In the evolving landscape of Human Capital Management, organizations are increasingly adopting cloud-based solutions to enhance agility, user experience, and innovation. SAP SuccessFactors, a leading cloud-based HCM suite, complements the traditional on-premise SAP HCM system by offering advanced talent management, workforce analytics, and employee experience tools. Integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP HCM enables organizations to leverage the strengths of both platforms, ensuring seamless data flow, consistent HR processes, and unified workforce management.
This article provides an overview of mastering the integration between SAP SuccessFactors and SAP HCM, highlighting benefits, integration scenarios, best practices, and key technical considerations.
SAP HCM remains the backbone for core HR and payroll operations in many enterprises, especially those with complex, global payroll requirements or regulatory compliance needs. Meanwhile, SAP SuccessFactors excels in talent acquisition, learning management, performance management, and employee engagement with a modern, user-friendly interface.
Integrating these systems ensures:
Core HR and Payroll in SAP HCM with Talent Management in SuccessFactors
SAP HCM manages employee master data and payroll, while SuccessFactors handles recruitment, performance, learning, and succession planning.
Full Hybrid HCM
Organizations operate core HR and payroll in SAP HCM and gradually migrate talent management and employee central functions to SuccessFactors.
Employee Central as System of Record
SuccessFactors Employee Central becomes the master system for employee data, integrating with SAP HCM Payroll or third-party payroll systems.
SAP provides various tools and middleware for seamless integration:
SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)
The recommended cloud middleware offering pre-packaged integration content and APIs for SuccessFactors and SAP HCM.
SAP Process Integration (PI) / Process Orchestration (PO)
On-premise middleware solutions used in many existing landscapes.
SAP SuccessFactors Integration Center
Enables configuration of data replication and inbound/outbound interfaces without coding.
IDocs and BAPIs
Traditional SAP interfaces used to exchange data between SAP HCM and external systems.
Define a Clear Integration Strategy
Identify which system serves as the master for each data domain and define data ownership rules.
Start with Pilot Integrations
Begin with critical data flows such as employee master data before extending to complex talent management or payroll data.
Ensure Data Quality
Cleanse and standardize data before integration to avoid synchronization issues.
Leverage Standard Content
Utilize SAP’s pre-delivered integration packages to reduce custom development and speed up implementation.
Monitor and Alert
Implement monitoring tools to track integration success and quickly resolve errors.
Collaborate Across Teams
Foster cooperation between HR, IT, and business units to address functional and technical requirements effectively.
Mastering the integration between SAP SuccessFactors and SAP HCM empowers organizations to harness the best of both worlds—combining SAP HCM’s robust core HR and payroll capabilities with SuccessFactors’ innovative talent management solutions. A well-planned and executed integration strategy ensures seamless data flow, operational efficiency, and enhanced employee experiences. As the future of HR continues to embrace cloud technologies, mastering this integration is a key enabler for digital transformation in human capital management.