Short Version:

Over the past eight years, we’ve built and maintained Workday integrations using PHP as our primary tool, with some assistance from Python for Web Services write-backs. Although modern iPaaS platforms like SnapLogic, MuleSoft, and Workato offer robust solutions today, they were not viable options when we started—and the time, cost, and effort to migrate remain high.

Our approach relies on:

• Advanced Reports in Workday, shared via Web Services URLs.

• Data fetched in JSON format for ease of parsing in PHP.

• Data storage primarily in MySQL, with some use of MS SQL Server.

• Standard templates for both data extraction and write-back, streamlining development.

To give functional offices control and visibility:

• We use Google Sheets for monitoring integration results, controlling schedules, and managing integration parameters.

• A “Control Sheet” tab allows users to set run schedules, toggle integrations, and adjust parameters as needed.

To handle Google API rate limits, we store control data in MySQL and check for changes in the Google Sheet before pulling updates.

Despite exploring other platforms, this method continues to serve us well. The simplicity, consistency, and maintainability of our PHP-based solution—enhanced by tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for documentation—allow integrations to run reliably, with some untouched for years.

In short, this approach remains our preferred and proven method for managing Workday integrations.

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