The world of work is changing rapidly – and with it, the demands on today’s HR systems. With SAP SuccessFactors, SAP offers a cloud-based platform that not only digitises traditional HR processes but also creates space for an employee-centred work culture. What’s behind the solution and what specific benefits it brings – we’ll explain!
What is SAP SuccessFactors?
SAP SuccessFactors is a powerful, cloud-based Human Experience Management (HXM) software designed for the core areas of HR within organisations. The solution supports employees throughout their entire career journey – with specialised modules from recruitment through to succession planning. The goal is to digitally enable and optimise all HR processes so that organisations can find the right people, deploy them effectively, and foster their development.
HCM replaced by HXM
The predecessor of the Human Experience Management platform (HXM) was the traditional Human Capital Management software (HCM). HCM systems primarily focus on mapping organisational structures, managing employees, and supporting their development – with a strong emphasis on efficiency and control. However, as expectations of employers evolved, so did the desire for more interaction and involvement. This is where Human Experience Management (HXM) comes in. The focus is not only on employees’ roles but on their experience within the organisation. After all, only those who feel valued and heard can reach their full potential – and contribute significantly to business success.
The Three Pillars of the SAP SuccessFactors HXM Suite
1. HR realignment towards end users
Automated processes simplify project organisation and team composition, reducing administrative effort and aligning HR work more closely with employee needs.
2. Intelligent technologies
An integrated chat function powered by machine learning enhances internal communication and improves the employee experience, making staff feel valued and well supported.
3. Data collection
In addition to traditional operational data, experience data is now gathered – for example, through regular surveys. This combination provides deeper insights into employees’ real needs and expectations.
Flexible and scalable: The modular structure of SAP SuccessFactors
The cloud-based SAP SuccessFactors solution is built on a modular architecture, offering organisations maximum flexibility. Modules can be customised and combined according to specific needs and HR strategies. At its core is SuccessFactors Employee Central – the foundation for managing master data, HR administration, organisational structures, and time management. This module is often the first implementation step, as many other functions build on it. Additionally, numerous modules from the former HCM Suite remain part of SuccessFactors – such as Recruiting, Learning, Performance & Goals, and Compensation. These have been enhanced and integrated into the HXM concept to not only manage processes but actively shape the employee experience.
SAP HXM Modules & Functions at a Glance
- Recruiting: Enables an objective, collaborative, and mobile selection process to identify the best talent. The module is also used for job postings, applicant management, and application evaluation. AI-powered features help review applications efficiently and fairly.
- Onboarding: Employees need a successful start in the organisation. The Onboarding module in SAP SuccessFactors supports this with various features, such as a dashboard that new hires can access. AI simplifies the necessary steps for both new and departing employees.
- Learning: The Learning module allows employees to develop their skills. It provides training and instructions for daily tasks, including classroom training, digital courses, and social learning, where employees exchange ideas and learn together in groups. This module can also be used during onboarding.
- Performance & Goals: This module enables organisations to align employee goals with corporate strategy. The Goals module helps create individual objectives based on the SMART principle. The Performance module tracks progress, allowing systematic performance measurement and evaluation through agreed targets between employee and employer.
- Compensation: Coordinates remuneration processes, optimises compensation budgets, and ensures fair and transparent pay through employee profiles and salary history. SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll automates and accelerates payroll processes, ensuring timely and error-free payments.
- Succession & Development: Supports talent development and succession planning within the organisation. AI-driven tools analyse employee potential and show how succession strategies impact the business. Management is handled via Employee Central.
Benefits of the SAP HXM Suite
Key advantages of SAP SuccessFactors:
Beyond comprehensive digitalisation and optimisation of HR processes, SAP SuccessFactors offers three major benefits for HR teams and employees alike:
Security
HR systems process highly sensitive personal data, so data protection and security are paramount. Unlike on-premise solutions, SAP SuccessFactors ensures compliance with security standards. Data is processed in SAP-owned data centres, with encrypted connections and server locations tailored to customer requirements.
Maintenance, administration, and mobile access
Updates, maintenance, and backups are handled automatically by SAP – with no extra effort for IT teams. The SAP SuccessFactors Mobile App enables remote access to HR functions, which is particularly useful for managers and field staff.
Customisable and user-friendly:
Thanks to its modular design, SAP SuccessFactors can be tailored to individual needs. Its intuitive interface minimises onboarding and training time.
A Few Steps to Automated Procure-to-Pay Processes in SAP
From purchase requisitions to incoming goods, invoice processing, and archiving.
Smart Support with Joule – SAP’s AI Assistant
With Joule, SAP SuccessFactors becomes even more powerful. Joule is a generative AI-based digital assistant designed to simplify and personalise interactions with SAP systems.
What can Joule do?
Joule enables conversational navigation of the SuccessFactors interface. Users can easily:
- Retrieve information (e.g., salary data, team structures)
- Perform tasks (e.g., holiday requests, address changes)
- Navigate the system without clicking through menus
Joule understands context, processes multiple inputs simultaneously, and delivers relevant, data-driven answers – without manual searching.
Benefits for HR and employees
- Productivity boost: Automates routine tasks and simplifies navigation.
- Improved user experience: Ideal for occasional users as an intuitive alternative to traditional click paths.
- Data protection compliance: Joule is integrated into the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) and meets European data protection standards.
Simplified Workflows with a DMS for SAP SuccessFactors
A document management system (DMS) for SAP SuccessFactors ensures maximum transparency and efficiency in HR document handling. All relevant documents are centralised, structured, and easily accessible. HR processes become significantly more efficient by reducing search times and automating manual tasks. Key benefits include:
- Legally compliant electronic archiving: Documents are archived in accordance with GoBD and GDPR, ensuring audit security. Certification under IDW PS 880 confirms compliance.
- Digital personnel files: Consolidates all employee-related documents in one file.
- Quick access to information: Documents can be found in seconds using AI-powered search and a chat assistant that delivers real-time answers.
- Cost savings: Eliminates paper, printing, and lengthy processing times, reducing operational costs.
- Productivity gains: Automates routine processes, minimises administrative effort, and boosts efficiency.
