Streamlining Data Processes with Workiva

Tired of manually copying and pasting data between spreadsheets? Worried about formula errors and inconsistent reports? The Workiva Data Management Suite can help! By automating data extraction, transformation, and aggregation, you can save time, gain control, and ensure the accuracy of your reports.

The Problem with Spreadsheet Silos

Every team grapples with the complexities of data wrangling for reports. Whether for regulatory compliance or internal analysis, reports often rely on intricate, customized spreadsheets that become isolated data silos. While creators may cherish their spreadsheets, they are often plagued by:

• Manual procedures that waste time
• Formulaic errors that compromise accuracy
• Review headaches that slow down processes
• Cryptic workbooks that others struggle to understand

Many users attempt to shoehorn extensive data into Excel, rendering their work cryptic and difficult for others to decipher. This complexity inevitably leads to errors, wasted time, and challenges in collaboration.

From Chaos to Control: How Workiva Solves Your Data Wrangling Woes

The Workiva Data Management Suite provides a comprehensive solution through:

• Chains: Automate data extraction and transformation
• Pipelines: Create repeatable data processing workflows
• Tables: Store and manage large datasets efficiently
• Queries: Aggregate and analyze data with precision

By shifting some of the complexity upstream into Wdata queries, Chains, and Pipeline processes, or even into the source system extraction process, users gain command over their data while ensuring consistency.

Striking the Right Balance: Harmonizing Control and Consistency

When integrating the Data Management Suite into your workflow, striking a balance between consistency and control is crucial. Here’s what to consider:

• Upstream Complexity: Moving complexity further upstream may mean relinquishing some control over data fed into work papers
• Downstream Flexibility: Bringing complexity closer to the spreadsheet increases risk but provides more direct control
• Optimal Placement: The key lies in identifying where complexity best serves your process

The Ideal Workflow

A well-balanced approach typically includes:

1. Using Wdata Chains to extract data from your source system
2. Leveraging Pipelines to refine data into the desired format
3. Utilizing Wdata Tables to cache extensive datasets
4. Employing Queries to aggregate and enrich data for downstream use
5. Retaining flexibility for final adjustments within Wdesk Spreadsheets

This approach enables business users to achieve the best of both worlds: automation and control.

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Ready to transform your data processes? Schedule a free discovery session with Tower Turn today. We’ll assess your current workflow and show you how the Workiva Data Management Suite can streamline your team’s operations, saving time and enhancing the consistency of your report preparation processes.