Prism in a Nutshell

What is Prism?

A few decades ago, there was a popular way to extract data from a system, transform that data, and load it into a different system.  It was officially called Extract, Transform, Load (ETL). Prism is like an advanced ETL module within Workday that empowers you to fulfill previously unattainable reporting needs. It provides the ability to blend external data with Workday data and connect previously siloed data tables, delivering a holistic view of your organization’s information. This functionality not only improves reporting accuracy but also fosters deeper insights and supports informed decision-making, ultimately driving organizational success.

Prism is a separate SKU.  This blog is for those who are either new to Prism or exploring its potential for purchasing.

How Do I Get to Prism Within My Tenant?

All of the screen shots within this blog are only available to those who have purchased Prism. The concepts, however, are still valuable for this considering Prism. 

At the core of Prism lies the Data Catalog, which serves as its central hub. To access it, simply enter "Data Catalog" into the search bar in Workday. It’s easy to get lost when you are clicking around in Prism, so remember the Data Catalog is your home base.

Data Structures

Prism enables you to create a variety of Data Structures such as Tables, Derived Datasets, Data Change Tasks, and Prism Data Sources. These serve as the foundation for the solutions you are building in Prism.

Below is a brief overview of each data structure.

Derived Dataset Transformations

As previously mentioned, Derived Datasets are where data transformations occur. A data transformation involves altering data formats, structures, or values. To add a transformation to a Derived Dataset, navigate to the Data Catalog, select Datasets, and then choose the related actions and 'Edit Transformations' for the appropriate Derived Dataset.

There are two methods to add a data transformation to a Derived Dataset in Prism: Add Stage and Add Field. The "Add Stage" option provides functionalities such as Explode, Filter, Group By, Join, Manage Fields, Union, and Unpivot. Meanwhile, "Add Field" allows you to create Prism calculated fields using a robust expression builder, which differs from the calculated fields used in Workday reporting.

Below is a brief overview of each of the 7 Transformation Stages.

Lineage (aka Pipeline)

Now we bring it all together with a lineage generated in Prism.  The lineage is a visual representation of data flow and its origins.  The steps of the lineage start with tables on the left, transition to Derived Datasets where data transformations take place, and ultimately culminate in a published Derived Dataset that establishes the Prism Data Source.

Conclusion

Well, that is Workday Prism in a nutshell! It empowers organizations to seamlessly analyze and visualize their data by integrating various sources, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency. The more I use it, the more I realize I can’t live without it.  Many requests that come my way are just not possible without Prism.  

If you’re looking for more about Prism, check out Season 7 Episode 1 of “The Sharing Show” where I share a real-world example of using Prism.  See also my blog post that explores the various types of Prism Joins.  Keep an eye out for more on Prism!

Author: Christian from Maryland