Case Study: Friends University achieves real-time self-service reporting and improved administrative efficiency with Information Builders (WebFOCUS)

Integrated BI Environment Improves Administrative Efficiency and Decision-Making

Friends University, a private institution serving more than 3,000 traditional and adult learners, faced a growing information challenge: managing two distinct business models (term-based and cohort/non-term schedules) required timely, accurate data across admissions, financial aid, registration and student affairs. A campus transition to SunGard Banner exposed limited reporting capabilities and left IT overwhelmed by repeated ad hoc report requests.

Information Builders implemented a WebFOCUS-based, parameterized self-service BI environment integrated with Banner, Oracle Portal and Excel, and deployed ReportCaster for scheduled delivery. After training key staff and rolling the solution out to about 400 users, the university eliminated paper reports, reduced IT report workload, and gave administrators and faculty real-time access to reliable data—improving decision-making, productivity and consistency across campuses.

Friends University

Jon Helgason

Director of Administrative Computing