As the asset management industry continues to evolve, we’re seeing a lot of firms navigating the increasing complexities of managing people, processes, and data. For many, legacy systems that once served well are now creating bottlenecks, limiting visibility, and struggling to keep pace with today’s demands. When looking to upgrade to a modern ERP platform, Workday often emerges as the leading solution—offering powerful capabilities for finance, HR, and business planning.
However, transitioning from a legacy system to Workday often demands a boatload of expertise. For a successful implementation, it requires a thorough understanding of the organization’s existing processes, data structures, and future goals. From planning and scoping to change management and post-implementation support, each step needs to be carefully orchestrated to ensure a seamless migration and successful adoption.
The key to a successful implementation? Having the right mix of talent—professionals who specialize in various aspects of Workday, such as project managers to steer the overall strategy, integration specialists to connect data streams, and security analysts to safeguard sensitive information. This is where specialized consulting support can be a game-changer. “Especially for companies implementing Workday for both HR and Finance, it can be difficult to find someone adept at handling both portions of the implementation from end to end. Bringing in a consultant to avoid a ‘one size fits all’ approach is usually the most effective for a multi-phase implementation, as project plans can change rapidly. Utilizing a consultant allows you to start, pause, and resume easily, and leads to cost savings in the end,” adds John Olita, Technology Account Executive at Landing Point.
Given our deep-rooted relationships in the asset management industry and our network of Workday specialists, we’ve gotten an inside look at the most impactful roles for successful Workday implementations. Read on for insights into how to build a project team that can help ensure a smooth transition from legacy systems to a scalable, future-proof ERP solution.
Workday Implementation Specialist
Workday Implementation Consultants are experts in configuring and customizing the platform to meet an organization’s unique needs. They offer guidance on best practices, guarantee proper system setup, and support the entire implementation process. Their deep understanding of Workday’s capabilities helps businesses optimize the platform, overcome implementation challenges, and achieve a smooth transition to the new system.
Data Migration Specialist
Data Migration Specialists play a key role in transferring data from existing systems to Workday, ensuring accurate mapping, cleansing, and migration to maintain data integrity. Their expertise minimizes errors, reduces downtime, and ensures the accuracy of critical business information. By handling the complexities of data migration, they enable a smooth transition, allowing organizations to fully leverage Workday’s capabilities without compromising data quality.
Project Manager
Project Managers serve a significant function in overseeing the Workday ERP implementation by coordinating tasks, managing timelines, and ensuring the project remains within scope and budget. This position is essential for successful project delivery, as it keeps the implementation on track, facilitates communication among team members, and ensures that goals and deadlines are met.
Integration Specialist
Integration Specialists connect Workday with other systems in the organization’s technology stack, ensuring smooth data flow between applications. In today’s interconnected business environment, effective integration is crucial. “These specialists enable organizations to maximize the potential of Workday by ensuring seamless integration with other systems, especially in mission-critical financial and HR operations,” adds Alex Wright, Partner at Landing Point.
Change Management Specialist
Change Management Specialists prepare employees for the transition to a new system. They develop communication plans, conduct training sessions, and address concerns to facilitate adoption. Effective change management is essential for the success of any ERP project, as these specialists help manage the human side of the transition, ensuring that employees are informed, engaged, and comfortable with the new system.
Testing Analyst
Testing Analysts are responsible for designing and executing test cases to ensure the Workday system functions correctly. They identify and address any issues or bugs before the system goes live. Thorough testing is vital for the success of any ERP implementation, as testing analysts help pinpoint and resolve problems early in the process, reducing the risk of disruptions after the system is implemented.
Training Coordinator
Training Coordinators organize and conduct training sessions for end-users, ensuring that employees understand how to use Workday effectively. Bridging the knowledge gap is crucial for equipping employees with the skills needed to utilize Workday efficiently, thereby enhancing overall productivity and user satisfaction.
Security Analyst
The Security Analyst customizes and maintains security settings within Workday to protect sensitive data and ensure users have appropriate access levels. Security is a top priority in ERP implementations, particularly in the highly regulated asset management industry. These analysts establish and maintain robust security protocols, safeguarding critical information and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
So, how can we help? Whether you simply need advice on building a Workday team or need a partner like Landing Point Consulting to connect you with specialized Workday talent, we’re here when you need us. Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition for businesses at any stage of their Workday journey.