Center for Operational Analysis and Research (COAR)

Centralizing COAR Operations with ERP Foundations and AI Readiness

How Leeway helped COAR centralize operational workflows in one ERP environment while preparing a practical path toward AI-enabled analytics and reporting.

Challenge

COAR, recognized as a leading organization in research and reporting, needed to move from fragmented tools into a centralized operating model that could support stronger controls, faster reporting cycles, and future AI integration.

Approach

  • Mapped cross-team processes and designed a centralized ERP operating model
  • Implemented core modules for finance, HR, procurement, and project operations
  • Standardized data structures and approval workflows for reporting consistency
  • Built governance checkpoints for compliance, traceability, and quality assurance
  • Defined an AI-readiness roadmap for predictive insights and automated reporting support

Results

  • Unified operational data into a centralized system of record
  • Improved reporting consistency and reduced manual reconciliation work
  • Faster decision support through better process visibility across teams
  • Stronger governance posture for high-stakes research and reporting activities
  • Clear foundation established for phased AI adoption