The strategy developed by SAP is largely based on Agile methodologies. They are highly flexible, allowing implementation teams and Clients to determine the sequence of activities performed within a project on an ongoing basis, while maintaining their defined scope.
Implementing new HR solutions often takes place in a changing environment that requires “plasticity” in the strategy adopted. The experience of Hicron experts shows that the SAP Activate methodology is ideal for implementing SAP SuccessFactors.
What is the SAP Activate methodology?
SAP Activate is an implementation strategy developed by SAP. It is based on the ASAP methodology created and used by the vendor in the past. However, it needed to be updated and adapted to the expectations of a modern Client. As a result, it has been refreshed and modified based on the company’s experience in global implementation and functionality expansions projects. SAP Activate is also based on best practices recommended by PMI and aligned with the methodology of the Project Management Institute. Its use increases project security, streamlines processes, shortens implementation time, and reduces costs and maintenance.
The areas in which tasks are performed when implementing the SAP Activate methodology are:
- project management,
- solution design,
- solution configuration,
- solution review,
- integration design,
- project team preparation,
- data migration design and preparation,
- integration preparation,
- solution testing,
- solution launch,
- change management,
- support preparation,
- system management.
What are the project management phases in the SAP Activate methodology?
The strategy developed by SAP ensures that the teams using it are supported at every stage of implementation. At Hicron, we adapt it to the individual needs of the company where we conduct the implementation, so that each phase of the project takes as long as the Client’s company require.
The project cycle in the SAP Activate methodology is divided into the phases listed below
- PHASE I: DISCOVER – focuses on the Clients’ own discovery of the benefits of implementing SAP SuccessFactors; at this stage, the Hicron implementation team examines the needs, challenges, risks, and expectations of the Client’s teams (both on the project side and the end-user side); all this is done in a workshop format, which helps carefully consider every aspect of the implementation; knowing the specifics of the company we are working with, together with its employees we define the scope of the project, plan the path to achieve the goal, and finally, we present a test version of the SAP SuccessFactors system to give the Clients the opportunity to familiarize themselves with its capabilities and verify their expectations; together with the company, we create a business transformation strategy and move to the next stage of work.
- PHASE II: PREPARE – this phase is focused on preparing the company for system implementation; as an implementation partner, Hicron plans the entire project together with the people involved in the undertaking, especially the Client’s management; at this stage, the communication methods are selected, the entire strategy is written in detail, and all formal issues are discussed; people who can substitute for important project members are also identified; almost twenty years of experience of our experts at Hicron in this case translates into the use of best business practices and the creation of proven patterns that can be modified to suit the specific needs of the project; once this phase is completed, together with the Client we move on to the next one.
- PHASE III: EXPLORE – this phase is primarily based on proper communication between the Client’s team and Hicron’s implementation specialists; the success of the entire project is possible only if the parties understand each other properly; this requires consistent communication in the teams and appropriate preparation; as part of this phase, additional trainings and workshops related to the ongoing implementation can be conducted; however, the main purpose is to define a path based on best business practices that will enable the company to achieve its strategic goals; measures are also taken to streamline the organization’s workflow, which should ultimately lead to full utilization of the potential of the SAP SuccessFactors implementation; based on the joint work of the Client’s teams and Hicron experts, a Requirements Register is created, taking into account all the necessary modifications identified during this stage of work; if all the necessary activities related to the implementation of this stage have been completed, it is possible to move on to the next stage.
- PHASE IV: REALIZE – this phase aims to complete and refine all the work that has been done so far; tasks are performed in the form of sprints, paying particular attention to the priorities established in the previous phases; the sprints are recorded in the Requirements Register; if mock-ups, templates, and the like have been done earlier, the efficiency and functionality of the project is checked again, with appropriate tests and demonstration sessions; the goal is to provide the Client with an implementation that meets their individual needs; at this stage, key users from the Client’s side also participate in the training, together with other members of the project team, and share their opinions on the results of the implementation; all changes and findings are recorded in the appropriate spaces, so that the documentation of the entire implementation process is complete; once this phase is over, the project is approved and submitted for further testing.
- PHASE V: DEPLOY – a final stage of the project during which the product goes live; after successful verifications and tests, the project team on both sides prepares the system for launch; both the Client’s users and Hicron experts make sure that each area works without any problems; at this stage, data is migrated, archived, and closely monitored to exclude any complications; this phase also requires appropriate training of teams (not only HR) for proper use of SAP SuccessFactors; at Hicron, we recommend conducting change management activities in advance, which allows for full understanding of the need to implement the new system; users are prepared not only for the go-live of the software, but also for its proper maintenance; this phase ends with the launch of SAP SuccessFactors in the Client’s company.
- PHASE VI: RUN – this phase is considered the last stage of SAP SuccessFactors implementation, in accordance with the SAP Activate methodology; it is a period referred to as “hypercare”, during which the new system is monitored with special attention; the implementation team on the part of Hicron and the Client takes care of the new tool using their excellent knowledge of its specifics; as a result, any potential complications can be identified, reacted to immediately, and corrected as soon as possible; in accordance with the provisions of the contract, the maintenance of the system is carried out by a maintenance team or another team specified in the project documentation; specific parameters developed by Hicron allow our experts to properly monitor the system life cycle in the following months; based on established standards, data collected from SAP SuccessFactors is analyzed, and maintenance teams prepare strategies for its development, improvement, or expansion of competences, which are consulted with observations from the Client’s side, and on the basis of which further actions are planned; this is the final phase of an SAP SuccessFactors implementation project, but it does not end there, because as long as the Client cooperates with the Hicron experts, they are supported by their specialized activities and consultations.
How does using the SAP Activate methodology impact the success of SAP an SuccessFactors implementation?
Each of the above phases of an implementation project is designed to ensure that the Client receives the highest quality system that meets their unique needs. Following these steps guarantees the highest level of implementation security. Each stage is accompanied by a team of experienced experts who properly prepare the Client’s implementation teams. In addition, the SAP Activate methodology is the most effective way to implement any SAP solution (not just SAP SuccessFactors). It was developed by the vendor and assumes the use of their best practices. Executing these phases in an enterprise with the support of professional and trusted SAP partners is a direct path to implementation success.
Why Hicron?
Hicron experts have been specializing in SAP implementations for almost twenty years. We have also worked with the vendor to create a compendium of knowledge that guides our Clients through the implementation process from start to finish. Companies around the world have trusted us by choosing our support in the implementation of SAP SuccessFactors systems. Do you need a professional advisor in implementing systems for your HR? Choose Hicron and contact our consultants!
