AI/ML

Workday launches ‘Sana’ AI platform to automate enterprise workflows

Workday has launched “Sana,” a new artificial intelligence platform designed to integrate automation, decision-making and workflow execution across enterprise systems, as organizations look to extract more value from AI investments.

The rollout includes Sana for Workday, a unified AI interface; Sana Self-Service Agent, which automates HR and finance workflows; and Sana Enterprise, which extends AI capabilities across third-party applications. The platform is now available globally to Workday customers.

The launch comes as enterprises struggle with fragmented AI deployments, where tools such as copilots and agents operate in silos, limiting their effectiveness. Workday said Sana addresses this gap by embedding AI directly into core business systems, enabling it to act on data within existing security and compliance frameworks.

AI Embedded into Core Business Systems

Unlike standalone AI assistants, Sana is designed to both provide insights and execute tasks. It allows users to query enterprise data, trigger workflows, generate reports, and automate multi-step processes through a conversational interface.

“AI only works in the enterprise when it’s connected to trusted systems,” said Aneel Bhusri, adding that Sana enables users to “search, reason, and orchestrate work across the enterprise.”

The platform leverages Workday’s existing infrastructure, ensuring that actions taken by AI agents comply with organizational policies, permissions and audit requirements—critical for handling sensitive HR and financial data.

Expanding Across Enterprise Applications

With Sana Enterprise, Workday is extending automation beyond its own ecosystem, integrating with widely used tools such as Google Workspace, Microsoft Outlook, Salesforce, Slack and ServiceNow. This allows employees to complete tasks across multiple applications without switching platforms.

The Sana Self-Service Agent, which supports over 300 skills across HR and finance functions, is already being used to automate routine tasks, reduce support tickets and improve operational efficiency.

“Most AI tools today look impressive but fail to change how work gets done,” said Gerrit Kazmaier, president of product and technology at Workday. “Sana enables AI agents to take action using trusted context, not just provide suggestions.”

Workday said the platform is available through its Flex Credits model, allowing customers to access Sana without additional licensing costs.

The launch underscores a broader industry shift toward AI-native enterprise platforms, where automation is embedded directly into workflows rather than layered on top, enabling organizations to scale AI adoption while maintaining governance and reliability.