We are continuing to add and refine RAPTOR (Resource Allocation Planning Tool for Operational Reporting) modules, creating significant process improvements that streamline and standardize resource planning across campus.

 

RAPTOR provides a single source of truth for budget and financial data and a unified set of tools for many budget process tasks. It integrates regularly updated data from Banner, providing accurate information and timely reporting capabilities. It now brings together budget processes that were formerly accomplished through separate practices and tools, including:

 

  • Data entry
  • Request descriptions
  • Reporting
  • Review
  • In-year forecasting
  • Long-term forecasting
  • Labor planning (replacing merit spreadsheets)
  • Budget planning for all indexes (including endowment, gifts, and LU Funds)

 

Project Timeline
Phase I - Fall 2024Phase II - Spring 2025Phase III - Fall 2025Phase IV - Spring 2026
RAPTOR adopted campus wideRAPTOR used for approval processRAPTOR used for off-cycle budget requests; LADL tools availableBudget dashboard and reporting
  • RAPTOR introduction and working / info sessions offered.
  • FY26 Budget requests entered in RAPTOR.
  • Quarterly reporting begins in RAPTOR.
  • Budget data available in Lehigh Administrative Data Lake.
  • FY26 Budget requests reviewed through RAPTOR and discussed at divisional meetings.
  • Provost and VPFA use RAPTOR to approve requests.
  • Labor planning replaces Merit process (spreadsheets).
  • FY26 Revenue and Expense budgets entered in RAPTOR.
  • All off-cycle budget requests go through RAPTOR workflow.
  • 3-5 year budget plans included in resource planning effort.
  • Executive and Budget Office staff have access to budget dashboards and other reporting tools for visualization (in RAPTOR / from LADL)

 

 

 
Resource Planning Comparison
Process ComparisonFormer Resource Planning  ProcessRAPTOR Resource Planning Process
Efficient and decision oriented; Minimize end-user effortNoYes
Spreadsheet based; various formatsYesNo
Unified approach; streamline effort across campus; streamline user experienceNoYes
Develop, track, forecast and manage budgets/projections through the yearNoYes
Increase transparency, accuracy and confidence in budgets and forecastsNoYes