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How Workday Reports Pull Data: Understanding Data Sources and Fields?

14 January 2026 by
akansha

Introduction:

Workday reports retrieve data from structured objects stored inside the system. For anyone taking a Workday Course, understanding this process is essential. Workday does not work like traditional databases. It uses objects, fields, relationships, and calculated logic to provide information. Reports pull only the data they need. Security rules and filters control access. Reports update dynamically, showing the latest information. This process ensures accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. Workday reports are used for HR, payroll, finance, and operational decisions.

Workday Data Sources:

Data sources are the foundation of every report. They define what type of information can be accessed. Each data source connects to a Workday object. Common objects include:

●        Worker

●        Position

●        Payroll

●        Cost Center

Some reports combine multiple objects. These are called composite data sources. Developers can also create custom data sources. These include calculated fields, filters, or cross-object connections.

Workday retrieves data in real time. Reports do not store copies of information. Relationships between objects define how data is linked. Understanding these links is crucial to get accurate results.

Workday also uses security filters in data sources. Filters check the user’s role, department, or location. Only authorized users can view certain data. Worktags are another feature. They label data for easy grouping and filtering.

Pointers:

●        Data sources define report access.

●        Composite sources combine multiple objects.

●        Custom sources allow extra calculations and logic.

●        Security filters restrict data access.

●        Worktags help categorize and filter data.

Fields and Their Role in Reporting:

Fields determine what data will be displayed on the report output. Fields have been assigned to an object. Workday has three types of fields:

●        Standard Fields – These predefined fields include ‘Employee Name’, ‘Hire Date’, or ‘Job Title’.

●        Fields – Bring fields or data from these objects, probably something like an employee’s manager or cost center.

●        Calculated Fields - These calculated fields use formulas to generate new data, for example, “Total Compensation” and “Tenure.”

The field reference paths represent the relations between the objects. For instance, it can be Employee -> Position -> Cost Center. The paths have to be known. Incorrect paths generate incorrect reporting.

Security is also provided at the field level. In some fields, only the managers of the HR or finance department have access. The users will not be able to see these unless they have authorized access.

Pointers:

●        Fields define exactly what data is placed within the report.

●        The usage of the standard field, related field, and calculated field differs.

●        Reference paths demonstrate the connections between the objects.

●        Field-level security is used for the protection of sensitive


Common Workday Report Fields and Sources:

Field Name

Data Source

Field Type

Description

Employee Name

Worker

Standard

Legal name of the employee

Hire Date

Worker

Standard

Date when the employee joined

Job Profile

Position

Related

Employee’s assigned job role

Compensation Amount

Compensation

Calculated

Total salary including allowances

Cost Center

Position → Cost Center

Related

Department or financial allocation

Tax Identification Number

Worker → Payroll

Custom/Standard

Employee tax ID for compliance

Performance Rating

Worker → Performance

Calculated

Latest performance evaluation


Techniques to Pull Data Efficiently:

Workday provides various technical ways to get data accurately. One can design reports for any amount of data without slowing down. Some key techniques include:

●        Filters: Limit data by date, department, or employee status.

●        Calculated Fields: Computed fields may include total salary, leave balance, bonus eligibility, etc.

●        Cross-Object Reporting: Combine data from more than one object, such as payroll and benefits.

●        Worktags and Custom Worktags: Label and categorize data for analysis.

●        Report Types – These are carried out through different report formats like matrix, composite, and advanced reports. These handle fields in a different manner.

Reports dynamically adjust as data changes. This allows accurate, real-time reporting without manual updates. Using calculated fields and cross-object reporting, complex reports can be created without coding.

Pointers:

●        Use filters to limit data size and scope.

●        Calculated fields allow new metrics.

●        Cross-object reporting combines different datasets.

●        Worktags simplify grouping and filtering.

●        Choose the right report type for your need.

Workday Training and Certification:

Professional training is essential for building technical reporting skills. Workday Training in Bangalore provides hands-on practice with data sources, fields, and calculated fields. Training teaches dynamic filtering, cross-object reporting, and security management.

Achieving Workday Certification in India confirms the ability to design accurate and secure reports. Certified professionals can manage complex datasets, apply calculated logic, and comply with organizational policies.

Pointers:

●        Training improves practical report-building skills.

●        Bangalore learners often deal with local payroll, taxes, and compliance rules.

●        Certification validates technical skills and reporting knowledge.

●        Trained professionals can produce reliable, real-time insights.

Key Takeaways:

●        Workday reports do not query data from database tables, but from objects and fields.

●        Data sources specify what data a report can view.

●        Fields may be regular fields, related fields, or calculated fields.

●        Security filters and worktags determine who can view the data.

●        Calculated fields and cross-object reporting enable advanced analysis.

●        Workday Training in Bangalore trains professionals to address practical reporting issues.

●        Workday Certification in India is performed keeping in mind global requirements.

Sum Up:

Workday reports are built on a foundation of data sources, fields, and relationships. Security filters and worktags protect sensitive data. Advanced reporting using calculated fields and cross-object reporting is possible without coding. Practical exposure to the above concept is given to the learners through Hands-on Workday Training in Bangalore.

Workday Certification in India provides them with validation of their competence in handling big data and generating reports with accuracy. Consequently, mastering all these aspects makes professionals capable of producing real-time, reliable insights across HR, payroll, finance, and operational decisions. Accurate reporting can facilitate efficiency, compliance, and business decision-making.

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