Project Purpose
TechHub is a centralized technology procurement program intended to reduce the cost of device life-cycle management and improve the user experience through centralized purchasing, device standardization, supply-chain management, and provide cost savings in the processing and deployment of hardware and software assets. This new program will provide Texas A&M University faculty, staff, and departments with a convenient process to procure high-quality, fully tested and vetted technology that will be configured and secured to university standards.
Guiding Principles
- Driving down direct costs of technology purchases and passing those savings to departments and units.
- Supporting shared decision-making with the IT Community to provide the right technology solutions that meet user needs.
- Remaining at the forefront to identify and evaluate emerging technologies to keep the campus on the cutting edge.
- Streamlining processes and workflows to fit all IT Community needs.
- Prioritizing value and the user experience.
Milestones
Laying the Foundation: Spring & Summer 2023 (Complete)
- Evaluate and test E-commerce platforms
- Focus groups and stakeholder outreach
- Build TechHub Operations Center
- Hire and onboard TechHub team
- Build and test online store front
Phase 1: Fall 2023 (Complete)
- Establish TechHub Advisory Group
- Finalize integrated billing process
- Online Ordering (hardware only)
- Develop standard workflow and SOPs
- Pilot Test Ordering Processes
- Early Adopter Onboarding
Phase 2: Spring & Summer 2024 (Complete)
- Develop plan and onboard colleges and units
- Solicit Customer Feedback and Prioritize Improvements
- Formalize hardware catalog
- Build out on-hand inventory
- Integrate systems to process large volume orders
- Custom order processing
- Implement Product Selection/Vetting Process
- Build PowerBI reports/analytics Dashboard
Phase 3: Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 (In-Progress)
- Full implementation of end-point procurement for all colleges and units
- Establish consistent university-wide standards and limit unique configurations
- Design and build new website template
- Build Physical Storefront
- Add departmental software
- Continue to receive feedback and improve website, reporting, data analytics, and processes
- Onboard other TAMU System Members
- Future opportunities TBD
University Savings
Hardware dollars saved to date