Why Workday Partners Should Use White-Label App Builders

For software companies building on the Workday platform, the opportunity is clear: Workday customers are actively seeking high-impact apps that solve specific business challenges, integrate seamlessly, and meet enterprise standards. But building those apps in-house can be slow, expensive, and difficult, especially if you’re new to the Workday architecture or don't have certified Extend developers.
That’s where white-label app builders come in.
What Is a White-Label App Builder?
A white-label app builder is a strategic partner that designs, builds, and deploys apps under your brand. You maintain full control of the roadmap, customer relationships, and go-to-market, while they deliver the technical horsepower behind the scenes.
Think of them as an elite development team fluent in Workday Extend. EncoreApps by The Groove is a prime example of this model done right. When you leverage EncoreApps, you gain:
- Workday-certified developers and architects with over a decade worth of experience on both the technical and functional components of the platform
- Proven app templates and pre-built accelerators to speed up delivery
- Expertise with the Built on Workday process from Concept to Final Review, navigating the complex approval procedures
- Experience navigating tenant setup, security, and Marketplace readiness to ensure your app meets all compliance requirements
- Optional post-launch support including maintenance, updates/enhancements, and Tier 0-3 customer service
The Business Case: Faster, Leaner, Smarter
The numbers speak for themselves. Companies that use white-label app services like EncoreApps report:
- 50–70% savings in development costs compared to building in-house
- 4–6 months faster time to market
- 6–12 months saved on Workday-specific resource hiring and training
- 30–50% lower in long-term maintenance and support costs with bundled services
- 170% ROI improvement compared to developing in-house
And perhaps the biggest benefit? Accelerated revenue realization. Getting your app into the Workday Marketplace or in front of enterprise customers faster means more opportunities, quicker adoption, and a stronger position in the Workday ecosystem.
5 Reasons Workday Partners Benefit from White-Label Development
- Speed to Market Wins Deals: The sooner your app is live, the sooner you can start generating revenue, supporting your platform strategy, and winning competitive deals.
- Certified Expertise, On Demand: White-label partners, like EncoreApps by The Groove, bring teams certified in Workday Extend, HCM, Financials, and Integrations. You get enterprise-grade build quality without needing to hire or train internally.
- Full Ownership, Zero Dilution: Unlike co-branded or third-party apps, white-label apps are fully yours. You define the roadmap, pricing, go-to-market strategy, and customer experience. The white-label developer remains invisible to your end customers, preserving your brand identity and customer relationships.
- Support Without Scaling Internally: White-label partners offer flexible post-launch support—from basic tenant updates to full Tier 3 coverage—so you don’t need to build a post-sales org from scratch.
- Focus on Growth, Not Architecture: While your partner handles platform-specific compliance, certifications, and deployment, your team stays focused on strategy, sales, and customer success.
The White-Label Development Process
Working with a white-label app builder typically follows these stages:
- Discovery & Requirements: Collaborative sessions to define app functionality, user experience, and integration points
- Design & Architecture: Creation of technical specifications aligned with Workday best practices
- Development & Testing: Agile build process with regular demos and feedback cycles
- Certification & Deployment: Navigation of Workday's review process and marketplace submission
- Support & Enhancement: Ongoing maintenance, updates, and feature enhancements
Addressing Common Concerns
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"We'll lose control of our product vision"
- Quality white-label partners work as an extension of your team, implementing your vision rather than imposing their own. You maintain full control over requirements, features, and priorities.
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"It's still expensive"
- While there is investment required, the total cost of ownership is significantly lower than building in-house capabilities. The accelerated time-to-market also means faster revenue generation.
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"What about intellectual property?"
- Reputable white-label agreements ensure that all IP belongs exclusively to you. The code, design, and implementation are your assets.
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"We eventually want to bring development in-house"
- Many white-label partnerships include knowledge transfer and transition planning. Some partners even help build and train your internal team while maintaining development continuity.
The Future of Workday App Development
As Workday continues to expand its platform capabilities, the demand for specialized apps will only increase. Partners who can quickly adapt to new Workday features and deliver industry-specific solutions will capture the largest market share. White-label development offers a strategic advantage in this rapidly evolving ecosystem.
Ready to Launch Smarter?
White-label app builders aren’t just dev shops—they’re strategic partners that help Workday software partners launch faster, scale smarter, and win more deals. If you’re looking to expand into the Workday ecosystem or deepen your app presence, a white-label partner like EncoreApps by The Groove may be the fastest path to value.
Ready to accelerate your Workday app strategy? Schedule a consultation to learn how a white-label partnership could transform your approach to the Workday marketplace.
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