Technology integration helps investment firm leverage data, automate

Our client, an investment management firm offering a range of products and services, had decided that it was time to update its back-office system to eliminate a significant number of manual and paper processes, replace outdated technologies, and bring together competing information technology initiatives in a more cost-effective, cloud-based solution.

KPMG LLP (KPMG) partnered with Workday and the client to implement a broad business transformation strategy for the firm’s back-office processes. With the move to Workday’s enterprise cloud-based application that manages complex operating environments, our client is prepared to capture value that includes:

• integrated financial and human-capital management systems
• efficiency gains through self-service and low-overhead integrations
• a reduction in the time required for financial close processes
• the automation of critical, high-volume processes
• advanced capabilities, including integration, work flow, reporting, and analytics
• a technology foundation to enable future growth
• enterprise resource planning (ERP) transformation.

This company had been using an out-of-date version of an ERP system and wanted to take the opportunity presented by an upgrade to improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and add capabilities. Our contributions included:

• designing processes, security models, and report structures
• providing detailed process design, test, build, and deployment for procurement, supplier accounts, banking and settlement, financial accounting, and customer accounts
• working with Workday and the client to automate manual processes
• leading testing initiatives throughout the implementation.

A unified system enables growth

 A unified, cloud-based ERP system creates a platform for continued growth. A system that brings together finance, human resources, and payroll—or some combination—means that employees have only one interface and can also experience the benefits of a common dashboard and set of tools.

Technology leverages capabilities

 As a cloud solution, Workday regularly releases improved capabilities without the need to upgrade or adjust the system. The regular, seamless updates give users additional functionality within the modules they rely on without ongoing investments.

Teamwork is important

A close collaboration between KPMG, Workday, and the client is important to ensure a successful, timely back-office system implementation. Each partner plays a critical role and must be fully committed to the process.