You need to create a report to show the trend of worker headcount over time. What is the most appropriate data source for this report?

The Trended Workers data source is specifically designed for historical and point-in-time analysis. Workday populates this data source by taking periodic snapshots (e.g., monthly, quarterly) of worker data. This structure is optimal for creating reports that analyze changes and trends over time, such as headcount fluctuations, without needing to process a large volume of individual transaction records. It is the most efficient and appropriate choice for tracking metrics over a defined period.

B. Workers for HCM Reporting: This is an indexed data source that provides the current state of worker data. It is not designed for historical trend analysis.
C. Worker History: This data source provides a detailed log of every business process transaction for a worker. While it contains historical data, it is not structured for efficient trend reporting and would require complex calculations.
D. Headcount: This data source provides a current snapshot of headcount and FTE data. Like Workers for HCM Reporting, it reflects the present state and is not suitable for analyzing trends over time.

1. Workday, Inc. (2023). Reporting & Analytics Guide. Section: "Data Sources," Subsection: "Trended Data Sources." This section explicitly states, "Use trended data sources to report on data as of different points in time. Workday takes snapshots of business object data, enabling you to analyze trends. The Trended Workers data source is the standard for reporting on historical headcount and worker attribute changes."

2. Workday, Inc. (2023). Workday Pro HCM Reporting Courseware Manual. Module: "Advanced Reporting Concepts," Topic: "Choosing the Right Data Source," pp. 34-36. The manual contrasts standard, transactional, and trended data sources, noting that Trended Workers is the purpose-built solution for headcount trend analysis, whereas Workers for HCM Reporting is for as-of-now reporting.

3. Workday, Inc. (2022). Report Writer Reference Guide. Appendix B: "Common Data Sources." The entry for Trended Workers describes its function as providing "periodic snapshots of worker data for trend analysis," distinguishing it from Worker History, which is described as a "log of business process events."