My SuccessConnect 2024 Recap: Core HR, AI and the Cloud

This was my favorite SuccessConnect event to date, and not just because it was in beautiful Lisbon, Portugal, but because the focus was on three of my favorite topics: Core HR (including Payroll), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital HCM transformation and the Cloud.

I have had the pleasure of attending several SuccessFactors CEO kickoff speeches at SuccessConnect events. Without question, SAP SuccessFactors CEO Dan Beck has a particular passion for Core HR and it shows. His enthusiasm, commitment and approachability make him stand out from the pack.

There are dozens of great recaps published, including from my friends and colleagues from the SAP SuccessFactors Confidants group, shown below hobnobbing in our new Confidant swag (extra puffy bomber jackets) with some of our favorite executives: Dan Beck, Maryann Abbajay, Bianca Wolf, Florian Roth, Lara Albert, Todd Asevedo and Siva Sundaresan.

My focus will be on the three takeaways that are most important to me in my role at EPI-USE Labs.

1. Payroll is Sexy

I stole this tagline from colleague Brandon Toombs and his excellent recap, but the sentiment is on point. Payroll is sexy because finally SAP SuccessFactors has turned their focus into its modernization which includes updates to the Payroll Control Center (PCC), planned integration with Artificial Intelligence digital copilot Joule, which was demoed during the keynote, and the addition of position budgeting control workbench with standard integrations to SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, and SAP S/4HANA.

SAP's global payroll offerings have undergone a significant transformation. The market leader now boasts an enhanced user interface, a centralized Payroll Command Center, and integration with its AI-powered Joule allowing employees to inquire about changes in their compensation, with the system delving into the details and providing clear explanations. Industry experts estimate that this feature alone addresses up to 70% of the typical questions posed to HR service centers, making it a game-changer in terms of return on investment.

These advancements underscore SAP's commitment to delivering innovative solutions that empower organizations to manage their global payroll operations with greater efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness to employee needs. Taking a look at the roadmap for Payroll in 2025, it is focused on user experience, business AI, globalization and compliance.

All this is exciting and sexy for me because at EPI-USE Labs we have a focus and commitment on successfully transforming our customers from on-premises HR and Payroll to SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll. Learn more about PRISM for ECP. 

2. Payroll Reporting is still critical

SAP SuccessFactors has delivered several new innovations specifically on the analytics front with more planned for the first half of 2025, including some big announcements starting in February. SAP SuccessFactors has advised that their strategic direction is focused on enhancing the user experience, moving to a future analytics technology and insights using Joule copilot.

Today, the operational reporting engine, Report Stories, is still the go-to for operational reporting, and it includes dozens of report templates for clients to get started. Below is a look at the type of data that is available in Report Stories and the formats in which it can be accessed.

What is critical for me and the approximately 10,000 customers running an SAP ECC or SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll is that Payroll data is currently not available in Report Stories for live operational reporting. Time will tell if it will be added to the roadmap but until then EPI-USE Labs is happy to continue offer the only SAP-certified live reporting solution for all Payroll and Time data, Query Manager. Learn more about Query Manager reporting.

3. HCM Clients need help in moving to the Cloud

There is still a large number of customers who remain in on-premises HR, and/or Time and Payroll deployment that need to make a transformation in line with the guaranteed support date window.

SAP has continued to emphasize that all of the exciting innovation is happening in the SAP SuccessFactors suite. SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central has crossed over 6,500+ customers, including more on-premise customers making the move each quarter. However, there are still customers who may need to take different paths to get to the cloud, based on their current environment. Below is a look at a sample of popular options for existing SAP on-premises payroll customers in line with the guaranteed support end dates.

What we do at EPI-USE Labs is lead with education. We want our clients to understand what each of these options are, and provide them with the data from their own system tied together with their objectives to make the best decision.

If you are not sure where to start, the best place is to start by understanding what you have today. To do that, get a free assessment, the results of which – combined with your goals – will make it easy to decide, and defend your decision on your journey. We are here to help!