February 27, 2025
Understanding the Key Differences
Workday Extend allows companies to build fully custom applications tailored to their unique business needs. It provides flexibility for organizations that require specialized solutions beyond Workday’s standard functionality. Built on Workday, on the other hand, offers pre-built applications developed by Workday partners, which Workday can distribute across multiple customer tenants. These apps do not require an Extend license, as the runtime is included in the subscription.
Configurability and Limitations
Built on Workday apps are configurable but not fully customizable. Users can adjust settings within the parameters provided by the developer but do not have access to the source code or Extend tools. This makes them similar to Workday’s delivered connectors or integrations—adaptable but not modifiable. In contrast, Workday Extend offers complete flexibility to create applications from scratch, giving organizations control over the design, data models, and functionality.
Subscription and Deployment Process
Built on Workday apps are licensed on an annual subscription basis, and customers contract directly with the app developer (such as Intecrowd). The developer notifies Workday to install and deploy the app. Configuration can be handled by the customer, the developer, or third-party consultants. The Extend runtime is included, eliminating additional licensing costs. Workday Extend applications, however, require an active Extend license, and customers are responsible for building, maintaining, and updating their applications.
Intecrowd’s Built on Workday Apps
Intecrowd has developed and successfully deployed three Built on Workday applications:
- Journal Line Reclassification: Automates updating and reclassifying journal lines, reducing manual work and improving financial accuracy.
- Promotion Nomination: Streamlines bulk nominations, reviews, and approvals for promotions, making the process more efficient.
- AI Translation Generator: This award-winning app, built in just one day during a Workday Hackathon, translates Workday tenant data into multiple languages using AI, eliminating the need for external translation services.
Choosing Between Built on Workday and Workday Extend
The decision between Built on Workday and Workday Extend depends on your organization’s needs:
- Choose Built on Workday if:
- A pre-built app meets your requirements.
- You want a cost-effective, quickly deployable solution.
- You prefer Workday-vetted applications with ongoing updates.
- Choose Workday Extend if:
- You need a fully custom solution tailored to unique processes.
- You require access to Extend tools and customization capabilities.
- Your organization has development resources to build and maintain apps.
Many organizations may use a combination of both approaches—leveraging Built on Workday apps where possible while utilizing Workday Extend for highly specialized use cases.
Exploring Built on Workday Apps
For organizations interested in Built on Workday solutions, the Workday App Marketplace is the best place to explore available apps. This platform provides visibility into partner-developed solutions, helping customers find applications that align with their business needs.
Conclusion
Understanding the differences between Built on Workday and Workday Extend empowers organizations to make informed decisions about their Workday ecosystem. Whether leveraging pre-built solutions or developing custom applications, both approaches offer unique benefits that enhance Workday’s capabilities. To watch our recent webinar on this topic, click here.
To learn more or speak with one of our experts, contact us at success@intecrowd.com.