The Possibility Perspective

Bringing Workday Within Reach for Higher Ed; How Dunwoody College of Technology Selected, Implemented, and Optimized Workday

ERPA — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 11:03:30 -0400

What does it take for higher education institutions to modernize their technology ecosystem while maximizing the value of Workday?

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a conversation with Dave Kieffer from The Tambellini Group, Houman Immen and Shawn Fournier from ERPA, and Mark Anderson from Dunwoody College of Technology.

Together, they explore how higher education institutions are approaching Workday modernization through continuous optimization, long term partnership models, and cloud transformation strategies.

You’ll hear insights on ERPA’s Optima deployment as a service model, the role of AI delivery accelerators in reducing implementation risk, and how institutions can move beyond traditional ERP projects toward continuous adoption and improvement. The discussion also highlights Dunwoody College of Technology’s Workday journey, including lessons learned around change management, governance, technology debt reduction, and building trust across campus teams. Institutions are encouraged to think beyond implementation alone and consider how modernization strategies can support long term student success, operational efficiency, and institutional agility.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

What Optimization-as-a-Service means for higher education Workday implementations
How ERPA’s Optima model supports continuous adoption after go live
Why institutions are shifting from ERP projects to long term operational partnerships

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) Intro
(01:49) Tambellini Group higher education research overview
(02:58) Why higher ed needs optimization services
(05:03) ERP as a product mindset(08:38) Meet the ERPA leadership team
(09:37) ERPA’s higher education Workday expertise
(13:43) Optima deployment as a service model
(17:27) Comparing Optima Core Plus Advantage packages
(19:40) AWS modernization and ERPA Edge overview
(24:31) Cloud foundation assessment and modernization roadmap
(26:20) Dunwoody College Workday transformation story
(26:45) Mark Anderson’s higher education technology journey
(28:27) Leading institutional modernization through trusted relationships
(29:52) Reducing technology debt with Workday modernization
(32:23) How Dunwoody selected Workday ERP
(34:18) Why Dunwoody partnered with ERPA
(36:05) AWS initiatives beyond the Workday implementation
(39:59) Balancing change management and implementation speed
(43:12) Building trust between IT and campus
(47:29) Why trust matters more than cost
(50:42) SaaS benefits and business continuity planning
(53:44) Fixed cost deployments and technology audits

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinars/

Workday Student 2026R1: The Must-Enable Features for Universities

ERPA — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400

What should higher education teams be paying attention to in Workday Student 2026R1?

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a walkthrough with James Delacruz, Tina Sutherland, Terri Green, Austin Schader, Solange Anduze James, Sharon Gan, and Jonathan Cedeno from ERPA.

Together, they highlight the key features of Workday 2026R1, specifically tailored to Workday Student, covering important areas such as academic advising, curriculum management, student records, and student financials.

You’ll hear insightful discussions on new tools like the saved schedule builder, enhanced course section filtering, and important updates in financial aid packaging. Institutions are encouraged to review configurations carefully to ensure the features align with their specific needs before enabling them.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

What the external student site redesign changes for admissions and financial aid
How the new schedule builder helps students map classes before registration opens
What advising teams should know about academic requirements and progress updates

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(01:24) Admissions site redesign for better UX

(05:38) Top features for academic advising

(11:18) Curriculum course filters

(16:06) Student housing security enhancements

(19:42) Top features for student records

(31:42) Financial aid features overview and updates

(39:30) Most impactful features for student financials

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
- James Delacruz
- Tina Sutherland
- Terri Green
- Austin Schader
- Solange Anduze James
- Sharon Gan
- Jonathan Cedeno
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinars/

Workday 2026R1: Updates You Should Know

ERPA — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400

The 2026R1 Workday update was recently released. Let's take a look at what's in store.

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a walkthrough with Jon Milkovich, Lauren Callaway, Rishika Akiti, Padmini Aysola, Ashley Davidson, Kate Nicholas, and Khatherine Gaines from ERPA. Together, they discuss the top features in Workday 2026R1 across financials, payroll, absence, time tracking, HCM, compensation, recruiting, learning, reporting, and integrations.

You’ll hear practical explanations of what’s automatically available, what requires configuration, and where organizations should pay attention to security, testing, or change management before rollout.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How new features in financials, payroll, and integrations can reduce manual work and improve accuracy
The latest HCM, recruiting, and learning updates designed to improve usability, compliance, and employee experience
Why security, configuration, and testing remain critical for getting the most value from the 2026R1 release

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(01:56) Financials and adaptive planning

(12:49) Payroll updates

(16:50) Absence and time tracking

(24:44) Benefits and talent

(32:37) HCM and compensation

(46:45) Learning, recruiting, and reporting

(01:00:56) Integration and payment updates

Resources:

Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinars/

Master ACA Compliance in Workday with ERPA

ERPA — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 05:00:00 -0500

Are you ready to take the stress out of ACA compliance?

In this episode, Colleen O’Brien-McFall is joined by ERPA experts Heather Williams and Beth Granozio to explore how Workday can make compliance with the Affordable Care Act easier and more efficient than ever before.

They discuss best practices for setting up Workday’s ACA reporting features, including how to handle 1094 and 1095-C forms. You’ll learn about the importance of calculated fields, the benefits of using Workday’s IRS connector, and how to manage both federal and state filing requirements to ensure accurate and timely submissions.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How Workday’s ACA reporting tools streamline the process for 1094 and 1095-C forms
Best practices for managing federal and state ACA filing deadlines
How to effectively use Workday’s IRS connector to simplify ACA filing

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(01:47) Meet experts Heather and Beth

(03:25) Exploring ACA resources and reports

(05:53) ACA company configuration and rules

(12:17) Effort levels for ACA reporting

(15:30) Tips for ACA configuration and validation

(20:14) Federal filing process and dates

(30:43) State filing requirements and solutions

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
- Heather Williams
- Beth Granozio
Connect with Host: Colleen O’Brien-McFall
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/
Learn about House Bill 3797 - Paperwork Burden Reduction Act: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/3797

Unlock the Full Potential of Workday in Higher Ed with Optima by ERPA

ERPA — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

As higher education institutions face increasing pressure to modernize their systems, adopting Workday has become a key solution. But implementing such a transformative system requires careful planning, expertise, and a clear path to success.

In this episode, Jeff Miller is joined by TJ Rains from Workday, alongside Houman Immen, Caroline Weir, and Shawn Fournier from ERPA. They discuss how Optima by ERPA provides a streamlined, fixed-cost deployment model for Workday, making it accessible to small and mid-sized institutions. You’ll hear about how Optima accelerates deployment, ensures operational efficiency, and integrates the latest technology for a future-proof solution.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How Optima by ERPA offers a predictable, cost-effective deployment model for Workday
The benefits of ERPA’s managed services and support throughout the deployment lifecycle
Why Optima is ideal for institutions looking to modernize and scale their Workday solutions quickly

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(03:24) Bringing Workday within reach for higher education institutions

(16:47) Optima by ERPA for streamlined Workday deployment

(22:31) AI-driven delivery and data conversion

(31:21) Optima core package for institutions under 500 employees

(33:47) Optima flex package for larger institutions

(34:49) Value-added services and essential post-go-live support

(41:12) Strengthening Workday adoption through IT modernization

(49:44) Q&A on the future of Workday deployments in higher ed

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

Mastering PeopleSoft Change Management with ERPA and Phire

ERPA — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Change is constant in PeopleSoft, whether it’s new regulations, technology upgrades, or the move toward cloud adoption. When the environment keeps changing, teams need a clear way to manage updates without slowing the business down.

In this episode, Jeff Miller sits down with John Han from Phire, Ganesh Denduluri, and Shawn Fournier from ERPA. They explore the latest advancements in PeopleSoft change management, version control, compliance, and modernization with Phire. You’ll hear insights on the newest features, automatic updates, and key areas where you’ll need to focus on change management and security protocols.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How Phire simplifies PeopleSoft change management with new workflow automation features
The latest updates to version control and compliance that improve efficiency
Why certain aspects of PeopleSoft modernization may require tailored security and change management strategies

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(03:49) Phire as a change management solution

(04:25) Key challenges in managing PeopleSoft changes

(07:53) Phire’s change tracking and version control

(10:08) Phire streamlines the SDLC lifecycle

(14:23) Phire’s demonstration

(28:01) PeopleSoft modernization and roadmap insights

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

How to Get the Most Out of PeopleSoft Managed Services

ERPA — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Don’t let your PeopleSoft environment plateau. Whether you’re on-prem or already in the cloud, the right managed services provider can help you get more from your investment.

Jeff Miller talks with ERPA’s Shawn Fournier and Vishal Kothari about what effective PeopleSoft managed services look like. They explore common challenges such as unpredictable costs, reactive support, and stalled progress, and explain what organizations can do differently to move forward with confidence.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The typical journey most PeopleSoft customers go through
What to expect (and demand) from your managed services partner
What other institutions are doing to stabilize, modernize, and improve PeopleSoft

Things to Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(01:35) ERPA's PeopleSoft expertise
(12:26) Customer journey and challenges
(14:58) Best practices of a PeopleSoft managed services provider
(19:16) Customer success stories

(24:38) Why customers choose ERPA

(27:13) Q&A session

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
- Shawn Fournier
- Vishal Kothari
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

Reduce Risk in PeopleSoft—ERPA and Pathlock Show You How

ERPA — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Security isn’t a one-time fix; it’s a journey.

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a session with Greg Wendt from Pathlock and Shawn Fournier from ERPA to explore how organizations can strengthen their PeopleSoft environments through proactive governance, risk management, and compliance strategies.

Together, they discuss the importance of multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, data masking, provisioning automation, and user access governance. You’ll also hear how Pathlock’s Cloud platform integrates with ERPA’s managed services to automate compliance reviews and reduce risk across your enterprise applications.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How Pathlock automates provisioning, certifications, and access reviews
The role of advanced analytics and continuous monitoring in compliance maturity
Why true security maturity requires a proactive, integrated approach

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(05:04) Who is Pathlock?

(06:41) Security maturity and integration

(07:33) Advanced data security

(16:22) Application access governance

(20:58) Analyzing and reducing risk access

(21:32) Automating secure provisioning

(23:54) Challenges with certifications

(24:59) Monitoring privileged access

(25:20) Defining and managing risks with Pathlock Cloud

(31:32) User access reviews

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
- Greg Wendt
- Shawn Fournier
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

Workday Student 2025R2: The Must-Enable Features for Universities

ERPA — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Higher education teams are gearing up for Workday’s 2025R2 release, and ERPA’s experts are here with the roadmap.

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a walkthrough with Lokesh Madnavat, Terri Green, Alex Audet, Sharon Gan, Jonathan Cedeno, and Caroline Weir. They focus on student records, financial aid, and other application updates that impact registrars, advisors, and student success teams.

Through practical demos, the ERPA team shows how to reduce manual work, increase data accuracy, and improve student and staff experience from recruiting and curriculum planning to grading, aid, and billing.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The new 2025R2 Workday features that save the most time right away
How advisors can resolve issues with the Academic Progress Troubleshooting Console
How to enable cross-application features for easier navigation

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(01:32) Student recruiting and admissions features

(06:59) Curriculum and advising updates

(15:26) Student records enhancements

(25:15) Financial aid improvements

(30:54) Student financial highlights

(38:17) Cross-application services and resources

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

Workday 2025R2: Updates You Should Know

ERPA — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Workday’s 2025R2 release is here. Are you ready for what’s changing?

In this episode, Jeff Miller hosts a walkthrough with Jon Milkovich, Alex Maidy, Khatherine Gaines, and Rishika Akiti from ERPA. Together, they unpack Workday’s 2025R2 release, highlighting the latest updates across finance, HCM, payroll, absence, time tracking, integrations, analytics, and more.

You’ll hear straightforward explanations of new features, what's automatically available, and where you’ll need to plan for change management or security reviews.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How new features like Intelligent Intake and Workday Assistant enhance automation and user experience
The latest payroll, time tracking, and absence management updates that streamline processes
Why certain automations or AI tools may require deeper configuration control

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(02:30) Contract to cash features

(04:46) Procure to pay features

(07:32) Record to report features

(10:09) Adaptive planning features

(12:41) Payroll features

(18:08) Time tracking features

(21:05) HCM features

(27:14) Recruiting features

(30:34) Learning features

(33:27) Core compensation features

(37:10) Advanced compensation features

(39:25) Benefits features

(41:09) HCM core features

(44:45) Analytics and reporting features

(46:56) Integration features

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

Preparing for Open Enrollment in Workday With Best Practices From ERPA Experts

ERPA — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Open enrollment can be stressful, even for experienced teams. Competing priorities, tight deadlines, and system hiccups often get in the way.

In this episode, Jeff Miller is joined by ERPA consultants Bethany Barno and Tyler Shepherd for a practical walkthrough of the open enrollment process on Workday. They cover how to build a realistic timeline, which configuration steps to focus on, and how careful testing can prevent costly mistakes.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

Common Workday configuration and business process issues
How to assess your project’s level of effort and plan accordingly
Improving communication and reporting during open enrollment

Things To Listen For:

(00:00) Intro

(03:09) Resources for open enrollment

(06:49) Common pitfalls in open enrollment

(12:17) Best practices for open enrollment

(25:04) How much effort does open enrollment take?

(28:08) The importance of cross-functional testing

Resources:

Connect with the Team:
- Bethany Barno
- Tyler Shepherd
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com
Check out ERPA’s Webinars: https://www.erpa.com/webinar/

How ERPA Helped ISU Scale and Automate Critical Processes

ERPA — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0400

Illinois State University needed a better way to manage enterprise applications while competing for top tech talent. Their existing infrastructure wasn’t keeping up, so they turned to AWS.

In this episode, Todd Smoak, Executive Director of Technology Solutions at ISU, shares how the university navigated cloud migration, tackled performance challenges, and optimized PeopleSoft in AWS. With ERPA as a trusted partner, ISU gained the flexibility and automation needed to keep systems running smoothly—even during peak usage like course registration.Todd explains how ERPA’s hands-on support transformed ISU’s IT strategy, freeing their team to focus on innovation instead of infrastructure maintenance. He also highlights key strategies for maximizing uptime, optimizing PeopleSoft, and creating lasting operational efficiency.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The turning point that led ISU to AWS
How ERPA helped ISU scale and automate critical processes
The long-term impact of reliable infrastructure on institutional success

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) About Illinois State University
(01:50) Managing enterprise applications
(05:06) Mainframe migration lessons
(08:38) Performance challenges in cloud
(12:24) Choosing AWS and ERPA
(17:14) Scaling PeopleSoft with AWS
(20:47) Automating environment refreshes
(24:53) ERPA’s role in ISU’s team
(29:10) Optimizing PeopleSoft on AWS

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Todd Smoak
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

How MSCI Optimizes Workday for HR Success with Nick Fassero

ERPA — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 -0500

Workday has been a key part of MSCI’s operations for nearly two decades—but making the most of it takes the right approach.In this episode, Nick Fassero, Executive Director of Business Technology at MSCI, shares how his team has evolved with Workday over the years, leveraging its capabilities to create a seamless, self-sufficient HR experience.

With ERPA as a trusted partner, MSCI tackled major projects like payroll transformation, studio integrations, and advanced compensation, ensuring their HR tech keeps pace with the company’s growth.Nick explains why flexibility, deep expertise, and the right working style made ERPA the ideal fit for his team. He also shares how MSCI’s approach to HR technology prioritizes frictionless experiences, empowering employees while minimizing the need for outside intervention.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How MSCI maximizes Workday’s potential with a lean team
The role of ERPA in delivering complex Workday projects
Why flexibility and knowledge transfer are key to long-term success

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) About MSCI
(02:07) 20 years of HR tech evolution
(05:02) Workday’s role in employee self-service
(09:11) Making HR frictionless with tech
(12:31) Why MSCI partnered with ERPA
(17:09) A seamless payroll transformation
(20:30) Workday Studio for talent acquisition
(24:27) Leveraging advanced compensation with ERPA

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Nick Fassero
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

Acenda Integrated Health Reflects on One Year with Workday

ERPA — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

While Workday is a great solution, customizing it can make it even better.

In this episode, Gwen Houldsworth, Senior Vice President of Administrative Operations, and Kimberly D’Auria, Director of Human Resources at Acenda Integrated Health, share how tailoring Workday to their nonprofit’s unique needs transformed their operations. With support from ERPA, they unified their HR and finance data and overcame the challenges that come with adopting a new platform.

Gwen and Kim reflect on their first year with Workday, discussing how ERPA’s expertise helped their small team achieve big results. They share insights on how the right partnership can make Workday work even better for your organization.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How customization can enhance efficiency and accuracy
The benefits of hands-on support and knowledge transfer
The value of unifying data on a single platform

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) About Acenda Integrated Health
(03:13) Acenda’s Workday journey
(07:10) Realizing the need for a Workday support partner
(13:54) Smooth open enrollment with ERPA
(17:38) Tailored solutions for performance reviews
(21:52) Building a partnership with ERPA

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Gwen Houldsworth
Connect with the Guest: Kimberly D’Auria
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

Overcoming Support Roadblocks and Achieving Self-Sufficiency with Angela Hudgins

ERPA — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take to maximize a Workday partnership?In this episode, we look at Keystone Cooperative’s journey with Workday and how partnering with ERPA has reshaped their experience.

Angela Hudgins, Vice President and CHRO at Keystone Cooperative shares how ERPA’s proactive support has enabled them to overcome challenges, from seamless open enrollment to building robust integrations with Lincoln Financial Group.From enhancing employee self-service to fostering long-term self-sufficiency, Keystone Cooperative’s partnership with ERPA highlights the power of tailored support and agility. This collaboration allowed their team to focus on strategic initiatives while improving efficiency and employee satisfaction.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How ERPA’s agile approach addressed Keystone’s evolving needs, from scaling support hours to streamlining processes.
The role of ERPA in enabling seamless open enrollment and creating complex integrations with critical partners like Lincoln Financial Group.
How implementing Workday improved employee self-service and reduced reliance on internal help desk resources.

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) An introduction to the episode with Angela Hudgins
(01:37) Keystone Cooperative’s Workday journey and their merger experience
(03:20) Choosing Workday and navigating the first year of implementation
(05:01) Transitioning from a previous partner to ERPA’s AMS support
(06:47) How ERPA enabled a seamless open enrollment process
(08:07) Building complex integrations with Lincoln Financial Group
(09:20) Implementing Workday Help and Journeys to improve employee self-service
(10:45) How ERPA’s agility addressed contract adjustments efficiently
(12:20) Enabling long-term self-sufficiency through ERPA’s guidance

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Angela Hudgins
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

Elevating Workday Performance at Kansas City University with ERPA Support

ERPA — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take to transform operations in higher education?In this episode, we explore how Kansas City University, one of Missouri’s largest medical schools, has harnessed the power of ERPA’s support to elevate its Workday experience.

Joining us is Ginger Harris, Director of Workday and Business Process Support. Ginger explains how ERPA’s named resources and tailored solutions empowered KCU to tackle complex projects, like automating student sponsorship invoicing and building a custom contract processing hub using Workday Extend. From streamlining manual processes to enhancing student and financial systems, KCU’s collaboration with ERPA demonstrates the transformational impact of a unified system. You’ll hear how this partnership freed up KCU’s internal team for strategic initiatives while maintaining agility and excellence in their day-to-day operations.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How ERPA’s tailored support model empowers KCU’s internal team to tackle strategic projects while maintaining operational excellence.
The transformative impact of moving to a unified system with Workday Student, enabling seamless collaboration and visibility across departments.
How ERPA leveraged Workday Extend to streamline KCU’s contract processing, reducing manual steps and improving efficiency with a custom-built application.

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) An introduction to the episode with Ginger Harris
(00:42) KCU’s Workday journey and challenges in higher education
(01:53) An overview of KCU, its campuses, and the structure of its Workday support team
(03:39) Timeline of KCU’s Workday implementation, from HCM to Workday Student
(05:07) The impact of unifying systems under Workday Student
(07:20) Key challenges with KCU’s previous support partner and ERPA’s collaboration
(10:08) Building a streamlined contract processing hub with Workday Extend
(15:45) Enhancing KCU’s Student Information System (SIS) with ERPA’s support
(21:07) How ERPA’s partnership enables KCU to prioritize strategic initiatives
(23:32) Balancing internal expertise with ERPA’s support to tackle complex requests
(25:58) The value of ERPA’s named resources in building familiarity and trust
(28:05) ERPA’s personalized approach to customer support.

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Ginger Harris
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

How Flexera Tackled Acquisition Challenges with ERPA Support

ERPA — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Curious about how a strategic partner can transform your company’s acquisition journey?

In today’s episode, we learn how Flexera Software, a leader in technology value optimization, is navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions with a little help from ERPA.

Joining us is Jennifer Matsuoka, Senior Director of People Strategy and Analytics at Flexera, who brings over 20 years of experience in IT and HR. Jennifer shares Flexera’s journey of scaling systems, managing integrations, and ensuring seamless transitions through ERPA’s dedicated support.

You'll hear about the key role named resources played in Flexera’s latest acquisition, ERPA’s flexibility in responding to critical staffing needs, and how ERPA’s expertise in Workday helped Flexera create continuity through a period of rapid growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How a collaborative approach with ERPA enables Flexera to adapt quickly to unexpected challenges, ensuring stability and continuity in a time of rapid change.
The value of flexibility and responsiveness from a partner who understood their unique needs, helping Flexera tackle complex requirements without compromising on deadlines.
How ERPA’s hands-on expertise with Workday helped Flexera streamline operations and empower newly acquired teams, creating a smooth transition that felt fully supported.

Things To Listen For:
(00:00) An introduction to the episode with Jennifer Matsuoka
(03:45) Flexera’s Workday journey and growth through acquisitions
(07:29) The decision to choose ERPA as a Workday support partner
(10:55) The value of dedicated, named resources for smooth collaboration
(16:57) Why ERPA’s embedded approach makes a difference in Flexera’s operations
(20:27) Flexera’s recent acquisition and ERPA’s role in handling tight deadlines
(24:18) Unique requirements during acquisitions and how ERPA helped navigate them
(25:56) ERPA’s creative solution to train Flexera’s newly acquired HR team on Workday
(30:08) Flexera’s collaborative approach with ERPA for knowledge transfer
(34:42) Managing staff augmentation needs and ERPA’s seamless support during a maternity leave

Resources:
Connect with the Guest: Jennifer Matsuoka
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

From Pandemic Challenges to Workday Success at P.F. Chang’s

ERPA — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 05:00:00 -0500

What does it take to transform Workday operations for 14,000 employees during a time of unprecedented disruption?

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Donna Matteucci, Senior Director of Corporate Systems at P.F. Chang’s, to share her journey of leading the company’s transition to Workday with the help of ERPA.

You’ll hear Donna break down the unique challenges of going live with Workday during the pandemic and how her team’s collaboration with ERPA played a pivotal role in overcoming those hurdles. From managing security and payroll to navigating the complexities of workforce scheduling, Donna highlights the key decisions that helped streamline P.F. Chang’s operations.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

How ERPA’s personalized support transformed P.F. Chang’s Workday management, allowing the transition from a traditional ticketing system to working with contacts who know their system inside and out.
The value of strategic partnerships in navigating complex projects, such as P.F. Chang’s workforce scheduling and security needs.
The impact of moving from reactive problem-solving to a proactive, strategic approach with ERPA.

Things To Listen For:
(00:31) An introduction to the episode with Donna Matteucci

(02:35) The challenges of implementing Workday during the pandemic
(08:47) Strategic decision-making on what to manage in-house versus with a partner

(11:36) How ERPA's personalized support model changed the game for P.F. Chang’s

(15:21) How workforce scheduling and security needs were addressed with ERPA

(18:10) Moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive, strategic solutions

Resources:

Connect with Guest: Donna Matteucci
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

How Daytona State College Enhanced IT Infrastructure with ERPA

ERPA — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Interested in transforming your educational institution's technical support?

In today's episode, we'll explore how Daytona State College is doing just that.

Joining us from Daytona State College for this episode are Eric Bouse, Director of Information Technology, Carey Roebling, Senior Systems Analyst for Information Technology, and Tanika Clemons, Associate Vice President of Human Resources.

Youll hear Eric share his journey of migrating Daytona States’ Peoplesoft infrastructure to AWS, discussing the challenges and victories encountered along the way, while Carey takes us through the intense and detail oriented FAFSA project, covering the support received from ERPAs technical consultants. And lastly, Tanika reveals how a massive benefits project was completed in record time and the role ERPAs managed services played in that success.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The importance of being open to change and the benefits of a managed services partner that feels like an extension of your team.
The value of clear communication and being open to new possibilities. Daytona State College benefited from ERPA's open communication and responsiveness, which helped them optimize processes and implement changes effectively.
How ERPA’s comprehensive support helped streamline operations and achieve project milestones efficiently within tight deadlines.

Things To Listen For:

00:00 An introduction to the episode with Daytona State College

04:58 How ERPA provides excellent, responsive customer service

08:55 Needed assistance to handle workflow efficiently

10:28 FAFSA changes that were made for easier student financial aid

13:57 How an inherited Cloud platform caused peak enrollment issues

17:08 Why being open to expert input can lead to improvement

19:57 The importance of support in technical roles

Resources:

Connect with Guests:
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller

Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

From Security Breach to Cloud Success with CorVel Corporation

ERPA — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What if discovering a security breach in your organization became the catalyst for revolutionizing your IT infrastructure?

Ann Bushnell, Business Systems Analyst at CorVel Corporation, discusses CorVel's journey—detailing their decision to migrate their PeopleSoft system to AWS.

Ann shares insights on navigating resource constraints, overcoming system vulnerabilities, and ultimately boosting performance and reliability with AWS.

You’ll learn how this strategic partnership reshaped CorVel’s IT support and set the stage for a more secure and efficient future.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

The practical steps and strategic thinking behind modernizing legacy systems
The vital role of teamwork and partnership in managing complex IT environments
The tangible benefits CorVel experienced—like streamlined operations and improved system performance—after moving to AWS

Things To Listen For:

00:00 An introduction to the episode with Ann Bushnell

05:00 Security incident prompts Corvel's move to AWS

09:06 Setting goals for PUM strategy and testing

10:29 Contract signed without full team communication leads to system challenges

13:14 ERPA provides relief from service challenges

Resources:

Connect with Guest: Ann Bushnell
Connect with Host: Jeff Miller
Connect with ERPA: www.ERPA.com

Exploring Fully Managed Services and AWS Migration with Herman Moller

ERPA — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Optimizing your IT systems to not only save time and resources but also provide a robust, seamless experience for your entire organization.

Herman Moller, Director of Information Systems at Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), shares his experience running FSCJ's IT department for over two decades with the help of ERPA.

We'll dive into FSCJ's transformation, from overcoming a challenging initial implementation to fully managed services, including a successful 9.2 upgrade, an on-time fluid implementation, and a seamless transition to AWS Cloud.

Learn about the crucial decisions and technical challenges faced along the way and how a collaboration with ERPA resulted in soothing upgrades and uninterrupted service delivery.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How partnering with ERPA enabled FSCJ to offload PeopleSoft management and concentrate on core business activities.
FSCJ's successful 9.2 upgrade, fluid implementation, and seamless migration to AWS with ERPA.
The value of a trusted managed service partner: cost savings, time efficiency, expert resources, proactive support, and the ability to focus on strategic initiatives over daily IT management.

Things to Listen For:

00:00 An introduction to the episode

03:01 Why Herman chose ERPA

04:24 What ERPA does for FSCJ

07:33 ERPA’s help with technical resources

09:31 FSCJ’s migration to AWS

12:05 Cost & time savings for FSCJ

13:49 Herman’s advise on partnering with ERPA

Resources:

Connect with Herman: Herman Moller
Connect with Jeff: Jeff Miller
Learn more about ERPA: www.ERPA.com

Building Strong Partnerships for Success with Workday Implementation

ERPA — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What if your organization could seamlessly integrate HR, procurement, and finance into one powerful system? One that not only saves time and money but also boosts operational efficiency.Today, we're discussing the remarkable journey of Avēsis and how they have successfully done that with ERPA to elevate their business operations.Steve Gearhart, Chief Technology Officer, and Ronda-Rhea Nueske, Vice President of Talent Management, bring a wealth of experience from Avēsis, a trusted dental and vision insurance provider, as they unravel the key benefits of their ERPA integration.Steve discusses the strategic transition from Guardian to ERPA and the importance of a flexible resource model. At the same time, Ronda-Rhea emphasizes the value of cultural alignment and the proactive support from ERPA that keeps Avēsis operating optimally.You won’t want to miss it.

In this episode, you’ll learn: How a strong partnership fosters an efficient and seamless process, particularly concerning Workday's integrated system, which combines finance, procurement, and HRHow ERPA provides cost-effective solutions for managing complex systems like WorkdayERPA's expertise in Workday, its proactive service delivery, and its continuous training to keep up with new releases

Jump into the conversation:
00:00 An introduction to the episode06:05 Implemented Workday and finance with consulting help
08:41 How SaaS providers like Workday stay competitive and innovative
13:13 Team collaboration with specialized expertise and support
14:34 System functionalities for data collection and customization
21:57 Consulting is crucial for successful partnerships
24:13 Resource needs and budget planning
29:00 Final thoughts on having ERPA as a partner

How to Supercharge Your HR Systems (And Crush Common Challenges)

ERPA — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 05:00:00 -0400

What if you could transform your HR and financial systems to not only meet but exceed your organizational goals?

We'll explore how some incredible professionals are doing just that with the help of ERPA.

Three of Kandji’s remarkable employees–Patty Quan, Corporate Controller; Queen Lee, People Operations Manager; and Brett Pugliesi, VP of Human Resources—join us in today's episode.

We’ll discuss how expertise, dedication, and collaborative problem-solving have enabled these individuals to streamline processes and achieve scalability despite a few technical hurdles along the way.

Our guests provide an inside look at navigating complex HR landscapes and optimizing their operations.

You won’t want to miss it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why forming strategic partnerships can significantly enhance the functionality and efficiency of business operations
The importance of scalable solutions and how they allow businesses to grow without encountering significant operational bottlenecks
How having dedicated, knowledgeable support can transform how a business utilizes its systems

Jump into the conversation:

[00:00] An introduction to the episode

[03:41] Experience with Workday, a scalable solution

[08:36] On becoming an ERPA customer

[09:35] ERPA’s technical expertise and customizations

[10:46] ERPA’s role at Kandji

[11:19] Extension of HR team through ERPA

[14:02] Relational approach to service delivery

[17:36] Journeys for onboarding and other system integrations

[18:20] Merit increases project and timely support from ERPA

[19:39] Defining swimlanes for project responsibilities

[23:13] Handling journal entries, EIB uploads, and financial revaluation

This Season on The Possibility Perspective

ERPA — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 14:13:53 -0400

This is The Possibility Perspective.

The show where we peel back the layers on enhancing enterprise solutions with Workday magic and PeopleSoft innovation. We’ll sit with real-time customers who've participated in our tailored services.

Whether you're eyeing a smooth Workday transition or modernizing your PeopleSoft with the power of Amazon’s public cloud (AWS), we've got you covered. We’ll dive into topics from cloud migrations to fluid user experiences.

Tune in and empower yourself with the knowledge to optimize your enterprise solutions.