Workday is a powerful software package that helps companies manage multiple financial and human capital systems. It has numerous benefits for companies of all sizes and can generate reduced costs, improved performance, greater efficiency, and positive team morale. Managing a successful transition starts with being aware of what the process will look like, so here we take a look at some of the key factors involved in Workday implementation.

What Is Workday Implementation?

Existing Practices and Processes

Regardless of what industry it operates in, each company develops its own set of internal processes to maximize efficiency. This is especially true for human resources departments and payroll or financial operations, areas where Workday applies most directly. A big part of implementing Workday is having a firm grasp on optimal operations before starting the transition, so you can configure the software accordingly.

Workday comes with default settings for each application, and these may not be ideal for your company. It’s important to evaluate current practices to determine what’s working and what isn’t, so you’ll have a clear idea about how to configure Workday before you begin implementation.

Data Migration

A major step in the implementation process is moving data from your company’s existing systems into Workday. A common example of this is migrating human resources data, specifically employee information pertaining to group health insurance plans. This includes things like hiring and coverage dates that determine eligibility for benefits, meaning a mistake can lead to delays in implementation.

It’s important to have a rigorous plan in place to manage data migration and ensure correct entry, avoid data duplication, and identify data points that might not be recognized in Workday. This will help avoid costly delays and get you up and running as quickly as possible.

Focus on Testing Phase

The implementation process usually occurs in multiple phases, from planning and configuration to testing and deployment. Each of these is important and has its challenges, and the testing phase can often be the longest and most complex. This may include the development of testing scripts as well as analyzing automation tools, so it’s important to have a team in place with the required technical expertise.

This means that once again preparation is key for effective implementation, as the testing team needs comprehensive information about various use-case scenarios from the end user’s perspective. Whether you outsource this testing task or not, it’s a good idea to involve business analysts, human resources managers, and key financial personnel in this process.

Find the Right Partner

Given the complexities involved and the level of expertise required, it’s no surprise that many companies turn to independent partners that are experienced in implementing Workday. Having helped other companies do the same, they offer tremendous value by guiding best practice to deliver a smooth and effective transition. Consider this option as you evaluate internal competencies and the potential deployment of company resources.

If you’re considering implementing Workday to improve your business operations, this is a general idea of what the process entails. Contact Project Genetics to learn more about what Workday can do for you, and how they can help implement it.