How to choose the right SuccessFactors Implementation Partner?

Choosing an implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors can prove to be a more daunting and complex task than selecting the existing HR software itself. It is crucial to approach the selection process strategically.

The landscape of vendors offering SAP SuccessFactors implementation services is diverse, encompassing various specializations, geographic coverage, and industry expertise. However, not every partner will be an ideal fit for your organization’s unique needs. Consequently, when it comes to selecting an implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors, the concept of a universal solution does not apply. Nevertheless, there are specific steps that business, HR, and IT leaders can take to identify the most suitable partner for their requirements within the realm of SAP SuccessFactors, the SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM), and SAP implementation partners.

Let’s take a look at the below six steps:

1. Learn about the internal team that is implementing SuccessFactors

Ensuring that your team has diverse skills and expertise is crucial for successfully evaluating an implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Human Resource Management System (HRMS), or SAP HCM. While HR typically takes the lead, IT also plays a vital role in this process, particularly in organizations with an HR-IT collaboration.

In organizations where HR and IT work closely together, the IT team serves as the gatekeeper for the partner evaluation. Their technical knowledge and understanding of the company’s IT infrastructure, requirements, and strategy are invaluable in assessing the suitability of potential implementation partners. They can evaluate factors such as system integration, data security, and scalability, ensuring that the chosen partner aligns with the organization’s IT goals.

2. Obtain suggestions

HR and IT departments, as well as SuccessFactors implementation project leaders, have the opportunity to seek guidance from the account executive and customer engagement executive at SAP SuccessFactors regarding their choice of implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Human Resource Management System, or SAP HCM. These contacts can provide valuable recommendations and insights into why they endorse a specific SAP implementation partner.

While recommendations often stem from a partner’s close relationship with SAP, it is crucial to recognize that friendliness alone does not determine the partner’s work quality when it comes to SAP implementation projects. HR and IT leaders should prioritize partners whose recommendation is based on tangible, evidence-based factors such as expertise in SAP technologies, successful track record of similar implementations, relevant certifications, and client references. It is essential to ensure that the recommended partner possesses the necessary skills and experience to deliver a high-quality implementation.

Independent rating platforms can serve as a valuable resource to evaluate the experiences of other customers and make an informed decision about the most suitable implementation partner for their SAP SuccessFactors or SAP HRMS project.

3. Verify professional certification and acknowledged expertise

Partners who have three certified consultants and receive three or more positive customer references for a particular software program or group of software applications are given the title of “Recognized Expertise” by SAP. A partner can currently obtain one of four designations related to one of the following modules:

• Employee Central and Payroll
• Learning
• Recruiting and Onboarding
• Talent

SAP has qualified consultants and verified projects from partners with a distinction in the software field that HR or IT management wants to adopt. Contractors or former consultants who didn’t transfer their certificates to their new employer will still be considered when determining whether they meet the requirements for this designation.

After satisfying a number of requirements, including customer verification, consultants with SAP SuccessFactors certification can earn professional certification. A consultant must have completed three projects and served as the main consultant on at least two of them in order to be certified as a professional. The SAP customer company must validate this information.

An organization can check the number of professional certifications in the SAP SuccessFactors Community as an SAP customer company.

4. Verify your knowledge

Ensuring the potential success of a company’s implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors or SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM) is crucial for IT and HR project leaders. Reviewing references and seeking input from organizational leaders who have previously worked with the partner is an essential step. It is important to ask specific questions to gain insights into the partner’s track record of delivering successful projects.

While positive references are valuable, it is equally important to assess the continuity of the project team. Understanding how many team members from previous projects will be involved in the upcoming project can provide reassurance regarding consistent leadership and expertise.

In addition to evaluating the team’s composition, it is worth considering potential partners who have niche expertise or thought leaders. These individuals can contribute significant value to the project and may have a track record of producing valuable SAP SuccessFactors and HR-related content such as blogs, videos, or articles. Recommendations from other industry experts can further validate the credibility of these thought leaders.

By following these guidelines and conducting thorough evaluations, HR and IT project leaders can enhance the chances of selecting an SAP implementation partner that has a proven record of success, ensures continuity in the team, and provides access to specialized expertise or thought leadership.

5. Review the comprehension of a partner’s needs

An effective partner for your project involving SAP SuccessFactors or SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM) implementation should possess a deep understanding of your requirements and be capable of providing a scope that aligns with your needs. It is essential to give every potential partner the opportunity to engage in conversations with you to discuss your needs and challenges.

When evaluating a potential partner, it is crucial to review their implementation approach specifically related to SAP solutions. Inquire about how they structure their implementations and the methodologies they follow. Additionally, ask about the tools and accelerators they bring to the table to streamline the implementation process.

Choosing a partner with a comprehensive approach and robust implementation framework is advantageous. A partner that offers a bare-bones approach may require your organization to take responsibility for certain project aspects that the partner should ideally handle. Therefore, it’s important to seek a partner who can provide the necessary expertise and support throughout the SAP implementation journey.

When assessing potential partners, consider using keywords such as SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM), and SAP Implementation Partner to refine your search and find the most suitable partner for your project.

6. Don’t always go with the lowest price

While evaluating SAP SuccessFactors implementation partners, it’s important to note that the price offered should be comparable to that of other partners. However, it is crucial to remember that the cheapest partner may not always be the best choice. In order to obtain a high-quality product and service, it is often necessary to pay a fair price that reflects the value provided.

HR and IT project leaders should carefully examine what potential partners are offering as part of their proposal and assess what they will receive for the price quoted. If a partner is bidding significantly lower than others, it raises concerns that they may be cutting corners or, even worse, compromising the project’s success once it begins.

When searching for an SAP SuccessFactors implementation partner, it is essential to prioritize quality and value over solely focusing on price. Opting for a reputable and experienced SAP implementation partner will likely result in a smoother and more successful implementation of the SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM) or SAP SuccessFactors.

In Conclusion

Selecting the right implementation partner for SAP SuccessFactors, SAP Human Capital Management (SAP HCM), or any SAP implementation project is a critical decision that requires careful consideration. By following a systematic approach and considering the steps outlined in this blog, HR and IT project leaders can enhance their chances of finding a partner that aligns with their organization’s unique needs and goals.

It is crucial to involve both HR and IT teams in the evaluation process to ensure a comprehensive assessment of technical requirements, system integration, and scalability. Seeking suggestions and recommendations from SAP SuccessFactors contacts, as well as exploring independent rating platforms, can provide valuable insights and help verify the partner’s expertise and track record.