Optimizing Efficiency: Choosing an SIS
with Unmatched Return on Investment
An ERP to Power the University’s Complex Operational Model
A private institution in Gainesville, Georgia, Brenau University is known for its innovative approach to higher education. Consisting of The Women’s College, the coed Undergraduate School, and the Sidney O. Smith, Jr. Graduate School, Brenau University has evolved into a comprehensive educational hub that offers an exceptional range of in-person, virtual, and hybrid degree programs that have propelled it into a prominent position within the higher education landscape.
To support its complex model, Brenau had to find the right technical solution to empower its administrative staff and faculty to effectively support these programs, deliver exceptional service to students, and offer the agility needed to try new approaches. After many thorough and careful reviews of the student information system (SIS) market, Brenau reaffirms that Aptron Corporation’s Collēgix solution continues to be the best platform to meet its SIS and enterprise resource planning (ERP) needs.
A Comprehensive ERP Solution that Supports the Entire University
Since 2005, Brenau University has been utilizing Collēgix to grow its wide variety of student programs and manage its multifaceted administrative processes. (Brenau had used an earlier iteration dating back to 1989.) The University employs the Collēgix platform to power the operations of key departments, including:
- Admissions
- Registrar / Student Records
- Financial Aid
- Student Services
- Personnel
- Finance
- Campus Safety
- Help Desk
“Collēgix is a very flexible ERP. Plus, Aptron is an incredibly client-centered company,” shared Liz Force, University Registrar and Director of Records at Brenau University. “They listen to your needs, learn your data and processes, and respond accordingly. I cannot say enough. I just love Aptron.”
Straightforward Integration and Unrivaled Customization
For Brenau, Collēgix’s powerful yet straightforward integration and customization capabilities further solidify it as their ultimate choice. Leveraging Collēgix’s seamless bi-directional data flow between systems like Technolutions’s Slate CRM solution and Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge donor management solution, Brenau ensures that their teams are positioned to operate most efficiently. What sets Collēgix further apart is its empowerment of users to take control. “You can accomplish a great deal on your own,” stated Force.
Moreover, with Collēgix, Brenau found a solution that supports its innovative spirit through customizations tailored to its unique requirements. For instance, Brenau University wanted to offer students the ability to choose their dorm room using a real-time dorm room selection feature with availability maps. Aptron not only helped design but also efficiently built this Collēgix customization. “Aptron’s reasonable hourly rates for custom work, along with their speed and efficiency, make the transition from problem to solution seamless,” stated Chip Andrews, Vice President of Information Technology at Brenau University.
Easy to Administer, Maintain, Backup, and Keep Secure
With less than one full-time person needed to administer the system, it’s clear why Collēgix stands out as an exceptional choice. Beyond ease of system management, Brenau’s executive team also comments on Collēgix’s remarkable ease of system maintenance, backup, and security.
“The Collēgix DBMS (database management software) is incredibly easy to install and maintain, taking only a fraction of the time required by most other ERP systems,” stated Andrews. He further commented on his appreciation that Collēgix is not a black box like many other solutions. Collēgix’s file-based system makes backing up and restoring data, if needed, simple and easy. “Collēgix is built leveraging highly efficient technology,” shared Andrews. “The Collēgix software cleans up after itself; it doesn’t create junk.” Notably, Andrews points out that their Collēgix server has stored data dating back to 1989 on just a one-TB drive.
Security is a paramount concern, and Collēgix employs a robust security tool to fortify the platform. Additionally, the fact that Collēgix leverages a MultiValue database helps protect it from common threats like SQL injections. Collēgix’s commitment to security, data integrity, and efficient backups is a testament to its reliability and trustworthiness in the world of SIS and ERP systems.
Aptron anticipates future regulatory demands and implements necessary updates quickly, including state-specific provisions.
Vigilant Compliance Management
Aptron consistently demonstrates its commitment to staying current with evolving federal compliance regulations. Pam Barrett, Associate Vice President and Director of Financial Aid for Brenau University, commends Aptron for its proactive approach to financial aid compliance and higher education requirements. This dedication goes beyond mere adherence, as “Aptron anticipates future regulatory demands and implements necessary updates quickly, including state-specific provisions,” stated Barrett.
For Brenau’s administrators, this forward-thinking approach not only ensures that they will remain in full compliance with federal mandates but also offers peace of mind in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.
Exceptional Support with a Delightful Experience
Yet another standout feature for Brenau’s administrators is Aptron’s proactive approach to customer support. “With Aptron, we simply pick up the phone and are immediately connected with a head programmer,” exclaimed Andrews. “We don’t have to deal with queues or navigate support tiers—we get to the right person every time.”
Force expanded upon this sentiment by sharing a recent story where an accidental data import caused an issue that impacted faculty and staff log-ins. “Upon placing one call to support, Aptron responded and restored the data in less than twenty minutes,” stated Force, “That’s the kind of support you just aren’t going to get with any other partner.”
A Partner that Listens to Us
Brenau’s administrators highly value Aptron’s unwavering commitment to listening and responding to their needs. Chip Andrews noted that he truly appreciates Aptron’s dedication to providing practical solutions, even when it requires custom code development. This collaborative spirit fosters a symbiotic relationship between Brenau and Aptron, allowing for a partnership built on shared values and a genuine concern for higher education. “There’s a collegiality between us,” concurred Barrett. “It’s not often you find a partner as vested and interested in making it work like Aptron is.”
An Unbeatable Return on Investment
- Is a comprehensive solution that users find easy to use.
- Requires minimal resources, with less than one full-time equivalent (FTE) managing the entire system.
- Offers unbeatable support.
- Enables Brenau the ability to configure the system to meet its unique needs.
With Aptron’s Collēgix solution, I get a powerful ERP that’s easy to use, able to be customized to our specifications, and offers superior support from a team who cares about higher ed—all at a fraction of the cost of any competitive solution.
