Insights from a Former Workday Account Executive: The Critical Importance of Proper Requirements Documentation

Insights from a Former Workday Account Executive: The Critical Importance of Proper Requirements Documentation

By Dan Park, Former Workday Account Executive

Having spent years as a Workday Account Executive, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with hundreds of HR and Finance leaders as they navigated the complex process of implementing Workday. Throughout these interactions, one theme has consistently emerged: the importance of thoroughly documenting your requirements before deploying any system, whether it’s Workday or another ERP.

The Common Pitfall: Misalignment of Requirements and Configuration

Time and time again, I’ve heard from customers who, after implementing Workday, expressed frustration, saying, “The software doesn’t do what we want it to do.” It’s a sentiment that can be both disheartening and perplexing, especially when you consider the robust capabilities that Workday offers.

In reality, the software is often more than capable of meeting and exceeding expectations. The issue frequently lies not with the software itself but with how it was configured during implementation. This misalignment can happen in two main ways:

1. Consultant-Driven Configuration: Sometimes, the consultants leading the implementation take the reins in designing workflows and configurations. While they bring valuable expertise to the table, they may not fully understand the unique nuances of your business processes unless those processes are clearly documented and communicated.
2. Customer-Driven Process Input: In other cases, the customer’s team provides the processes and requirements for the consultants to follow. If these requirements are not accurately documented or if there’s a lack of clarity, it can lead to a configuration that doesn’t fully align with the organization’s needs.

Investigate and Find the Truth

When faced with a situation where your new system isn’t performing as expected, it’s crucial to dig deeper and identify where the disconnect occurred. Was it in the initial requirements gathering? Was there a miscommunication between your team and the consultants? Or was there an oversight during the configuration process?

Seeking guidance from experienced advisors or conducting a thorough review of the implementation process can help uncover the root cause of the issue. Often, it’s not about what the software can’t do, but rather how it was set up to do it.

Innovate, Don’t Just Clone

One of the most common and costly mistakes I’ve seen organizations make when moving from one ERP system to another is the tendency to simply clone their existing system. This approach, while seemingly safe, can result in a missed opportunity to innovate and modernize your processes.

The transition to a powerful platform like Workday is the perfect time to rethink, reengineer, and automate your workflows. Instead of replicating the old system, take advantage of Workday’s advanced capabilities to create more efficient and effective processes. Failing to do so is not just a missed opportunity—it’s a waste of potentially millions of dollars.

Final Thoughts

The key takeaway from my years of experience in the field is clear: Thoroughly document your requirements, ensure clear communication with your consultants, and use the implementation of a new system like Workday as an opportunity to innovate, not just replicate. By doing so, you’ll set your organization up for long-term success and ensure that your investment in Workday delivers the maximum return.

If you’re looking for the right talent to support your Workday implementation or need expert guidance to navigate these challenges, consider leveraging a specialized platform like Only Workday Jobs. Visit Only Workday Jobs to connect with experienced Workday professionals who can help you get the most out of your implementation.