Integrating Workday and UKG ensures accurate, real-time HR and payroll data sync. CloudApper UKG Sync automates this process, eliminates manual reconciliation, and supports compliance. Learn how this fully managed platform helps organizations save time and reduce errors by connecting Workday and UKG seamlessly.
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Disconnected HR and time systems create costly inefficiencies. According to Deloitte, 74% of companies cite lack of integration between HCM and workforce systems as a top payroll risk. If you’re using Workday for HR and Payroll and UKG Dimensions or Ready for scheduling and time capture, integrating them isn’t optional—it’s the only way to ensure accurate data, compliance, and operational efficiency.
As a workforce systems integration professional with over 12 years of experience implementing UKG integrations, I’ve seen countless organizations struggle with delays, duplicate data entry, and payroll discrepancies simply because their platforms didn’t talk to each other. In this guide, I’ll show you exactly why UKG–Workday integration matters, what challenges to expect, and how CloudApper UKG Sync can make the process easier than you think.
For more information on UKG Sync By CloudApper visit our page here.
Why Do Companies Need to Integrate UKG and Workday?
Many enterprises deliberately run Workday HCM as their central system of record for HR, benefits, and payroll while relying on UKG for real-time scheduling, time tracking, and labor management. Each system is excellent in its domain:
- Workday: HR master data, pay rules, benefits, talent management.
- UKG Dimensions/Ready: Complex scheduling, time punches, absence tracking, labor analytics.
But if you don’t integrate them, you face critical problems:
- Manual file exports every payroll cycle.
- Mismatched employee records.
- Missing punches that delay payroll.
- Compliance risks for FLSA and union rules.
When I worked with a mid-sized healthcare organization, they were spending 40+ hours every month manually reconciling data between Workday and UKG. Once we automated integration, they saved 30 hours monthly and eliminated 95% of timecard errors.
What Happens Without Proper Integration?
Here’s what typically goes wrong when UKG and Workday operate in silos:
| Problem | Impact |
| Manual imports and exports | Wastes staff time and increases error risk |
| Inconsistent employee IDs | Payroll delays and compliance gaps |
| Missing punches or schedule changes | Incorrect paychecks and disputes |
| No real-time validation | Issues only discovered during payroll run |
Source: American Payroll Association, Deloitte HR Transformation Report
How Does UKG Integration with Workday Work?
Successful integration ensures three-way synchronization:
- Employee Profiles – When a new hire is added in Workday, their profile automatically appears in UKG with the correct job codes, departments, and pay rules.
- Time & Attendance Data – Approved punches, schedules, and absences flow back to Workday for payroll processing.
- Ongoing Updates – Any change (job transfers, pay rate adjustments) syncs in near real-time.
Common Questions About UKG–Workday Integration
How often should data sync?
I recommend syncing hourly or daily, not just before payroll. This prevents large error batches.
What if a record fails validation?
A good solution will flag it and alert your team, so issues are fixed before pay runs.
Do we need IT to maintain it?
With a managed platform like CloudApper UKG Sync, no. The system is monitored and maintained by experts.
Why CloudApper UKG Sync Is the Most Convenient Solution
After integrating UKG for years, I can confidently say CloudApper UKG Sync solves the biggest pain points.
What Is CloudApper UKG Sync?
It’s a fully managed integration platform that securely connects UKG and Workday without requiring costly custom development or internal IT bandwidth.
Key Features:
- Real-time, bidirectional data sync
- Visual dashboards to track sync status and exceptions
- Automated error detection and resolution workflows
- Support for custom fields and unique business rules
- Cloud-based, so no heavy infrastructure required
How CloudApper UKG Sync Works Step by Step
Here’s the workflow I set up for clients:
Map Data Fields
Map Workday employee fields (like Employee ID, Job Code, Department) to UKG fields.
Configure Sync Frequency
Set up hourly, daily, or on-demand syncs.
Validate Data Before Import
Automated checks confirm that records match and comply with business rules.
Sync Time & Attendance Back to Workday
Approved punches and schedules flow seamlessly to payroll.
Monitor and Fix Errors
Admins get instant notifications if something doesn’t match.
Real Results from CloudApper UKG Sync
| Metric | Before Integration | After CloudApper UKG Sync |
| Manual Reconciliation Time | 25+ hours/pay period | <3 hours/pay period |
| Payroll Errors | 10–15 per cycle | <1 per cycle |
| Compliance Violations | 3–4/year | 0 |
| IT Support Required | High | Minimal |
Other Benefits of the CloudApper AI Platform
Beyond UKG Sync, the CloudApper AI Platform gives you even more ways to improve operations:
Custom Workflow Automation
Design HR workflows—like time-off approvals, attestations, and compliance alerts—without coding.
AI TimeClock
Eliminate buddy punching and enforce real-time schedule adherence with facial recognition and mobile punching.
Prebuilt Integrations with Other Systems
Seamlessly connect UKG and Workday to:
- ADP
- Oracle HCM
- SAP SuccessFactors
- iCIMS
- Greenhouse
Configurable Compliance Rules
Ensure breaks, overtime, and attendance rules are enforced automatically.
Best Practices for UKG–Workday Integration
After years of integrations, here are my top recommendations:
Clean Data First
Audit employee records before you sync to avoid duplicate IDs and outdated profiles.
Prioritize Real-Time Sync
Batch updates introduce delays. Real-time integration prevents errors.
Set Up Automated Notifications
Errors should be flagged instantly—not discovered days later.
Train HR and Payroll Staff
Make sure everyone knows how to monitor sync status and address exceptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does implementation take?
Most CloudApper UKG Sync implementations go live in 2–4 weeks, depending on complexity.
Q: Is it secure?
Yes—data is encrypted in transit and at rest, fully compliant with SOC2 and GDPR standards.
Q: Can it handle multiple business units and locations?
Absolutely—CloudApper is built for multi-entity environments.
Q: Does it require developer resources to maintain?
No—the platform is fully managed by CloudApper’s team.
Q: What if our workflows are unique?
CloudApper’s flexibility allows custom mapping and validation rules to fit your needs.
Final Takeaway
Disconnected HR and workforce systems slow everything down—from payroll to compliance. If you rely on Workday for HCM and UKG for time and scheduling, you’re only as good as the integration that connects them.
CloudApper UKG Sync provides a proven, reliable way to automate this connection, saving you time, reducing errors, and freeing your HR team to focus on strategic work instead of data entry.
Ready to simplify your UKG–Workday integration?
Request a demo to see how CloudApper can help you unify your systems without the hassle.
