Columbia Works Adopts Workday Adaptive Planning for Business Management Efficiency

Columbia Works Implements Workday Adaptive Planning

In an effort to improve operational efficiency and adapt more quickly to the rapidly changing business environment, Columbia Works, a publicly listed real estate company, has adopted the cloud-based management solution, Workday Adaptive Planning. This strategic move aims to streamline business operations while enhancing forecasting accuracy.

Background for Tool Transition

Previously, Columbia Works relied on an Excel-based tool for budget management that allowed data input. However, as the company diversified its business activities, the existing tool struggled to cope with organizational changes and the complexity of operations. Challenges such as a lack of immediate information sharing and a high degree of dependence on specific individuals for operations hindered efforts to improve workflows and standardize processes.

Reasons for Selecting Workday Adaptive Planning

Workday Adaptive Planning, known for its user-centric design, allows companies to manage operations independently. It enables quick modifications to management formats, dashboard setups, and real-time data analysis upon deployment. Some key factors that influenced the decision to adopt this solution include:

- High Usability and User-Friendly Maintenance: The system allows seamless transitions from changing input screens to editing variance reports, ensuring that tasks can be completed in a fraction of the time.
- Prototyping for Clear Implementation Vision: Functionalities related to property management such as interconnected PL/BS/CF for individual assets and forecasting were confirmed through prototypes. The presence of other real estate companies like Nomura Real Estate and Tokyu showcased solid success stories in utilizing this platform.

These factors were positively evaluated by finance team members, including the CFO, leading to the decision for adoption.

Future Prospects

The introduction of Adaptive Planning is expected to stabilize tasks related to planning and forecasts, improve the grasp of variance situations, accelerate the PDCA cycle, and enhance performance prediction accuracy. Looking forward, the company aims to utilize AI functionalities for scenario analysis and centralized management of non-financial KPIs, fostering a more strategic management system.

Client Testimonials

Columbia Works

Manager of Corporate Planning Department

“The adoption of Adaptive Planning will help us build a performance management system that is more aligned with practical business operations, supporting inter-departmental collaboration and data-driven decision making.”

About Columbia Works

- Company Name: Columbia Works, Inc.
- Location: 2-17-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- CEO: Jun Nakauchi
- Business Activities: Real estate development, leasing management, hotel operations, asset management
- Website: columbiaworks.jp

Comments from Shearwater Japan

Shearwater Japan, Inc.

CEO Bastien Basso

“We are honored to contribute to Columbia Works’ operational improvements and establish a forward-thinking management foundation. Through Adaptive Planning, we aim to support a more flexible and precise performance management process.”

About Shearwater Japan

- Company Name: Shearwater Japan, Inc.
- Location: 3-21 Kanda Nishikicho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
- CEO: Bastien Basso
- Business Activities: Consulting and implementation support for cloud solutions related to core business operations like Workday Adaptive Planning and Oracle NetSuite
- Website: shearwaterjapan.com