How to Create a Custom Report in Workday

Open the Create Custom Report task

Navigate to the Create Custom Report task in Workday. This is where you name your report, choose a report type, select a data source, and optionally mark the report as temporary.

Review the key configuration steps

Before configuring your report, review the sequence you will follow:

• Choose a report type and data source.
• Select the fields to include (objects or simple types such as text, numbers, or dates).
• Order the columns as needed.
• Sort the output (optional).
• Define filter criteria (optional).

Choose a report type

Workday offers several report types, each suited to different reporting needs:

• Simple: Select fields, sort, and filter on a single object.
• Analytic: Aggregate fields using counts, sums, and averages.
• Matrix: Generate pivot table-style reports for comparisons.
• Advanced: Use advanced reporting expressions for maximum flexibility.

The dropdown menu also includes Composite, nBox, Search, Transposed, and Trending as additional report type options.

Compare report type layouts

Before committing to a report type, you can compare how each one presents data:

• Advanced: Detailed, flexible reports with multiple configuration options.
• Search: Focused on finding and filtering data.
• Matrix: Displays data in a pivot table format for easy comparison.
• nBox: Visualizes data in a grid or box format.
• Transposed: Swaps rows and columns for alternative data views.
• Trending: Shows data trends over time with charts.
• Composite: Combines multiple data sets or views in one report.

Select the data source

Selecting the correct data source is one of the most important decisions when creating a custom report, since it determines:

• The primary business object for your report.
• The "view" or selection of data required.
• The starting filter for your report.

You can search for a data source by name, category, business object, or a combination of category and business object.

Search for and preview a data source

In the Create Custom Report dialog, enter the report name and select the report type (for example, Simple). Use the search field under Data Source to find the data source you need.

You can filter results by primary business object—for example, filtering by Employee shows options such as All Active Employees or All Terminated Employees. Use the Preview button to review a data source before selecting it.

Configure the Columns, Sort, and Filter tabs

For Simple reports, configure your report using three main tabs:

• Columns: Select and arrange the fields to display in your report.
• Sort: Define the sort order for your report results.
• Filter: Set filter criteria to narrow down the data shown.

You can also add or remove columns, change the order of fields, override column labels, and set field options such as displaying currency symbols.

Preview and finalize your report

After configuring your columns, sort order, and filters, review your selections. Use the Preview button to see a sample of your report output, and make adjustments as needed before saving and running the report.