Implementing a Workday Adaptive Planning environment can be the start of a transformative journey for the Office of Finance. Choosing the right implementation partner is as critical as selecting the software itself.
Meet Your Team: Why Face-to-Face Interaction Matters
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a potential implementation partner is to meet their consultants face-to-face (or via Zoom!), ideally during the selection process. These consultants will be responsible for guiding your organization through a significant transformation, so it’s crucial to understand their experience, approach, and how they align with your company’s culture.
Request meetings with the actual delivery team members rather than just sales representatives. This will give you a clearer view of who will be working with you day-to-day throughout the design and implementation phases. You should try to get an understanding of the experience levels of the people you will be working with. Ask about the individual strengths of the team members. This can provide invaluable insights into the partner’s ability to understand your goals and translate them into a successful Workday Adaptive Planning implementation.
Ask the Tough Questions: Beyond the Basics
Choosing the right partner goes beyond just checking credentials and past projects. Ask questions that will give you a deeper understanding of their capabilities. Assessing their Workday Adaptive Planning knowledge is a must, but it’s equally important to explore their problem-solving skills and project management approach. How do they handle unexpected challenges? How proactive are they in mitigating risks and adapting to changes? Do they offer ongoing support after the initial implementation?
The answers to these questions will give you a sense of their readiness to handle the complexities and uniqueness of your project. A good partner should be able to anticipate and address issues that might arise, and they should have a structured yet flexible approach to achieving your objectives.
Trust Your Instincts with the Right Partner
Another critical factor is how well the partner’s team communicates with you during the selection phase. Are they responsive, transparent and professional? These qualities are often indicators of how they’ll operate once the project begins. Choose a team that communicates clearly, listens actively and demonstrates a genuine commitment to your project’s success. How invested are they in your success?
If there’s a natural rapport and an ease of communication, it’s a good sign that you’ll be able to work together effectively. On the other hand, if interactions feel strained or overly formal, it might signal challenges down the road.
Maximizing Your Opportunities for Success
Implementing a Financial Planning and Reporting system requires a substantial commitment of time and resources. By actively leading the selection process for your implementation partner, you establish a solid foundation for a productive collaboration and a smoother, more efficient project rollout. When you invest the time to carefully select the right partner, you’ll be well-prepared to manage the complexities of design and implementation and succeed with confidence.
Revelwood is an award-winning, Platinum Solution Partner for Workday Adaptive Planning. We’ve worked with Workday customers of all sizes, in every industry. Learn more about our Workday Adaptive Planning practice.
