Staffordshire University has implemented Oracle software to upgrade financial management and cut costs through joined-up working.

Oracle's E-Business Suite will also be used to improve human resources and payroll functions and to introduce a customer relationship management (CRM) system.

Previously, Staffordshire had been using a 12-year-old financial management system and was working without centralised procurement processes, with more than 200 users making separate decisions.

The implementation marks the first stage of the university's switch towards more streamlined working, said Neil Scott, finance director at Staffordshire University.

"It's the first step in improving accuracy and consistency of financial information, as we make a step-change in financial reporting," he said.