Synexis Consulting
Driving Transformation for Higher Education through ERP Solutions

Synexis Consulting, a specialized enterprise resource planning (ERP) consulting firm focused on supporting higher education, plays a key role in helping universities streamline crucial operations, like human resources, payroll, finance and student services, for maximum efficiency. Known for its comprehensive expertise, global industry knowledge and well-established partnerships with leading ERP providers such as Workday and Oracle, Synexis is a trusted partner for driving academic institutions forward.

Synexis Consulting came together when OCLC, a global leader in library services and software for academic institutions, acquired JJH Consulting, a firm that specializes in advising institutions of higher education on how to maximize the value of their ERP business processes and the implementation of Workday enterprise systems and software. Together, they are now poised for an even greater impact. OCLC’s longstanding expertise in academic software solutions perfectly complements JJH’s deep knowledge of ERP systems, creating a powerful synergy. They guide institutions through seamless transitions from legacy systems to modern, cloud-based platforms.

Previously, JJH was known for its advisory role, providing business case analyses, ROI assessments and readiness evaluations. Now, with OCLC’s support, JJH has expanded its scope to include full-scale implementation and deployment services. This evolution transforms JJH from a client-side advisor into Synexis Consulting, a full-service partner, capable of managing every phase of a Workday project—from initial setup to post-implementation optimization. By offering end-to-end solutions, Synexis Consulting ensures that higher education clients can fully leverage the benefits of its ERP systems, maximizing efficiency and operational success.

OCLC’s decades of expertise in SaaS solutions align with Workday’s evolution in higher education. As Workday helps institutions transition from heavily customized, on-premise systems to efficient, cloud-based ERP platforms, OCLC has long supported reimagining institutional workflows. Together, JJH and OCLC are uniquely positioned to guide universities through business reengineering while providing the stability and scalability that cloud solutions offer. This approach frees institutions from infrastructure and security management burdens, enabling them to do more with fewer resources and position themselves for long-term success.

“The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both organizations, allowing us to provide a broader range of services to the higher education sector at a time when many institutions, especially those with limited budgets, face the challenge of modernizing their systems with fewer resources,” says John Hrusovsky, managing director of Synexis Consulting.

Many mid-tier institutions struggle with smaller budgets and fewer staff, making it difficult to maintain and fully leverage these systems. By combining OCLC’s expertise in business process support and application management with JJH’s deep knowledge of Workday, Synexis can now offer essential post-implementation services. This includes technical support, managed services and help staying current with Workday’s latest features and innovations.

The acquisition marks a pivotal moment for both organizations, allowing us to provide a broader range of services to the higher education sector at a time when many institutions, especially those with limited budgets, face the challenge of modernizing their systems with fewer resources

A key advantage of the partnership is the potential for thought leadership. OCLC’s vast research capabilities now empower Synexis Consulting to provide institutions with best practices for adopting and integrating Workday, ensuring mid-sized universities can access top-tier expertise to maximize their ERP investments.

OCLC’s established relationships with federal, state and local governments, combined with their experience in meeting stringent regulatory and security requirements, offer Synexis Consulting a strong foundation. Existing contracts and master service agreements allow Synexis to bypass common hurdles, such as legal reviews and security clearances, which smaller firms typically face when entering these markets.

“With nearly 58 years in business, OCLC’s reputation as a trusted partner gives Synexis Consulting immediate credibility, allowing it to step into new projects with fewer barriers and greater capacity to operate within highly regulated environments,” says Bart Murphy, OCLC chief technology and information officer (CTIO).

As Synexis Consulting integrates into OCLC’s broader ecosystem, cultural alignment is managed with care. Synexis is being actively included in OCLC’s company-wide events such as global sales meetings and town halls, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion within the larger organization. Even while operating as a separate entity, this thoughtful approach ensures that Synexis Consulting maintains its identity while benefiting from the support and resources of OCLC. Together, they are poised to provide universities and other institutions with the tools, expertise and strategic vision necessary to thrive in an increasingly digital world.