Timeline

By aligning organizational structures with updated processes and technology, Indiana University is making a deliberate investment in its future. This work will strengthen financial operations, improve consistency across campuses, and ensure resources are focused on what matters most: advancing student success, research, and service.

Project Horizon launched in late 2025 and will progress in phases, with system and process updates implemented over time. Campus leaders and financial teams will share updates on key milestones, so faculty and staff know what to expect.

Visit the Project Horizon Resources page for the most up-to-date information about this initiative.

Laying the groundwork

2025

In October 2025, Indiana University issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to engage a consulting partner who will assess the university's financial organizational structure. After reviewing multiple proposals, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) was selected by the Steering Committee.

Early deliverables and ERP assessment

2026

In the first half of 2026, PwC will deliver a detailed activity list mapping how financial tasks are distributed across the university, along with benchmarking data to highlight strengths and opportunities for improvement. Concurrently, IU Finance will begin preparing for its future by:

Assessing how artificial intelligence can enhance enterprise resource planning (ERP) capabilities—specifically, how AI can interact with ERP systems to streamline core business processes such as finance, human resources, UITS and procurement, while providing a unified view of organizational activity.
Assessing the current shared services models (FNSS) operating model and determine how best to utilize shared services to support our UA business partners.
Conducting ERP benchmarking against higher education best practices.

This phase will provide the first comprehensive picture of IU's financial operations, setting the stage for both organizational redesign and system modernization.

Planning and readiness

2027

Throughout 2027, IU will refine the list of activities most suitable for shared services while developing communications, leadership toolkits, and support resources to prepare units for change. In parallel, the university will begin developing an analytics and reporting toolset that strengthens decision-making and builds readiness for a potential future ERP.

Putting plans into action

2028

Beginning in 2028, IU will transition from planning to action. The organizational redesign will be executed in phases, with financial and administrative tasks shifting into centralized models to improve efficiency, transparency, and support of our daily operations.

Depending on findings, IU may potentially move forward with a new ERP system in the future.

Full implementation

2029-2030

Between 2029 and 2030, IU could focus on implementing an ERP system. This includes configuration, data migration, integration with other systems, and university-wide training. Indiana University will have updated its financial organizational structure and processes, with a decision on an ERP to be made in the latter part of this decade.