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NextGen & Workday: Defining the Difference
NextGen is Minnesota State’s multi‑year modernization initiative to update and improve administrative and student technology systems.
Workday is one major component of this effort. It is the cloud‑based ERP system being implemented to support HR, Finance, and Student processes.
- NextGen = the modernization initiative (the project)
- Workday = a system being implemented to support the initiative (the tool)
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they refer to two different things. NextGen defines the strategy and modernization roadmap. Workday is the technology platform selected to support that strategy.
What NextGen Is
NextGen is Minnesota State’s systemwide modernization initiative. It focuses on creating a modern, integrated technology environment that supports students, faculty, and staff now and into the future. NextGen includes multiple coordinated projects, such as:
- Implementation of Workday
- Companion and integration projects
- Technology, process, and data modernization efforts
NextGen is the overall program—the umbrella under which Workday and related projects live.
For more information, visit the Minnesota State NextGen website: https://www.minnstate.edu/system/its/nextgen/index.html
What Workday Is
Workday is a cloud‑based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. It will replace several legacy systems across Minnesota State and support key functions such as:
- Human Capital Management (HCM, "Human Resources")
- Finance
- Student processes (Workday Student)
Workday is one part of the broader NextGen initiative. It is the system Minnesota State is implementing to modernize administrative and student operations.
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