As organizations adopt cloud-based human capital management (HCM) solutions like SAP SuccessFactors, integration with existing on-premise systems such as SAP ERP HCM becomes a critical factor for seamless HR operations. Integrating SuccessFactors with SAP ERP HCM enables businesses to leverage the strengths of both platforms, ensuring data consistency, streamlined processes, and a unified employee experience.
Many enterprises run SAP ERP HCM for core HR processes like payroll, time management, and employee administration. Meanwhile, SuccessFactors offers advanced cloud-based talent management, recruiting, learning, and employee experience modules. Integration allows organizations to:
Employee Central as Core System
In many implementations, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central serves as the system of record for employee master data, which is then replicated to SAP ERP HCM for payroll and other transactional processes.
Hybrid HR Landscape
Organizations may keep SAP ERP HCM as the core system but integrate specific SuccessFactors modules such as Recruiting, Performance & Goals, or Learning to enhance cloud capabilities while maintaining critical processes on-premise.
Bi-directional Data Exchange
Integration supports two-way communication, allowing updates in either system to be reflected accurately in the other, maintaining data integrity.
SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)
SAP CPI is the preferred middleware for cloud-to-on-premise integration, enabling secure, scalable, and real-time data exchange between SuccessFactors and SAP ERP HCM.
SAP Process Integration (PI)/Process Orchestration (PO)
For existing landscapes, SAP PI/PO can also be used to facilitate data transfer and process orchestration.
Employee Central Integration Add-ons
Pre-built integration content packages provided by SAP simplify common scenarios like payroll data replication, organizational management sync, and time management data exchange.
File-based and API Integration
Depending on requirements, integration can use batch file transfer or APIs for real-time data communication.
Data Consistency and Accuracy
Integration ensures that employee information is consistent across platforms, reducing discrepancies and errors.
Operational Efficiency
Automated data synchronization reduces administrative workload and accelerates HR processes.
Improved User Experience
Employees and managers benefit from a unified HR system, with access to relevant information regardless of the system source.
Compliance and Reporting
Integrated systems help maintain regulatory compliance by providing accurate and timely data for reporting.
Data Governance
Clearly define the system of record for each data element to avoid conflicts.
Security and Compliance
Implement secure data transfer methods and comply with data privacy regulations.
Testing and Monitoring
Thoroughly test integration scenarios and continuously monitor data flows to quickly identify issues.
Change Management
Train HR users and communicate changes effectively to ensure smooth adoption.
Integrating SAP SuccessFactors with SAP ERP HCM unlocks the full potential of both platforms, creating a comprehensive and agile HR ecosystem. This integration supports seamless HR operations, from core administrative functions to advanced talent management, empowering organizations to manage their workforce more effectively and drive business success.