With the dust from SuccessConnect 2024 having finally settled, now is a good time to parse through the updates from the largest SAP SuccessFactors event of the year.
As a leading SAP Partner and event sponsor, 3n Strategy was on the ground for the event and in-between our own demos and meetings, we were able to take copious notes to understand where SuccessFactors is going over the next twelve months - and what the implications are for you from a reporting, analytics and planning perspective.
We will be hosting a dedicated SuccessConnect 2024 Highlights: What You Need To Know webinar on Monday, Dec 2nd (register here to attend) to answer all of your questions live. Until then, here are five things you may have missed amongst all the exciting SuccessConnect announcements.
At SuccessConnect in 2023, the people analytics product team showed their plans for a new and upgraded analytics tool that would combine the strengths of SuccessFactors data in the BTP Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud interface, using a ‘data curation’ layer. A year later, after various beta programs and testing the good news is: This is the big one for SuccessFactors users - a new analytics solution is coming next year.
SAP already offers a wide range of powerful analytics tools, but now the intention is to use these tools to deliver advanced HR analytics functionality for SuccessFactors users. Specifically, the addition of new ‘out-of-the-box’ data models for HR built in SAP Datasphere, combined with further development of SAP Analytics Cloud will open up a raft of new analytics and planning possibilities for SuccessFactors users.
SAP Datasphere will allow for a more unified data model across the SuccessFactors suite, enabling users to access and blend live data from multiple modules seamlessly, and also combine this with business data from outside of SuccessFactors. With SAP Analytics Cloud, users can harness advanced capabilities such as predictive analytics, planning, and visualisations that are fully integrated with SuccessFactors data.
The first release is planned for the first half of 2025 with a phased module release starting with Employee Central, some Learning data, Talent and Recruiting. The intention is to cover the full SuccessFactors Suite and models will feature a conversational UI, predictive scenario-building through SACs intelligent features, and cross-suite reporting.
Together, these tools will enhance reporting, simplify complex data exploration, and make it easier for HR and analytics teams to generate strategic insights directly within the SuccessFactors environment.
If you want to get ahead of the game and get prepared for the new Analytics solution(s), take our free Datasphere and SAP Analytics Cloud Readiness Assessment here.
The SuccessFactors product team is acutely aware of issues with the current user reporting and analytics experience.
Currently, moving between the various tools such as Report Stories, Workforce Analytics, and SAP Analytics Cloud involves separate (and often disjointed) experiences. Whilst this is perfectly workable, it is not the smooth UX that customers demand.
That’s all set to change. Report Stories is already built on an embedded version of SAC and the new analytics solution, which uses SAC as the visualisation layer, will bring a more cohesive user experience, both from a content management and consumption perspective.
The new analytics tool will have a user-friendly design, from simple data queries to complex exploration and visualisation which can be accessed across multiple devices and screen sizes.
The long-term UX vision involves integrating reporting, analytics, and planning as a continuous experience, something that will be reflected in a more streamlined and intuitive interface that SuccessFactors users will find easier to navigate. This integration will allow users to transition seamlessly between reporting, analytics, and planning functions without leaving the platform or adjusting to a new layout each time.
Whilst the long-term plan involves streamlining operational reporting tools and transitioning users to Report Stories, the SuccessFactors team is committed to ensuring that foundational tools like Table Reports and Canvas Reports will remain accessible for users who rely on them for day-to-day data needs.
New Stories features are also in development driven by user feedback: amongst the most notable are currency conversion and the ability to schedule and distribute reports by email to managers, senior leaders, and other end users.
For those companies grappling with their Learning Reporting, another significant update was that the live connector in SAP Analytics Cloud will support the SuccessFactors Learning solution from 2H 2024.
If you need assistance with Report Stories strategy, implementation or training, check out our popular ‘Reimagine Reporting with Report Stories’ offer here.
By now, you may be aware of Joule - SAP’s “AI Copilot” chatbot that operates across many SAP technologies. SuccessFactors is the latest SAP technology to benefit from this, with reporting in particular set to change.
These AI capabilities become accessible with the new analytics tool. The Just Ask feature will allow users to type analytical questions and receive direct visual responses. This conversational UI, powered by Joule, simplifies data exploration by automatically generating charts based on the question posed. This tool’s dynamic capabilities will enable users to delve deeper into the data, and will make it a powerful asset for on-the-fly data inquiries.
The new data models built in Datasphere will be used with Operational and Strategic Workforce Planning which can be combined with existing templates in SAP Analytics Cloud Planning. This development aims to simplify Workforce Planning processes.
It also enables SAP to consider other much asked for use cases such as ‘Skills Planning’. A new skills planning app is being developed which provides a structured approach to tracking and developing strategic skills. Users can set targets for specific skills within business areas and track related activities, such as hiring and up-skilling. This tool addresses a vital need for HR and workforce planning, aligning skill levels with organisational objectives and supporting retention programs for critical skill sets.
Needless to say, from the above points alone, we are very excited for the future of SAP SuccessFactors, in general, and reporting and analytics, in particular, over the coming twelve months.
We’ll be delving into all the above and more in our dedicated SuccessConnect 2024 Highlights: What You Need To Know webinar on Monday, Dec 2nd - please register here to attend.