In higher education, where students expect online delivery and a seamless experience, universities need integrated digital infrastructure to stay competitive. For Manish Pandey, director, Enterprise Technology Services at RMIT, a key focus area was a set of fragmented people, finance, and procurement legacy systems. Paper-based processes, duplicate data entry, and little to no self-service meant admin teams were carrying a heavy workload. And none of the back-office systems were integrated with staff or teaching platforms.
RMIT chose Workday as a unified cloud platform that offered seamless HR and finance integration, the ability to connect to other university systems, and real-time data access. “Workday aligned with our digital transformation priorities by enabling a more intuitive, AI-enabled user experience, and a low-maintenance, simplified technology landscape,” says Pandey.
Faster processes, simpler tools, and a consistent work experience
RMIT has delivered on its vision of “one way,” giving users a single simpler and more seamless experience. Staff members now benefit from intuitive dashboards and mobile access. Self-service has become the norm, not the exception. The new tools are boosting engagement and productivity across the university.
Behind the scenes, automated workflows and real-time visibility into transactions are streamlining operations and improving auditability. With more than 60 real-time integrations across upstream and downstream systems, RMIT has seen major efficiency gains, including a 50% reduction in turnaround times for key processes such as hiring, job changes, and terminations. Monthly closing cycles are now faster and more predictable. “We are realizing value from our business processes faster than ever before,” Pandey says.
Workday’s modern and scalable technology helped us achieve our aim of every interaction being simple and seamless.
Director, Enterprise Technology Services
A more agile and responsive institution
For leaders in a dynamic institution such as RMIT, having accurate, real-time data on people and finances is essential to support informed, strategic, and timely decisions—especially with operations that span multiple countries and disciplines.
Pandey says that streamlining HR, finance, and planning onto one modern, intuitive platform is dramatically improving agility. “With real-time insights and visibility across the full suite of transactions, we can make smarter decisions, respond to challenges faster, and continually improve how we work,” he explains.
Workday’s AI platform helps detect anomalies, identify skills gaps, and support data-driven decisions.
Director, Enterprise Technology Service
Unlocking machine intelligence and human strategic thinking
RMIT is embracing AI to strengthen both its operations and its educational mission. With AI-powered capabilities now embedded across HR and finance, the university is automating routine tasks, improving accuracy, and freeing staff to focus on higher-value work. “AI is not only streamlining workflows but also enhancing strategic planning,” says Pandey. The result is a more modern, intelligent university ready to lead in an AI-enabled world.
This transformation has been a game changer for RMIT. Workday gives us the tools to anticipate and adapt to change quickly and confidently.
Director, Enterprise Technology Services