Reflecting on 20 years with Preceda: A moment of change and opportunity

For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with Preceda, a cloud-based platform that has supported countless organisations in managing one of the most critical aspects of their operations: payroll. Preceda has been a cornerstone for so many businesses, and I’ve seen its impact on building trust and efficiency in the workplace firsthand.   

But as with all technologies, time brings change. The announcement of Preceda’s end-of-life (EOL) is a significant milestone that can feel disruptive for organisations. It’s never easy to rethink something that has “just worked” for so long. Yet, this moment also brings a rare opportunity to embrace transformation that many organisations may not have considered or prioritised for years. 

Rethinking payroll: From “set-and-forget” to strategic 

Payroll has often been treated as a “set-and-forget” function — a system that operates quietly in the background as long as employees are paid on time. But its role is far greater than that. Payroll is the backbone of operational success, compliance, and employee trust. It touches every part of the employee lifecycle and plays a critical role in shaping the overall employee experience. 

With technological advancements like Dayforce, payroll is no longer a standalone process. It’s becoming a critical part of how organisations operate, offering insights that drive smarter decision-making, improving the employee experience, and aligning with the future of work. 

Embracing change: A personal perspective 

Having spent over two decades working with Preceda, I’ve had the privilege of building lasting relationships with the organisations and people who rely on it. These relationships are built on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to making work life better. That’s why, for me, the journey from Preceda to Dayforce is deeply personal. 

When change arises — like the end-of-life for a trusted platform — it’s natural to feel apprehension. Questions arise: Who will support us? Will they understand our needs? How disruptive will this transition be? These are valid concerns, especially when dealing with a function as critical as payroll. 

This is where the value of continuity truly shines. Preceda was acquired by Dayforce in 2021, and by transitioning to Dayforce within the same trusted partnership, organisations can rely on the familiarity of working with people who have deep knowledge of their business. The teams supporting Preceda today are the same teams who will guide you through this transition, bringing with them years of experience, historical context, and a genuine investment in your success. 

That continuity matters. It means there’s no need to start from scratch, re-explain your processes, or re-establish trust. Instead, you’re working with a partner who already understands your unique challenges and goals, ensuring the transition is not just about moving platforms but also about evolving to meet your future needs. 

I’ve seen firsthand how this continuity benefits organisations. Customers who move to Dayforce gain access to a modern, unified platform without losing the critical insights and relationships built over time. They know they can count on us—not just to implement new technology but to support them every step of the way, from planning and execution to optimisation and growth. 

What makes this even more meaningful is the commitment of the people behind the technology. The teams I work with every day are passionate about what they do, and they bring that passion to every customer interaction. Their knowledge and skills, honed over years of supporting Preceda, are a tremendous asset during this transition, ensuring that organisations feel confident and supported as they embrace change. 

This isn’t just about upgrading systems; it’s also about continuing a partnership built on trust and shared success. It’s about evolving together to meet the growing expectations of today’s workforce and ensuring organisations are ready for the opportunities ahead. 

Looking ahead 

The EOL of Preceda is more than a technical milestone; it’s a catalyst for growth. It’s a moment to reflect on what has worked in the past and consider what’s possible for the future. It’s a journey that comes with challenges, but with the right guidance, it can lead to transformation that benefits the organisation and its people. 

As someone who has walked this path with many organisations, I know it’s not an easy decision. But I also believe in the value of progress and the power of technology to enable it. For those preparing for this transition, know that you’re not alone—and that this moment of change can also be an incredible opportunity. 

Learn more about how Dayforce can support your transition from Preceda through the My Pathway program.