integration, and existing technology investments are changing the way institutions think about ERP modernization.
30 Minutes for a Thought-Provoking ERP Conversation
This is not a sales pitch.
It is also not a session where someone will try to create an ERP modernization plan for your institution in 30 minutes.
The purpose is to have an informed, strategic conversation about the questions higher education leaders are asking today.
Bring the issues your institution is thinking through:
What should ERP modernization look like in the AI-enabled era?
How much more value can we get from our existing ERP?
Where does cloud fit into the modernization conversation?
Where can AI remove manual processing within existing workflows?
How can we introduce new capabilities without creating more technology fragmentation?
What should institutions consider before deciding whether to modernize or replace?
Come with a question, a challenge, or simply an interest in exchanging perspectives.
30 minutes. No sales pitch. Just a strategic conversation about ERP modernization.
Talk With an Expert Who Understands Higher Education ERP
Ratnakar Nanavaty, Chief Strategist at Astute Business Solutions, has more than 30 years of experience working with higher education, government, nonprofit, public, and private institutions.
His experience spans enterprise platforms including Ellucian Banner, Ellucian Colleague, Oracle PeopleSoft, Workday, Salesforce, Jenzabar, and Anthology.
At Astute Business Solutions, Ratnakar leads strategy and development for higher education and government services, bringing a strategic and forward-looking perspective to conversations around ERP, cloud, AI, and institutional transformation.
EDUCAUSE 2026
September 29–October 2, 2026
Denver, Colorado
Continue the ERP Modernization Conversation at EDUCAUSE 2026
If you are thinking about the role of AI, cloud, automation, or your existing ERP in the future of your institution, EDUCAUSE 2026 is an opportunity to exchange ideas with someone who has spent decades working with higher education technology environments.
Share your information and three preferred meeting times to request a conversation with Ratnakar Nanavaty.
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