From Rotary Phones to iPhones: Why Cloud ERP Transitions Feel So Hard (and Why They’re Worth It)
2 min read
I grew up with rotary phones. I clearly remember when we got our first answering machine—and thinking, “Why would we need that? If no one answers, they’ll just call back.”
Fast forward 30 years, and I couldn’t even remember the term “answering machine” while trying to explain it to my kids. Back then, the blinking message light was exciting. Now? I don’t even check voicemails.
But this kind of shift? It’s exactly what I think about when working with colleges and universities transitioning to a cloud ERP or SIS like Workday Student.
Trading the Familiar for the Unfamiliar
Making the switch to Workday Student can feel like replacing a rotary phone with an iPhone.
At first glance, it might even seem harder:
✅ Want to make a call? Now it’s tap, scroll, swipe—maybe even Face ID.
✅ The interface looks completely different.
✅ The muscle memory you had? Gone.
Of course there’s resistance. It’s not just a software upgrade—it’s a total shift in how things feel.
But the iPhone Isn’t Just a Phone
Sure, it’s more complex. But the iPhone also holds your contacts (no more memorizing phone numbers), maps your route, keeps your calendar, finds you the best coffee nearby, and connects you instantly to people around the world.
Once you know what it can do, it’s not harder—it’s better.
That’s the same mindset shift needed for cloud ERP in higher ed.
More Than a System Switch—It’s a Work Shift
Yes, a system like Workday Student changes workflows. And yes, that can feel threatening. If we lead with “This will change your job,” people will put up walls.
Instead, we should be leading with:
👉 What frustrates you about your current system?
👉 What would make your job easier, more meaningful?
👉 What’s now possible that wasn’t before?
These are the questions that spark curiosity—and openness to change.
Change Is Hard, but Worthwhile Change Is Empowering
We shouldn’t sugarcoat it: this transition is a big shift. But if we focus only on the technical side and not the human side, we miss the real opportunity.
It’s not just about implementation—it’s about improvement. Helping people do their jobs better, not just differently.
So yeah, it’s a learning curve. But like the move from rotary to smartphone, once you get the hang of it? You’ll never want to go back.
Get Help With Your ERP/SIS Transition
If you work at an institution and have questions about managing change for your Workday Student implementation, complete this form to schedule a complimentary consulting session or email us at info@legatostrategic.com.
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