Understanding the Milestones of the HCM Implementation Journey

Organizations that want to work more efficiently and effectively should invest in their top strategic asset – their people. A satisfied and motivated workforce has shown to be one of the most powerful engines a company has. This is why many SAP organizations are investing in SAP SuccessFactors.

Yet not all SAP SuccessFactors deployments are the same. Companies must ensure that they have a successful and sustainable HCM implementation project in order to set themselves up for success well into the future.

Roadmap to Success

To help companies understand what a successful implementation looks like, the HCM experts at AspireHR laid out the steps that all SAP SuccessFactors transformations should take:

1. Discovery and Assessment – Companies must first understand their current HR strategies and pain points. This is done through a needs analysis, in which an implementation partner should interview stakeholders, evaluate skill gaps, and perform market research.

2. Planning and Strategy – Once the company and its position in the landscape is understood, companies should outline their objectives, timelines, and resources. This sets out the framework for the HCM implementation.

3. Configuration and Customization – With knowledge in hand, companies can begin to tailor SAP SuccessFactors to meet their specific needs. These custom workflows will help them to maximize efficiency. This is where experience comes into play. AspireHR has performed over 700 HCM projects in over 185 countries, helping them to understand the unique needs and challenges companies might have.

4. Integration and Data Migration – Data is the bedrock of any successful digital transformation. Companies must ensure that their legacy data and systems are seamlessly integrated into their new, unified HCM platform. This ensures all facets of an HR system are harmonized.

5. Testing and Quality Assurance – With the landscape configured, customized, and integrated, companies can now begin the vital process of ensuring that the new deployment is functional, performs adequately, and is ready for users.

6. Training and Change Management – Just because a system is ready for users, doesn’t mean the users are ready for it. AspireHR can help train teams to ensure they are able to leverage the power of the new deployment from day one.

7. Go-live and Post-implementation Support – With the new deployment and its users prepared, SAP SuccessFactors is ready to go live. AspireHR will be there to ensure the launch goes smoothly, as well as offering continued support and troubleshooting.

8. Continuous Improvement and Optimization – Even after the go-live, companies can always optimize their systems further. AspireHR performs continuous monitoring to ensure performance. It also gathers feedback to ensure the system continues to evolve as the business’ needs shift and grow.

What This Means for SAPinsiders

Know before you go. While HCM implementations should be a priority for companies with outdated systems, they cannot afford to rush into a new deployment. Businesses should always begin with a thorough evaluation of their own needs, shortcomings, and goals for a new SAP SuccessFactors deployment.

If you want to go far, go together. Companies moving to SAP SuccessFactors should take the time to find a partner like AspireHR to help with their journey. Its experience provides clients with the expertise needed navigate the process with fewer hiccups and optimized systems.

Never stop improving. The go-live date for an HCM implementation is not the end, it is merely another step in the process. Companies should ensure that they continue to optimize over time as their needs and requirements shift.