Foundation Data Model (FDM) is the foundational structure of the Workday system and not only serves as the ‘chart of accounts’ but establishes the cornerstone for Workday at URI. The FDM is a multi-faceted classification system that allows users to add organizations to information in Workday and attach “worktags” to transactions to support business processes and reporting. By labeling information with worktags that are shared across human resources, payroll and financials the university can effectively report and analyze data.
The FDM is fundamental to the Workday system in four critical areas; organizational structure, security, business processes and reporting. URI’s FDM will replace the complex chartfield string currently used in PeopleSoft. The overarching design of the new Foundation Data Model will allow personnel to answer important business questions easily and efficiently.
Design Principles
Our FDM Design Principles will guide our work as we develop the foundation data model for the university and modernize our chart of accounts:
- Build sustainable and usable worktag dimensions and hierarchies
- Design to effectively support varying levels of data visibility and reporting for university stakeholders
- Provide adequate training and support to all users
- Establish durable FDM governance to ensure continuity in meeting URI’s evolving needs
Timeline
The FDM blueprint will begin design in January, 2026 with a blueprint finalized to socialize with our campus stakeholders in early spring.