SuccessFactors 1H 2021 release updates for Performance & Compensation
On April 16th, over 200 updates were announced for the SuccessFactors 1H Release of 2021. Since the last release, SAP has made numerous, some small — others bigger, changes to improve the overall configuration and use of features in SuccessFactors.
In this sub-blog, we will be covering the most interesting client-focused features for Performance and Compensation.
PERFORMANCE
Continuous Feedback integration with Microsoft Outlook
One of the major releases for the Performance module is the Continuous Feedback integration with Microsoft Outlook. Based on what we’ve read and seen, the integration of SAP SuccessFactors into the Outlook application looks seamless and improves interactivity between the two platforms. Please take note that although announced in this Preview release, it will not be available for testing on the Preview environment.
New calibration features
Another eye-catching feature in Performance is an improved way of creating manager-initiated calibration sessions. Managers can now add or change co-facilitators and add direct reports as session participants when creating a team-specific session.
The calibration feature comes with additional filter options and improved user interface. The latter is also applicable for the entire Performance module: a much more improved layout and look and feel are now part of the user experience.
While the comment details in calibration sessions were quite basic in the previous version, SAP SuccessFactors now added more comment details showing “authorized by”, “created by” and “created date & time”.
Continuous Feedback updates
What about Continuous Feedback? Administrators can now delete feedback where needed. For privacy and security reasons, they will only be able to read the subject line of the feedback message, not the content.
Users will also be able to add attachments when updating or adding performance activities.
To top it off, Continuous Feedback history can now be hidden for future managers. This way you can prevent sensible information from being shared involuntarily.
Last but not least in this release come from the 360 Reviews and the introduction of the Center of Capabilities. Not only has the external rater layout in 360 reviews been updated to the SAP Fiori version, but also the Add Approvers, Development Goal Section, Print Preview and Stack Ranker got an SAP Fiori makeover. The revamp towards SAP Fiori should now allow for an easier addition of approvers, creation of detailed reports, previewing forms, making use of the newly added development section and much more.
Center of Capabilities
The Center of Capabilities will host all competencies that previously existed under Job Profile content, making it much more accessible and user friendly to maintain than in its current form.
Keep in mind that the Center of Capabilities will be a universal update and will be implemented for all customers. The Job Profile content will be migrated to the Center of Capabilities so after the release we recommend customers to check if there are any migration failures. If you need help with this, delaware will be happy to assist you.
Users with the ‘Manage Job Profile Content’ permission should automatically receive permission to the new ‘Manage Center of Capabilities’ where they can manage both Competencies and the Capability Library Structure. As these two areas will have their own permissions, clients can decide whether a given user should access only Competencies, only the Capability Library Structure or both. As always, don’t hesitate to contact us in case you want more information on the permissioning.
COMPENSATION
Copy compensation templates
The Compensation module now offers the option to clone and copy compensation templates from one instance to another. The copy function also includes the move of formulas used in the template as well.
Executive Reviews filter enhancements
Next to that, there are filter enhancements added to Executive Reviews.
This will, among others, allow you to search for multiple users at once, instead of looking up a single user each time.
Eligibility fields
An upgrade in comparison with previous releases is the ability to add standard eligibility fields to Compensation Worksheets within the Compensation Admin Center itself instead of a manual update of the appropriate XML files. This update improves both efficiency and flexibility when configuring worksheets.
Role Based Permissions
To have better control on who accesses what and where, clients will be able to set permissions within the Compensation module itself rather than manage it in Role Based Permissions.
For more information on these Compensation updates, please contact your delaware consultant.
IN CONCLUSION
Whether changes and updates with each release are either big or small, we truly believe that these will keep on improving your user experience with the SF platform step by step.
Revamping and focusing on the 360 Review feature was definitely a strong move from SAP. We believe it has a real added value for Compensation users with a far more flexible flow in comparison with how it was presented up until now.
If you would like to see our take on 360 Review, feel free to re-watch our 1H Spring Release Webinar.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact us for additional help, assistance on info when implementing or moving towards new and updated functionalities.
