Workday release updates are a crucial aspect of maintaining the functionality and competitiveness of the Workday platform. With each new release, users can expect to see enhancements, new features, and improved user experience. These updates are carefully curated to address user feedback, industry trends, and technological advancements, ensuring that Workday remains at the forefront of HR and financial management software.
Frequency of Workday Releases
Workday typically releases major updates twice a year, commonly referred to as the “Spring” and “Fall” releases. These updates are numbered based on the year and the sequence of the release for that year; for example, the first release of 2023 would be R1 (Release 1), and the second would be R2 (Release 2).
Handling Workday Releases for Clients
Managing Workday releases for clients involves several key steps to ensure that the transition to the new version is smooth and that clients can leverage the new functionalities to their advantage. Here’s how it is generally handled:
1. Pre-Release Communication and Training
- Communication: Workday provides detailed release notes ahead of the actual release. Clients and their implementation partners should review these notes to understand the upcoming changes.
- Training: Workday often offers training and webinars for major releases. Clients should take advantage of these resources to familiarize themselves with the new features and enhancements.
2. Testing in the Preview Tenant
- Before the official release, Workday makes the update available in a preview tenant. This allows organizations to test the new features with their configurations and data without affecting their live environment. Testing should focus on:
- New Features: Experiment with and understand new functionalities to determine how they can be applied to current processes.
- Existing Customizations: Verify that custom reports, integrations, and calculated fields work as expected with the new update.
- Business Processes: Ensure that key business processes, including those that have been customized, operate correctly.
3. Feedback and Adjustments
- Any issues encountered during preview testing should be documented and reported to Workday Support Team or a Workday partner for guidance. This may involve adjusting configurations or customizations to be compatible with the new release.
4. Training for End Users
- Once the new features and adjustments have been finalized, end users may require training or briefings on changes that affect their workflows. This is crucial for ensuring a smooth transition and for leveraging new functionalities to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Post-Release Support
- After the release goes live, organizations should monitor the system for any issues and be prepared to offer additional support to users. Feedback from users can also highlight areas for further training or adjustment.
6. Continuous Improvement
- Workday releases are an opportunity for organizations to review and improve their business processes. Clients should consider how new features can enhance their operations and plan for implementing these changes.
Key Considerations
- Change Management: Effective communication and training are crucial to help users adapt to new features and changes.
- Customization Review: Organizations should review any customizations or configurations to ensure compatibility with the new release.
- Feedback Mechanism: Establishing a feedback loop with users can help quickly identify and address any issues or training gaps post-release.