How Tufts University replaced manual processes with a scalable workflow platform

As workflow demands became more complex, Tufts University found that manual processes, email approvals, and even ERP workflow tools could no longer keep pace. By adopting Kuali Build alongside Kuali Research, the university gained a flexible platform that empowers departments to automate complex processes without sacrificing governance or scalability.

Watch the video below to hear how Tufts University transformed institutional workflows with Kuali.

Full case study

The Challenge

When Traditional Workflow Tools Couldn't Scale

Tufts University relied on people, email, PDFs, and paper to move institutional processes forward. As the university grew, those manual workflows became increasingly difficult to manage. Even an attempt to automate workflows using PeopleSoft proved expensive, time-consuming, and unable to accommodate the diverse needs of a decentralized institution. The university needed a platform that could support both standardized workflows and the unique processes required across individual schools and departments.

The Solution

A Flexible Platform Built for Higher Education

Tufts University adopted Kuali Build to create and manage workflows that traditional enterprise systems couldn't easily support. With a no-code platform designed for higher education, departments can build and modify processes quickly while maintaining institutional governance. Combined with Kuali Research, Kuali Build provides a connected technology foundation that enables the university to automate research administration and other campus workflows from a single platform.

The Results

Faster Innovation. Greater Flexibility.

Today, Tufts University uses Kuali Build across the institution to support a wide variety of business processes. Rather than forcing every workflow into a rigid structure, the platform enables departments to create solutions that reflect how they actually operate.

• Replaced manual paper and email-based workflows

• Reduced reliance on expensive custom ERP development

• Supported both standardized and department-specific processes

• Accelerated workflow creation and iteration

• Expanded Kuali Build adoption across the institution

• Simplified implementation of research administration solutions

  Why Kuali
  A Platform That Grows with the Institution
  
  As Tufts University has evolved, Kuali has continued to support new initiatives beyond research administration workflows. By expanding the use of Kuali Build alongside Kuali Research, the university has created additional opportunities to digitize institutional processes while maintaining a connected technology ecosystem that can scale alongside the institution.