In the recently published Definitive Guide to Getting Started with SAP Cloud Core HR and Payroll Rapid Deployment Solutions, we provide answers to the most frequently asked questions around SAP SuccessFactors Rapid Deployment solutions (RDS). As a continuation, we would like to walk you through our Best Practices content in a more detailed way. And we would also like to shed some light on where to find and, in particular, how, why and when to use the different assets that are part of the Best Practices documentation.
Before we start deep-diving into the implementation content, it’s important to understand two underlying concepts. The first concept is the one of SAP SuccessFactors Rapid Deployment solutions itself. These RDS consist of three components: the Best Practices documentation (1), including implementation content such as configuration guides, process diagrams, test scripts, etc., an implementation service (2) delivered by SAP or partners and, lastly, a pre-configured SAP SuccessFactors instance (3). To make use of this pre-configured instance, an instance refresh needs to be requested via SAP Support Portal. I’ll come back to that process later on. For now, it is important to understand that the Best Practices documentation (1) is free of charge for anyone with a Service Marketplace ID.
The second concept is all about the structure and what we call the “building block” concept of rapid-deployment solutions. Every SAP SuccessFactors rapid-deployment solution has a defined number of scope items that leave implementers the flexibility to select the scope of the RDS – these scope items are usually business processes. Looking at the technical side, building blocks are assigned to each scope item. These building blocks contain customizing steps and they are required to set up the scope items in the system. It’s important to understand that a specific set of building blocks is required in a defined sequence to set up each scope item. Each building block is fully documented and contains a configuration guide that we deliver as part of the best practices documentation.
With these two concepts in mind, let’s have a closer look again at where the best practices documentation can be accessed and downloaded (remember that it comes for free as long as you have a Service Marketplace ID).
In general, all the Best Practices content is accessible on SAP Service Marketplace: http://service.sap.com/public/rds. Here’s a direct link for accessing SAP SuccessFactors Rapid Deployment solutions. You will find a dedicated webpage for each RDS that we offer. These pages give you the opportunity to explore the different scope items of each package as well as the technical prerequisites. If you would like to see a demo of the process steps covered with a particular RDS, go have a look at the scope-item simulation.
In order to download a specific RDS, please click on the orange “Download Package” button, then select “Installation” and then click on the file number in the column “Download object”. This will trigger the download of a zip-file. Click on the HTML file that has the word “start” in its file name. This file will open the Content Library, containing the entire set of Best Practices documentation.
The Content Library of SAP SuccessFactors Rapid Deployment solutions looks similar to what we see in the screenshot below (please click on it to enlarge) – in this case I picked the SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central rapid-deployment solution as an example for you to understand how to use the different assets provided in the Content Library.
Here’s our recommendation:
1. Get a detailed overview of the different scope items.
If you want to get a detailed understanding of a particular scope item, consult the corresponding process diagram and the test script. Make sure you filter the relevant scope item groups by ticking the checkboxes under the header “Solution Scope”. In addition, the scope-item simulation walks you through the most relevant business processes covered with each scope-item.
2. Take a look at the software and delivery requirements document.
This document will tell you all you need to know about technical prerequisites in terms of systems and tools.
3. Request an instance refresh: Check the SAP Note and the Configuration Guide: Getting Started.
Almost all of our SAP SuccessFactors Rapid Deployment solutions come with a pre-configured SAP SuccessFactors instance. To leverage the pre-configured content in this instance, a request for a refresh of your or your customers’ instance (development system) with the RDS instance is needed. You will find detailed information on how to request the instance refresh in the SAP Note – please note that there is a PowerPoint presentation attached to the SAP Note containing a detailed step-by-step guide for requesting the refresh. Once you have refreshed your instance, you will learn how to get started with your instance by going through the Configuration Guide: Getting Started that is attached to the SAP Note (see “Quick Guide”).
4. Consult the Prerequisites Matrix
Most rapid-deployment solutions contain multiple Configuration Guides. The Prerequisites Matrix provides the right sequence for implementing these Configuration Guides in order to set up a specific scope item or even the complete package.
5. Implement the RDS by using the Building Block Configuration Guides and the Workbooks
Deploy the solution by implementing the Building Block Configuration Guides according to the Prerequisites Matrix. In addition, the workbooks will provide you with a detailed list of the content provided in the pre-configured instance to help you get up to speed with your implementation.
6. Use the test scripts to test the process
Use the detailed test scripts to test the pre-configured process in your system.
Additional documents that might be useful for you:
7. Project Schedule
The Project Schedule provides you with a list of aggregated durations and skills that are required for implementing the RDS.
8. Employee Upload How to Guide
This guide will highlights the steps necessary to import sample test employees into your system. Along with this guide, sample employee import files are available to import test employees. These employees are for testing purposes only. But you can use the sample test employees import files as an example to create your own files to load your employee data into the system.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at SAP_RDS_SuccessFactors@sap.com.
Also, one quick note: a new free openSAP course is about to start on this very same topic. It’s called “Implementation Made Simple for SAP SuccessFactors Solutions” and is a 5-week course starting on March 9th. It’s all about showing you how to apply the Best Practices for your own unique business needs. The goal of the course is to walk you through the tools and guides included in the RDS best practices content for an “implementation made simple” for each of the SuccessFactors solutions including core HR, payroll, talent, and more. Register here: https://open.sap.com/courses/sf3.
Good luck with your implementation endeavors and see you in the course!
