Application Rationalization Design Team
The Application Rationalization Design Team in CEMI is undertaking an analysis to better understand the gaps in broadly used systems that custom homegrown tools were created to fill. Over time, those hundreds of individually supported applications, each solving a specific need, collectively created a complex web of shadow systems that are increasingly difficult to maintain and secure.
Aligned with the goals of both CEMI and Resilient Cornell, this analysis is a process of analyzing the original problem that prompted each application’s development then reviewing similar options in new systems like Workday and Kindsight or new features in current systems. But application rationalization does not transpire in a vaccuum. Engaging with the community members who use and have depended on gap applications provides critical insights for the application rationalization design team.
The primary goal for this design team is to help ensure future enterprise-wide systems include the essential functions our community requires, while supporting CEMI’s goal of creating comprehensive, integrated solutions.
Approach
A dedicated team is working to catalog the gap applications and understand their purposes to identify:
- Which functions are truly unique to Cornell
- Which features must be included in the university’s new enterprise systems
- Where we have common needs across units
- Where process redesign or consolidation might be needed
Key Update
Quarter 2, October – December 2025:
- Classified the Workday gap application inventory, by Workday functional area and by Workday domain.
- Discussed applications with Cornell functional and business solution users to capture their proposals, such as keep, retire, or replace the applications.
- Completed reviews of gap applications with Huron, validating assumptions and identifying where additional discussions or desing consideratin is warranted.
- Launched a pain point accelerator and engaged the Ithaca-based University Leaders Operations Group. These department administrators identified more than 30 pain points to be brought forward to the relevant CEMI vertical leads.
Next Steps
Quarter 3, January – March 2026:
- Conduct target validation sessions with functional leads, by Workday area, to finalize recommendations for each application, such as redesign, integrate, modernize, or retire.
- Inform CEMI and Workday Administrative System planning and decision-making teams of the gap application recommendations.
- Identify cross-domain and One Cornell topics for appropriate program or leadership routing.
Early Insights
By February 2026, the Gap Applications design team’s work reflected extensive cross-campus collaboration. Focused on Workday-related applications, functional and technical stakeholders across Finance, HR, Budget, and Research Administration from Ithaca and Weill Cornell Medicine partnered with the design team to collect and share data about their applications and processes.
This work is already revealing opportunities to simplify processes, reduce duplication, and prepare for what’s next.
Design Team Leads
Harish Babu Chava
Director, Administrative Computing
Information Technology Services
Weill Cornell Medicine
Jerry Philip
Associate Director, Business Analysis
Information Technology Services
Weill Cornell Medicine
Becky Joffrey
Director of Digital Innovation & Strategy
Ithaca-supported campuses
Ester Soriano
Assistant Director for Strategic Engagement and Business Systems Integration
Cornell University
Erica Lynn Ellis
Assistant Director, Strategic Business Enablement
Ithaca-supported campuses