As finance teams evolve, the way they approach accounts payable (AP) automation is shifting—from standalone tools to integrated strategies. In Workday environments, this shift is even more pronounced. Choosing the right AP automation path isn’t just about software features; it’s about making ecosystem-aligned decisions that elevate performance without complicating your tech stack.
At Ascend, we’ve seen firsthand how successful Workday teams approach AP transformation. Here’s a framework to help you do the same — by thinking beyond functionality and focusing on alignment, scalability, and fit.
Why Ecosystem-Aligned Decisions Matter
When you operate within Workday Financial Management, your tech decisions ripple across finance, IT, procurement, and operations. Choosing an AP automation strategy that works with the Workday ecosystem — not against or around it — leads to:
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Lower total cost of ownership (TCO) through native integrations
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Faster time to value, because teams aren’t stuck in custom builds
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Better data continuity and fewer reconciliation headaches
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Improved user adoption, thanks to familiar workflows and UI consistency
Ecosystem misalignment, on the other hand, introduces friction: dual data entry, missed automation potential, redundant approval paths, or integration workarounds that burn time and IT resources.
That’s why the most effective Workday teams use this framework to evaluate AP automation options.
A 4-Part Framework for Evaluating AP Automation in Workday
1. Integration: Native vs. Interfaced
Ask: Does this solution operate within Workday — or sit adjacent to it?
Workday-native tools like Ascend AP leverage Workday’s public web services. That means:
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Two-way sync with supplier master data, invoice statuses, approvals, and payments
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No middleware, no API layers, no maintenance contracts with third parties
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Compliance with Workday’s update cycles and security standards
In contrast, adjacent solutions often require manual touchpoints, nightly syncs, or complex maintenance. The result: delays, duplicate records, or inconsistent reporting.
Bottom line: Native = less friction, lower risk, and faster ROI.
2. Complexity Handling: Can It Scale With Your Business?
Ask: How well does this solution handle enterprise-level complexity?
Middle-market tools often fail when invoice volume, vendor diversity, or non-PO invoice types increase. Workday customers often face:
Ascend AP was built for this complexity — and built to adapt to your processes. Our platform goes beyond standard automation with tools designed to flex around the way your business works, including:
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Advanced AI for line-level coding predictions and classification
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Custom document rules that govern how invoices are routed, coded, or handled based on supplier, region, or invoice type
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Auto-rejection settings for documents that fail validations or violate policy — helping teams prevent errors before they start
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Configurable approval strategies that adapt to your org structure, whether centralized, decentralized, or hybrid
We don’t force you into rigid workflows. We give your team the tools to define how AP should work inside your business — and then we automate around that.
3. Visibility & KPIs: What Will You Actually See?
Ask: Will I have the visibility within the tool to drive improvements in process?
Modern teams prioritize KPIs like:
Ascend provides Workday users with a real-time dashboard showing all of these metrics—without exporting data or relying on bolt-on BI tools. Finance leaders gain clear insight into bottlenecks, automation success, and continuous improvement opportunities.
4. Partnership Fit: Are They a Vendor or a Strategic Ally?
Ask: Will this provider help me grow inside Workday — or create a parallel system?
Ascend isn’t just compatible with Workday — we’re a Workday Certified Partner. That means:
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No delays when Workday updates its platform
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Access to Workday roadmap insights
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A shared commitment to your success within the ecosystem
Ascend extends the power of Workday for enterprises with complex accounts payable needs. It’s built to work seamlessly within the Workday environment, with forms, fields, and workflows that align directly—ensuring consistency across systems. While Workday offers broad automation, Ascend delivers the depth and control required to handle high-volume, high-variance AP operations without compromise.
Ready to Evaluate Your AP Automation Options?
Ascend offers a free demo for Workday customers looking to:
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Benchmark their current automation levels
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Understand how to measure TPR and AER effectively
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Compare Workday-native vs. adjacent options with clarity
Let’s build an AP automation strategy that fits your ecosystem — and your future.
