Integrating SAP SuccessFactors with other systems – for automated HR process management

SAP SuccessFactors – flexible integration

SAP SuccessFactors enables the automation of HR processes across different systems, resulting in improved employee experiences, higher operational efficiency, and better data quality. The solution ensures the consistency of business processes, allowing them to start and finish seamlessly in various tools – regardless of where they originate or end. The most commonly used solutions for this purpose include: APIs as the primary communication interface, SAP Integration Center – a tool for creating simple integrations, and SAP Cloud Integration as an advanced middleware platform.

Given the wide range of possible approaches – including various API types, authentication methods, data formats, integration triggers, and processing logic – the support of experienced experts is essential. They assist not only with the integration process itself but also in designing the proper architecture. Our team of specialists supports organizations in both selecting optimal integration solutions and implementing them comprehensively – from leveraging ready-made, recommended SAP scenarios to fully custom integrations tailored to individual needs, along with the optimization of existing solutions.

In SAP SuccessFactors, the Integration Center tool allows for the creation and configuration of simple integrations without the need for coding. It enables flexible definition of integration triggers: manually, on a schedule (e.g., cyclically – once a month or several times a day), as well as in response to specific events or business rules occurring in the system. The Integration Center can act as both a data source (outbound) and a data receiver (inbound). It supports the creation of client-specific cross-module (internal) integrations, external REST-based integrations, and file-based integrations – for example, in the form of reports exported to tools such as Power BI or other analytics platforms.

SAP SuccessFactors offers out-of-the-box integrations with many popular systems outside the SAP ecosystem, such as Microsoft Teams, LinkedIn, DocuSign, OpenText, or Kronos. Thanks to predefined connectors, standard APIs, and tools such as SAP Integration Suite and Integration Center, quick and flexible integration is possible with systems for identity management, payroll, electronic signature, recruitment, training, or work time tracking.

SuccessFactors API, SAP Cloud Integration middleware, and more

Integrating SAP SuccessFactors with other systems can be done in various ways – depending on the complexity, data scope, and the organization’s specific business needs. One of the most commonly used integration mechanisms is OData API, which is an integral part of SAP SuccessFactors, alongside interfaces such as SOAP API or the older SFAPI. For advanced and scalable implementations, it is recommended to build integrations using the SAP Cloud Integration middleware, operating within the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP). This enables flexible connections between SAP SuccessFactors and any system that supports data exchange – regardless of technology. In addition, it provides full control over the flow of information and convenient management of the entire integration lifecycle. Code-based integrations can be difficult to maintain and time-consuming, especially when frequent modifications are required. Using middleware simplifies this process – allowing for fast implementation of changes, often without the need for coding. As a result, organizations gain greater agility and shorter response times to changing business needs.

Although other integration platforms are also available on the market, the solution offered by SAP stands out for its exceptional flexibility. It also helps effectively bypass the limitations of SAP SuccessFactors when it comes to complex data transformations that are not natively supported by the system.

SAP SuccessFactors – integration with identity management systems (idP)

The integration of SAP SuccessFactors with identity management systems is supported by free tools available as part of the SAP Identity Authentication Service (IAS). They enable the implementation of single sign-on (SSO) using standards such as SAML 2.0 or OpenID Connect (OIDC), allowing integration with popular solutions like Microsoft Entra ID, Active Directory, Okta, or Google Workspace.

SAP IAS handles user authentication in SAP cloud environments, while SAP Identity Provisioning Service (IPS) enables identity data integration – through transferring, mapping, and synchronizing data between source and target systems, according to predefined rules.

SAP SuccessFactors Work Zone – a way to achieve effective integration

SAP SuccessFactors Work Zone is a digital work environment based on the SAP BTP platform that serves as an integration layer, providing users with access to preconfigured UI integration cards and a unified interface for various applications. The data sources for SAP SuccessFactors Work Zone can include other SAP SuccessFactors modules, any SAP systems, or third-party solutions. Importantly, the platform supports integration not only with modern cloud applications but also with legacy systems featuring outdated interfaces. This makes it possible to consolidate them into a single, consistent environment and significantly enhance the employee experience.

Thanks to its built-in advanced search engine, users can search the content of integrated systems in real time without leaving the Work Zone environment. Notably, this solution does not require a dedicated middleware, and data from multiple sources can be displayed directly within a single, unified user interface.

SAP SuccessFactors AI, SAP Joule – in the context of integration

SAP Joule is an intelligent assistant powered by artificial intelligence, another element of the SAP ecosystem that transforms how users interact with data and processes in SAP SuccessFactors. Although it is not a traditional integration tool, its operation is based on existing connections between SAP SuccessFactors and other systems – both SAP and external. By leveraging technologies such as SAP BTP, SAP Graph, SAP Work Zone, as well as preconfigured APIs and connectors, Joule provides users with access to data from multiple sources through a single conversational interface operating in natural language.

Joule unifies access to HR processes and information, regardless of which system the data originates from – for example, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, WorkForce Software, S/4HANA, or Microsoft Teams – significantly simplifying the user experience. This means that employees do not need to know where the data is stored or which tool to use. They simply ask a question, and SAP Joule automatically refers to the correct source, using existing integrations.

This modern approach to using artificial intelligence does not replace traditional system integrations but significantly enhances them – making them more accessible, contextual, and end-user-centric.

Key business benefits of integration

The main benefits of integrating SAP SuccessFactors with other solutions include:

• Centralization of HR processes – employees do not need to use multiple systems to complete their tasks, which streamlines and accelerates operations.

• Shorter HR process execution time – simplified procedures lead to faster actions and better user experiences.

• Error reduction and less manual work – automation of integrations reduces the risk of mistakes and relieves staff from routine tasks.

• Up-to-date HR data – consistent and continuously synchronized information ensures data reliability across the organization.

• Improved reporting and analytics – access to unified data allows for more accurate analysis and informed business decisions.

In situations where the standard functionalities of SAP SuccessFactors do not include solutions specific to a given market, it is worth considering the development of dedicated integrations. Their design and implementation are best entrusted to an experienced implementation partner such as Hicron. Our company not only designs the integration architecture but also handles the entire process comprehensively – from pre-implementation analysis, through the implementation of proposed solutions, to system launch and ongoing maintenance.

A successful implementation starts with a solid plan. Get a practical guide from Hicron and prepare for digital transformation.