A year after implementing Workday, the client - a UK investment institution - had successfully completed its post-production support. The platform was live, but the focus had shifted from implementation to optimisation. The organisation wanted a clearer strategy for improving adoption, prioritising future enhancements and increasing the return on its Workday investment, without moving into a traditional Application Management Services (AMS) model.
To support that next stage of the platform's lifecycle, the business engaged Focus Cloud to deliver its ReFocus Optimisation Programme.
Project Highlights
- Delivered the Focus Cloud ReFocus Workday Optimisation Programme one year after go-live
- Completed a comprehensive Workday tenant assessment
- Developed a prioritised short, medium and long-term optimisation roadmap
- Delivered a flexible hybrid AMS model with embedded Workday consultants
- Established a long-term strategy to improve adoption and maximise Workday ROI
The Challenge
Although Workday had been successfully implemented, the organisation recognised it was not achieving the return on investment it had anticipated.
Without a structured optimisation strategy, it was difficult to prioritise future enhancements, understand the impact of new Workday releases or identify where improvements would deliver the greatest business value. Leadership wanted to continue developing the platform but did not want to replace its existing operating model with a traditional AMS engagement. Instead, it needed a more flexible approach that combined strategic guidance with specialist expertise.
Our Approach
Focus Cloud delivered its ReFocus Optimisation Programme through a hybrid AMS model tailored to the client's preferred way of working.
The engagement began with a comprehensive assessment of the existing Workday environment, including a tenant review, release cycle analysis and identification of opportunities to improve functionality, adoption and operational efficiency. These findings were used to develop a practical optimisation roadmap covering short, medium and long-term priorities.
Rather than providing a fully managed service, experienced Workday consultants were embedded within the client's internal team, giving the organisation access to specialist expertise while maintaining ownership of its Workday platform. This collaborative approach combined strategic advisory services, hands-on support and knowledge transfer, enabling optimisation initiatives to be delivered alongside day-to-day operations.
The Outcome
The engagement gave the client a structured framework for continuous improvement, while providing the flexibility of an AMS model aligned with its internal operating model.
The engagement delivered:
- A comprehensive Workday tenant assessment and optimisation review
- A prioritised roadmap for future platform enhancements
- Greater visibility of Workday release impacts and optimisation opportunities
- Increased internal capability through embedded Workday consultants
- A flexible hybrid AMS model that complemented the existing support structure
- A stronger foundation for maximising long-term return on the organisation's Workday investment
By combining Workday optimisation expertise with a flexible Application Management Services approach, Focus Cloud helped the business move beyond reactive support and establish a long-term strategy for improving platform performance, increasing user adoption and maximising Workday ROI.
