Integrating Workday with Sage: A Practical Guide for Businesses

INTEGRATING WORKDAY WITH SAGE
Picture of EDDIE VAN ZYL

EDDIE VAN ZYL

Africa Payroll Specialist, Africa HR Solutions

In the world of HR technology, choosing between Workday and Sage can be a dilemma. But why pick just one when you could integrate them to create a powerful, seamless HR system? At Africa HR Solutions, we’ve successfully integrated Workday and Sage to bring our clients the best of both. Here’s how this integration works, why it might be beneficial, and what you need to consider. 

Why Integrate Workday and Sage?

There are a few key reasons to consider integration, especially when your business is expanding or adopting new HR and payroll services. Here’s what drives companies to combine these two systems: 

  1. Greater Flexibility in HR Solutions

  • Expanded Functionality: Both Workday and Sage have their strengths. For example, Sage supports a broader range of African countries, making it ideal for expansion. Workday, however, brings its own unique features. Integration ensures you have the best of both. 
  • Better Compatibility with Service Providers: Many EORs and payroll providers use Sage, while larger companies tend to adopt Workday. Integration bridges the gap, avoiding the disruption of switching platforms entirely. 
  1. User-Friendly Consistency

  • Less Disruption: Employees don’t need to switch to a new system, meaning no extensive training or transition periods. They simply use the same interface they’re familiar with, while the backend does the heavy lifting. 
  1. Future-Proofing Your HR System

  • Adaptable to Growth: As your company’s needs evolve, an integrated system adapts, supporting your growth without requiring a complete system overhaul. 

How Does Integration Work?

The integration of Workday and Sage happens through a custom-built API (Application Programming Interface). Here’s how it works in simple terms: 

  • The API as a Bridge: This tool transfers data between Workday and Sage. For instance, you may use the Workday interface, but data like payroll processing could seamlessly connect with Sage in the background. 
  • Custom Functionality: Depending on your company’s needs, the API can handle specific tasks (e.g., Time & Attendance tracking) and route data between the systems. 

Implementation Timeframe: Customizing an API can take 1-6 months, with development, data migration, and testing being the primary phases. 

Considerations for Businesses

Integrating two major systems requires planning. Here are a few factors to keep in mind: 

  • Planning Phase: Establish clear expectations, define key features, and assess compatibility. 
  • Data Migration: Moving large volumes of employee data can take time, especially for businesses with extensive records. 
  • Testing: Expect some back-and-forth during testing to fine-tune the API for your needs. 

Benefits of Integration

  1. Saves Time: Integrations automate data processes, eliminating manual data entry and reducing human error.
  2. Enhanced Data Security: Unlike emails or manual transfers, an API maintains high standards of data security, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected.
  3. Cost-Effective Solution: Avoids the expense and disruption of completely switching systems. Integration provides the best of both platforms without the need for a major overhaul.
  4. Smooth Transition for Employees: With the familiar interface unchanged, employees can continue as usual, avoiding the disruptions often caused by new systems.

Is Workday and Sage Integration Worth It?

Yes, for companies looking to streamline HR and Payroll processes and expand seamlessly, integration is an excellent choice. While there’s an initial time and financial investment, the combined power and flexibility of both systems create a robust, scalable solution that supports growth and efficiency in the long run.

Picture of EDDIE VAN ZYL

EDDIE VAN ZYL

Eddie Van Zyl is a passionate Africa Payroll Specialist. As a certified Sage 300 Payroll and HR Consultant with over 15 years of experience, Eddie specialises in full payroll project implementations, upgrades, and integrations. Prior to joining Africa HR Solutions, Eddie has worked 13 consecutive years as a Senior Payroll Consultant for Sage.

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GRANT GERAGHTY - Africa HR Team

GRANT GERAGHTY

HEAD OF CLIENT RELATIONSHIP

Grant Geraghty is the longest-serving member of the Africa HR team. This resident subject matter expert and client champion is responsible for gaining a deep understanding of our clients’ unique HR needs in Africa and providing tailored solutions that align with their business objectives. Grant collabourates closely with our clients to ensure that their requirements are properly implemented, providing ongoing support and guidance throughout the process.

Grant brings a wealth of experience to his role, having served as Africa HR’s longest-serving employee. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree, with a major in Economics and Business Finance, from the University of Natal in South Africa. Additionally, he has completed a certification program in Payroll and Tax Administration from the University of Cape Town, further enhancing his expertise in HR operations and compliance.

His commitment to delivering exceptional service and his extensive knowledge of HR in Africa make him an invaluable member of the Africa HR team.

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL Africa HR Team

KEVINA TAKOORDYAL

HEAD OF OPERATIONS

Kevina Takoordyal has a BA Hons Business Management from the University of Glamorgan, UK, with MBA in leadership and Innovation, MBA General, PMP Certified, and Agile Scrum Master. She currently works as the Head of Operations at Africa HR Solutions Ltd with more than 20 years of proven leadership capabilities in Operations, Business Development, People Management, Process Optimization, and Project Management in the Financial Services, BPO, Banking Industry, and Heath Care Industry. In Senior leadership roles with an international footprint across Europe working and extensive Pan- African experience from a compliance, finance, and operations angle, Kevina comes across with a panoply of cross-functional skills. Kevina also serves on a few Boards, Non-Independent Executive at MioD and for NGOs on a voluntary basis, a coach and mentor to aspiring female leaders across Africa and Mauritius.

Kevina is a firm believer in Servant Leadership with a strong focus and commitment to uplifting others, with the ability to deliver through a highly engaged – diverse team, and works towards consistently synergistic value creation. While being a focused and adaptive thinker and Kevina is actively participating in panel discussions on Innovation, CX, Digital transformation.

Kevina serves as Project Assessor for the National Youth upskilling program. She has been recognized as Global Talent in a few companies, Ceridian, and International SOS Ltd whereby she has been awarded a few scholarships and had the opportunity to be mentored by Senior Vice President in the US. Award Winner in various fields and at a national level and recognized including Super Achiever Leader Award in Africa in 2016, Awarded Africa Women Leader 2018.

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE​

VILOSHNA PACKIRY POULLE

Head of Finance & Business Support

Viloshna is an experienced finance professional with 18 years of expertise in strategic financial planning, financial analysis, cash flow management, systems and controls implementation, financial reporting, and continuous process improvements. She currently serves as Head of Finance & Business Support, where she has successfully automated and leveraged the financial reporting system capabilities to ensure efficient company operations.

Viloshna’s background includes senior roles in a multinational pharmaceutical company and a large listed Mauritian conglomerate. Her meticulous attention to detail and strategic thinking have streamlined financial processes, making her a valuable addition to any finance team. Viloshna is a qualified finance professional with an FCCA qualification and an MBA, bringing valuable expertise to any Organisation.

In her current role, Viloshna leads the company’s Treasury and Payments function, including the fulfillment of the company’s cross-border payments into Africa. With her strong educational background and extensive experience, Viloshna consistently demonstrates her ability to optimize financial operations, minimize risks, and improve profitability. Her expertise in financial reporting and process improvements make her a valuable asset to any Organisation.

MARK DU PREEZ​

MARK DU PREEZ

Head of Legal & Compliance

A qualified lawyer who joined Africa HR Solutions in July 2020, Mark Du Preez has experience working in private practice for a reputable law firm in South Africa. He also played commercially focused roles at a leading private bank, wealth management company, and outsourcing firm in South Africa and Mauritius.

Mark has played a pivotal role in Africa HR Solution’s risk mitigation strategy, which positively impacted P&L performance over the years.

He currently leads the Partnerships function of the company including relationships and oversight with in-country partners (ICPs) across Africa.

Alex Daruty - Africa HR Team

ALEX DARUTY

Head of Commercial

Alex has more than 15 years of experience in the global, strategic development of both enterprise and consumer brands in categories including technology, transport, enterprise software, entertainment, and travel.

With experience in roles on both agency and corporate side, he has worked across international brands and has led the development and execution of multi-discipline campaigns across EMEA, NORAM and Asia Pacific.

His focus is on driving meaningful business impact through brand differentiation and building high-functioning, digitally oriented, and analytically driven capabilities. He is motivated by working with, and developing dynamic people, teams, and Organisations.

He leads, manages, develops and mentors the Key Account Management department, including line management responsibility for the team of Key Account Managers and Key Account Administrator who represent the Company as the primary communication link between all relevant stakeholders, including clients, third party in-country partners and internal functions.

Originally from Mauritius, he holds bachelor’s degrees in International Business, Finance and Management from the University of Nevada, Reno.