Workday, a leading innovator in AI and human capital management, has announced a transformative new platform designed to help businesses seamlessly integrate and manage AI agents alongside human teams. The platform, known as the Agent System of Record, promises to centralise and optimise the management of AI tools from both Workday and third-party providers, marking a crucial step in how organisations will manage the increasingly complex intersection of human and digital workforces.
As businesses rapidly adopt AI technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation, managing the expanding fleet of digital agents has become one of the most pressing challenges. With AI now a central component of business operations, organisations face issues of deployment, security, compliance, cost optimisation, and performance tracking. Without a unified approach, businesses risk fragmented operations, security vulnerabilities, and a lack of clarity in measuring the true value of their AI investments.
To address these challenges, Workday’s Agent System of Record allows companies to manage, govern, and optimise their entire fleet of AI agents through a single platform. This system is set to provide businesses with the transparency, control, and security needed to navigate the complex AI landscape while maintaining operational efficiency.
A New Era for Workforce Management
“The workforce of the future will include both humans and AI agents,” said Aneel Bhusri, co-founder and executive chair of Workday. “Companies that fail to adapt to this reality will fall behind. With our deep expertise in human capital management, Workday is uniquely positioned to lead organisations into this new era of workforce management in a trusted and ethical way.”
Carl Eschenbach, CEO of Workday, echoed Bhusri’s sentiments, adding, “As the system of record for over 10,500 organisations globally, there is no better partner than Workday to manage every aspect of the workforce – whether human, contingent, or AI agents – all within our secure, trusted platform.”
The Agent System of Record offers a centralised hub where businesses can monitor the deployment of AI agents, ensure they operate securely, and track performance across various tasks. From onboarding to cost management, this system provides businesses with the tools to optimise their digital workforce effectively.
Key Features of the Agent System of Record:
- Centralised AI Agent Management: This system allows businesses to track and manage all AI agents in one place, ensuring full visibility and control over their performance and impact.
- AI Marketplace: A new marketplace will feature agents from Workday and third-party developers, making it easy for businesses to discover, deploy, and integrate AI solutions that align with their needs.
- New Role-Based AI Agents: Unlike traditional task-based AI agents, Workday has introduced agents with broader capabilities tailored to specific business functions. These role-based agents, which include solutions for contract analysis, payroll processing, financial auditing, and policy management, offer increased autonomy and flexibility.
- Security and Compliance: The platform ensures that AI agents are deployed with robust security and compliance measures, protecting businesses from potential risks and maintaining regulatory adherence.
- Cost Optimisation and Performance Monitoring: Companies can track the costs associated with AI agents, forecast their financial impact, and make adjustments to optimise performance and return on investment (ROI).
Specialised AI Agents for Critical Business Functions
Workday has also introduced several specialised AI agents that enhance specific business processes. These agents are designed to support human teams by performing complex tasks autonomously, such as:
- Contracts Agent: This agent continuously analyses contracts to identify key obligations and opportunities, streamlining contract management and risk mitigation.
- Payroll Agent: By automating payroll workflows, this agent ensures compliance, updates invalid data, and provides real-time recommendations for improving payroll processes.
- Financial Auditing Agent: This tool enhances the efficiency of financial audits by connecting business documents, reconciling balances, and ensuring internal controls are in place.
- Policy Agent: The policy agent reads and disseminates corporate policy details to employees, promoting self-service and reducing the workload on HR departments.
These agents, along with others, are available through the Workday Marketplace, where businesses can easily access and integrate these solutions into their existing systems.
Collaborations with Industry Leaders
Workday’s new system has already received endorsements from industry giants, underscoring the platform’s potential to revolutionise workforce management. Adam Evans, EVP and GM at Salesforce AI, commented, “Workday is making it easy for businesses to incorporate AI agents seamlessly alongside human teams, creating a hybrid workforce that drives efficiency and growth.”
Swami Sivasubramanian, VP of Data and AI at AWS, also praised the platform, stating, “Workday’s Agent System of Record will provide organisations with the tools they need to manage AI agents responsibly, ensuring security and ethical deployment.”
The Agent System of Record is set to become a game-changer in the enterprise world, giving businesses a comprehensive platform for managing digital labour. As the workforce evolves to include both human and AI agents, the need for centralised control has never been more critical.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Agent System of Record is a significant milestone in the evolution of AI in the workplace. As digital labour becomes a mainstay in business operations, this system will provide organisations with the governance and optimisation tools they need to thrive in the age of AI.
Workday is poised to continue leading the charge in AI-powered workforce management, ensuring that businesses are equipped to manage this new wave of technology in a secure, efficient, and compliant manner.
With the growing importance of AI in shaping the future of work, the Agent System of Record represents a major leap forward in managing the digital workforce of tomorrow.
