Renovations at Nash Support ERP Project Team's Goals While Focusing on Client Experience

By
Office of the Executive Vice President
July 15, 2011

If you visit the second floor of the Nash Building at 3280 Broadway, you'll notice a marked change in its appearance. The once aging area was recently renovated for members of the Financials Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) project team by our Facilities Capital Project Management (CPM) team to include energy-efficient fluorescent lighting, new flooring and HVAC systems, and flexible workstations equipped with larger conference rooms and storage spaces. The goal was to create a collaborative work environment for the recently expanded ERP project team.

The ERP project team is tasked with replacing most of the University's administrative technology systems and to develop a new, integrated environment to manage human resources, finance, facilities, student services, and information technology. As a part of this major initiative, a new ERP Financials System will be implemented in July 2012 that will improve administrative efficiency and effectiveness, enhance quality, timeliness and access to financial information, reduce security and compliance risks, and implement a platform for future strategic initiatives.

"We are very pleased with our new project space at Nash. The design and layout of the space support the collaboration required on a systems implementation project," says Paul Reedy, ERP's executive project director.

In addition to having a skilled team, Facilities' was able to deliver quality work by keeping ERP's needs in the forefront throughout the six-month renovation process. From design development through construction, CPM made sure that ERP was kept involved in the decision-making process.

"We asked Paul Reedy and his team a lot of questions, carefully listened, and incorporated their ideas into the basic scope of work," says CPM Project Director Anthony Botti. "Doing so helps the client to envision what their project will look like."

In addition to these design specifications, the project incorporated sustainable measures wherever applicable, such as in the use of low-emitting paints, adhesives, and sealants. Surplus furniture was also donated to companies for recycling and reuse through our partnership with the Environmental Stewardship office.

"As a LEED AP, I am personally an advocate for green construction," says Project Manager Keith George, who oversaw the renovations at 3280 Broadway. "The project stands as a model of how areas within the University can be transformed into aesthetically pleasing spaces that maximize efficiency and functionality."

In addition to Botti and George, project team members include Associate Project Director Mike Iorii and Project Architect Chris Ruehl. CPM also teamed with Facilities Operations, Public Safety, and CUIT. Legacy Builders served as the contractor.

For more information on the ERP project visit: www.finance.columbia.edu/fin_erp/index.html

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