Which Extend Option is right for you?

As a Higher Education Workday ERP customer, you may be struggling to understand when to use or create a custom Extend application, when to utilize a partner’s solution, or when to purchase a Built On Workday Application that is available on the Workday Marketplace.  Perhaps this might help you determine what is best for your institution.

               Let’s start with Extend, what it is, and what’s available to you.  Workday is a cloud SaaS ERP system.  We’ve discussed in earlier blogs exactly what a SaaS solution is, and how it’s important to understand that everyone using the solution is using the same solution, code line, etc.  Workday has opened their platform and introduced Extend and Built on Workday.  What this means, for the user that may be new to the license, is that Workday has opened their platform (recall Platform as a Service or PaaS) allowing those that have a license to create objects that exist on the platform and are available for use within the single customer’s tenant.  What this means is that customers can ‘extend’ the functionality to address niche needs required by their company or organization.   Now, let’s be clear.  This is not an open-ended option where you can now ‘customize’ the system to meet your unique business processes.  This is why it’s important to understand the key differences in what is available, and when it makes sense to use one option over the other.

               Now that we understand Extend, let’s review the purchase of an Extend License and what is available through this avenue.  Yes, you do have the ability to now create Extend objects, however, based on your license, you are limited to the number you can create.  This limit exists across your entire organization.  Therefore, using your license to create something that takes away from the number you are allowed needs to have thought and strategy around your design and choice to move forward with this option.

               The next option is pre-developed Partner Solutions.  Solutions are provided by Built on Workday partners and are available to you, the customer, for a quick implementation to solve a business problem.  The solutions are typically unique and configured for a single customer, however, the core of the solution is similar and can be deployed quickly. However, these solutions should not be considered Built On Workday Marketplace Applications and will typically require you to have a Workday Extend License.  This option is powerful and worth pursuing when a quick answer is what you need.  The key point to remember is the solution will count as part of your allowed extend objects within your license.  In addition, this solution may be treated like any other configuration, and you may need to utilize consulting hours when a change or update is needed or desired.

               The third option is a Built On Workday Application available through Workday Marketplace.  There are two major points to consider with this option.  When you purchase a Built On Workday Application through Workday Marketplace, you are not required to own a Workday Extend License.  Workday Marketplace applications have gone through rigorous testing and review by Workday to ensure the application meets the required standards.  That is because the application sits within Workday and is ‘opened’ when you complete the application purchase, just like any other module within Workday.  The second point to consider, especially with SISSCORP applications, is that these applications are typically maintained by the authoring partner.  These applications are also generally considered applicable across multiple customers (like SISSCORP’s Built On Workday Application, TEXSISS). 

               SISSCORP, through its Innovation Partnership with Workday, provides Built On Workday Applications through Workday Marketplace that address core niche needs for higher education, specifically related to regulatory requirements at state or program levels (sports, accreditation, etc.).  These Built On Workday Applications are maintained by SISSCORP, and updates are provided when required by regulating agencies.  In addition, SISSCORP’s application also addresses any maintenance that is required due to Workday functionality updates.  That is why our Built On Workday Applications are sold in Workday Marketplace as a subscription. 

               Understanding these key differences will help your organization decide which door is right for you when looking at the capabilities of Extend.