In Adaptive there are three ways to link plan data to the General Ledger Accounts. The first method is default formulas. These are located in the GL accounts themselves. These formulas can be set to a formula or data entry, and can be version specific. The only caveat to this approach is that any data that flows to the GL account will lose any dimensionality assigned to the sheet. Additionally, if an account has a default formula, you cannot override the amount.
Shared formulas, however, do allow for the calculated amount to be overwritten on the sheet. Unfortunately, similarly to default formulas, any account referenced in a shared formula will also lose its dimensionality. Shared formulas also support version-specific applications. This means you can apply formulas to certain levels. Shared formulas can only be used on Custom Accounts and General Ledger Accounts.
The last option is to use a link. Unlike the other two options, links retain the dimensionality of the account referenced. However, they are currently not version specific and will be applied across all versions. In the 2026 R1 release, we should see version specific links become available. Additionally, any account can have a link, but the sheet with the data, must be a modeled or cube sheet. Lastly, similar to default formulas, the data populated from a link cannot be overwritten.
It is important to consider the pros and cons of each approach before connecting a model to the GL account. If dimensionality is important for this account in terms of reporting, links will be the best option, but if you only need to project forward expenses, a shared or default formula would be best. With those two options, you must then consider if the end result will need the ability to be overwritten.
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Read more Workday Adaptive Planning Tips & Tricks:
Creating Scenarios in Adaptive Planning
Created Dimensions Through Metadata Loaders
Workday Adaptive Planning for Google Sheets
