In a recent episode of Workday Gold, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Demetrio Wazar-Santana, a Workday Solutions Architect with over 15 years of experience in the ecosystem. Our conversation revealed valuable insights about the role of solutions architecture, change management, and data governance in successful Workday implementations.

The Evolution of a Solutions Architect

Demetrio’s journey from integration consultant to solutions architect highlights a crucial perspective in the Workday ecosystem. Having worked on both the implementation and post-production sides, he brings a unique understanding of how initial implementation decisions impact long-term system sustainability.

“A solutions architect is someone who can step back and look at the big picture,” Demetrio explains. “We need to ensure that all pieces – tools, people, and systems – work together in concert.” This holistic view is essential for creating solutions that not only solve immediate problems but can be maintained and enhanced over time.

Change Management: A Critical Success Factor

One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation was the importance of robust change management. Demetrio shared experiences from a recent launch implementation where the client heavily invested in change management, including:

• Dedicated workshops and training sessions
• A comprehensive communications strategy
• Careful consideration of change fatigue
• Integration of company culture into the implementation process
  
  

Data Quality and Governance

Data quality emerged as a significant challenge in Workday implementations. Demetrio emphasized the importance of clear data ownership and governance structures. From job profiles to location hierarchies, having proper data management processes in place can make or break an implementation’s success.

Key Takeaways for Workday Teams

1. Involve end-users early in testing and implementation
2. Invest in comprehensive change management
3. Document decisions and their rationale
4. Align projects with organizational goals
5. Track metrics and KPIs to demonstrate value

Remember Demetrio’s golden rule: “Just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should do it.”