How to Choose the Right SAP Implementation Partner

It’s not only important to select the right HR system for your workforce, but also the right implementation partner to help design, build, and support it. Because every business has its own unique set of requirements and business needs, choosing the right SAP SuccessFactors implementation partner is critical. 

What should HR organizations look for in an SAP SuccessFactors implementation partner? Consider the following qualities before your next implementation project. 

The right partner has experienced SAP SuccessFactors consultants.

A good implementation partner has experienced SAP solution experts that advise and consult businesses on how best to design their SuccessFactors system.  Ask questions like: 

• Do I feel comfortable with their SuccessFactors knowledge?
• How many implementation projects have your consultants completed from start to finish?  
• Does the company have experienced consultants across the full SAP SuccessFactors HXM suite?
• How many years of experience do your consultants brings per SuccessFactors module? 
• What percentage of your consultants have multiple SAP certifications or advanced SAP Professional Certifications? 

Look for proven success stories and repeat customers.  

It’s always a good idea to talk to client references. Look for references with similar business needs or within the same or similar industries. Ask questions like: 

• What was the best part about working with the partner? 
• Was the implementation completed on time and on budget? 
• Did the partner accelerate and simplify the implementation process?  
• Dis the partner share any client success stories?
• Would you use the partner again?  

The right SAP partner has a personalized, consultative approach. 

You’ll want a partner that takes the time to fully understand your business needs. A great partner will highlight best practices and talk through key configuration decisions to avoid any unintended consequences down the road. Ask yourself: 

• Have the consultants taken the time to understand my specific business needs? 
• Does the project team actively listen? 

• Do they communicate well and respond quickly to questions? 
• Do they offer solid implementation advice or are they simply planning a “lift and shift” of my existing system? 
• Have they given me a clear roadmap of my transformation? 
• Are they willing to commit named resources to my project, and can I interview those resources in advance? 

Look for HCM professionals with a fun, team dynamic.  

With the potential for some projects to last months at a time, you’ll want to pick an implementation partner that’s not only knowledgeable, but one that’s a good culture fit. You’ll also want choose a company whose team will likely stay for the duration of your project for project continuity. Ask yourself: 

• Are they good culture fit for our organization? 

• Does the company have financial stability and make their own team a high priority?
• Will I enjoy working alongside their project team? 

The right SAP partner offers accelerators and additional services.  

Not all providers focus on improving the implementation experience. Some partners offer innovative tools, accelerators, and services to provide a better experience. Ask yourself: 

• Do they offer tools to simplify tasks, accelerate my project, and reduce risk? 
• What implementation services do they offer? (For example, can they help with data migration, change management, training, UAT test script development, or business process optimization?) 
• Do they offer managed or support services after go-live? 

Selecting the right HR system is just the first step to a successful HCM transformation. The right implementation partner can set you up for success both during the project and well as after the implementation is completed. 

It’s critical to ask the right questions before signing the dotted line to ensure you have the right team in place. Be sure to take the time to talk to the proposed project team, feel confident in their capabilities and culture fit, and verify they have the accelerators, services, and resources needed to streamline your project. In the end, these simple steps will set you up for both project and long-term success.