QUT takes the low-code in HR overhaul

The Queensland University of Technology is moving its finance, payroll and HR processes over to Appian’s low-code cloud platform amid a long-running IT overhaul.

The low-code platform allows QUT to effectively drag and drop prefabricated slabs of code, rather than buying a completed, off-the-shelf product or building something from scratch.

QUT’s vice president (technology) and inaugural CIO Judy Stokker told iTnews that although replacing the university’s “bespoke legacy solutions” isn’t an easy task, the low-code platform is a promising alternative to both its current homebuilt and purchased enterprise solutions like SharePoint.

“The Appian solution provides an enterprise approach to business processes management by orchestrating and automating process workflows across existing and new corporate systems,” she said.

The university is also taking the opportunity to digitise some of its paper-based processes on the platform, reducing the amount of time and effort spent on administration.

The streamlined end result will hopefully improve the user experience of both staff and students and also make it easier for the uni to meet its reporting requirements.

Stokker said QUT is only in the early stages of implementing and integrating the platform to its workflows, but thinks the widely applicable platform and its rapid application capability could be attractive an attractive prospect for further deployment at the university.

She added the “continued digital transformation” of its services and processes is needed for QUT to remain competitive and contemporary in a globalised sector. As part of that, Stokker is also overseeing the merging of the university’s audio-visual and IT infrastructure revealed by iTnews in June.

Other universities have also been eyeing off low-code options for their business processes, including the University of Wollongong.

UoW used Appian to deploy 32 custom-built apps for everything from managing payments to enrolling international students and matching up their qualifications with overseas institutions. 

QUT currently has around 50,000 students enrolled across its faculties and employs over 12,000 academic and non-academic staff.