We primarily use the solution for many things including performance management, Goal Management, Employee Central, Compensation Management, and SAP Jam, Recruitment, Onboarding.
SAP Project Manager at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Solid processes for talent Management, in General, supported with good analytics reports but needs more Localization when it's come to Master Data and Time Management
Pros and Cons
- "The performance goals and learning management solutions are the product's most valuable features."
- "The solution needs more localization, especially for the Middle East and Russia."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
SuccessFactors has a really solid process for talent management, starting with Goal Management which helps managers and employees build smart goals aligned with business goals. Unique Continues performance management provides another tool for managers to facilitate communication between employees and managers and ensure having high alignment between employees and managers. This helps to have effective performance and better optimize performance process. CPM helps managers to have an accurate picture of their employee's performance to evaluate employee performance all year daily.
From the moment you are evaluating the candidate through recruitment, the process related to review employee performance using Job profile builder will help to have a connecting process between Recruitment and performance.
Having an LMS and Compensation module helps you to have the complete process, where you can use LMS learning to improve weaknesses and reward top performers using compensation.
What is most valuable?
The performance management and learning management solutions are the product's most valuable features.
There are updates and new tools for measuring employees all the time. There's also a mobile application that can be used by anyone within the process.
Analytic reports are also provided, so you don't need another tool to handle reporting. It has its own dashboard and reporting tools that give you a good overview of everything.
What needs improvement?
The solution is losing a lot of utilization capabilities because most companies don't function in just one country; they operate in many around the world. It seems to have issues with handling the master data. One module is not the same across all countries. For example, in one case you will see the coverage of all of the localization processes related to the USA, but when it comes to the UK, it's covering maybe 50%. It's worse in other countries. In the Middle East, you might only get 10% coverage, for example. We were surprised at the level of variance from country to country.
The solution needs more localization, especially for the Middle East and Russia and Germany.
There needs to be more end-user training.
Buyer's Guide
SAP SuccessFactors
December 2025
Learn what your peers think about SAP SuccessFactors. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
879,371 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution since 2012.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability of the solution is good, but I would not say it's perfect. Sometimes it's not 100%. There are occasions when you want to do some technical updates and it will shut down the server for eight to ten hours. Usually, there will be an agreement between SAP and the customer and we try to shut down the server during off-hours. This means, however, that the availability is not 100%. Still, it is, on average, quite stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the solution is good but not perfect. In our company, we have around 200 users and we use it for 16,000 employees. We plan to increase usage to cover 20,000 employees and have plans to roll out the solution to some of our countries in Europe.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is weak.
They have not taken care to put in place any certified consultants that understand the system very well to support you when there are incidents. They seem to just add people that are new, fresh, and don't have a lot of information about the system. They don't have the real capability to solve technical issues. It makes the customers suffer.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Microsoft Dynamics.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. Deployment times will vary from country to country according to the numbers, but most companies can implement it within three to six months.
You need to have some technical people on your team with you. You need one or two just to hand you each module and to help you understand the standard process so you can deploy and not forget any important features. From the business side, you also need from one to two people to be available during the implementation just to ensure that the user acceptance testing is done very well. It's a good idea to have a consultant visit with your team during implementation to check what was implemented inside of the business processes. They will help you understand the limitation of the space.
What about the implementation team?
You need to have a consultant for deployment. Maybe later on in the process, if you are expanding, you don't need help, but you certainly need a consultant at the beginning.
Without having consultants and partners you will not be able to implement it. There is special access required to get to the backend of the system. We call it the low vision indexes. It's only provided to select consultants. Some features that you want to update also may require access to the provisioning.
What was our ROI?
You will probably see an ROI after a year or two. It's great for auditing and there's a lot of reporting built-in so that you can really focus on processes. It will help you reduce manpower which saves money. And, because it can cover and support many companies and countries, it's perfect for multinationals that can now have one overarching system that covers basically everything.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is subscription-based but companies do need to consider other ancillary costs, including upgrades, training, and general implementation costs.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Origin and Workday before ultimately choosing this solution. In 2012, Origin was more on the cloud and Workday mostly just covered America rather than the rest of the world. They also didn't have any classes at the time.
What other advice do I have?
We use the public cloud deployment model with SAP as the provider.
I'd advise others to schedule training for the team that will be handling implementation. It's important to have a reference case and go to other companies familiar with your business to check how it was implemented for them and to see how successful they have been overall. They may have good best practices you can learn from.
Look for a good implementation partner who can take the time to work with you and choose wisely. Some may charge a lot of money and provide low-quality assistance.
You have to know the process before implementation.
It's important to not purchase the license until you decide what you will use the system for and when you will implement it. It will help you avoid paying for a subscription without yet being able to use it or purchasing too large of a license.
I'd rate the solution seven out of ten.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
Public Cloud
If public cloud, private cloud, or hybrid cloud, which cloud provider do you use?
Other
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Consultant at a tech services company with 51-200 employees
Good performance, can be used anywhere and offers good scalability
Pros and Cons
- "The performance of the solution is very good."
- "he user interface could be improved."
What is most valuable?
The performance of the solution is very good.
The solution has a mobile application and is on the cloud so we have the capability to use it anywhere, not just on location.
What needs improvement?
The user interface could be improved.
The pricing model should be adjusted.
It takes a long time to deploy the solution, and it should allow for faster implementation.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using the solution for about a year.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable.
How are customer service and technical support?
The solution's technical support is good.
What other advice do I have?
I'm a consultant and work primarily with hybrid deployment models.
I'd advise others to look at the methodology before implementing it.
Although customers don't like the cloud, it is the future and it shouldn't be feared. You don't need a lot of IT specialists to handle the solution.
I'd rate the solution eight out of ten. I haven't worked on the solution for too long and haven't used a lot of features, but so far it's good. I need to look at workforce analytics a bit more to see if it's a plus for the future.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
SAP SuccessFactors
December 2025
Learn what your peers think about SAP SuccessFactors. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: December 2025.
879,371 professionals have used our research since 2012.
SAP SuccessFactors Function Head
Good performance management, reporting, and more scalable than other solutions
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable feature of this solution is the performance management module."
- "The GUI needs to be enhanced to be in line with the latest and complete version of the solution."
What is our primary use case?
I am a consultant, and this is one of the solutions that my company is currently implementing for one of our clients.
This solution is used for performance management. It can also be used for forms that people have to sign, and it does the validation. You can print documents that have all of the information populated from different business applications. It allows you to manage all of the people without a headache.
This solution contains several features related to performance management. It allows you to record achievements and feedback, and create monthly reports.
This is a public cloud deployment model.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable feature of this solution is the performance management module.
The reporting is very good.
What needs improvement?
The GUI needs to be enhanced to be in line with the latest and complete version of the solution.
We would like to have more information on integrating this solution with other systems, such as financial solutions.
The predictive analysis functionality should be expanded to offer more recommendations.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working with this solution for three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
This is a stable solution.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
This solution is more scalable than other solutions because of the features that it offers.
How are customer service and technical support?
This solution has very good technical support. They are very professional, and we have a good relationship with them.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup of this solution is not complex at all. It is very easy. If we have any issues then we can ask technical support for an answer.
The length of time for deployment depends on the customer and their environment, but I expect that it takes four months at the maximum. For our client, the deployment took approximately three months, and four people were involved. One or two people are sufficient for maintenance.
What about the implementation team?
We are implementing this solution for our client.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The licensing fees are based on the number of modules that are being used, and the number of users. There are no costs in addition to the standard licensing fees.
What other advice do I have?
Many features and improvements have been announced for the next release of this solution. For example, there are many new integrations, including the ability to work with Excel files.
My advice for anybody implementing this solution is to plan ahead based on the organizational structure, and implement it one or two modules at a time.
I would rate this solution a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Program Manager HR-IT at a transportation company with 10,001+ employees
SAP SF EC Support ou HR Transformation Strategy
Pros and Cons
- "The interface is user-friendly. It is very simple and intuitive, so it's good."
- "There should be more connectivity with other systems."
What is our primary use case?
HR Master Data core system. Connected to SAP HCM System for Payroll and Time Management Process.
How has it helped my organization?
This solution support our HR Transformation strategy. Provide ESS and MSS functionalities to employees. Employees has digital access to their data and can start processes that before required paper handling as for example the change of personal data.
Reduce HR works and let the HR organization to focus on strategy instead of repetitive work.
What is most valuable?
ESS and MSS is a powerful functionality of EC. Easy and intuitive use of all the modules is one big attraction. Using EC as HR Core System facilitates the integration of other modules as Talent and Learning, which allow to have a common data framework and facilitates the Reporting.
What needs improvement?
Related to Employee Central, the administration of Global Assignments have room for improvement. It is not so simple to manage the effect of global assignments in the Talent and Learning modules once this is activated in EC. EC Payroll and Time Management should provide more functionalities and flexibility, there is still a big gap between the SAP HCM On Premise System and Employee Central.
For how long have I used the solution?
I just started using SAP SuccessFactors two years ago, but they've been using it in my company for five years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Is quite stable. However we have had some performance issues during the year.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It is scalable. We don't have any issues adding more and more people.
How are customer service and technical support?
Their technical support is okay. Sometimes it can take some time to get a response and it takes some time to resolve some issues. The service is good.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We are still using our SAP HCM systems to process time management and payroll. We decided to move to EC because it supports our HR Transformation strategy and provide digital access to our employees. Our core data is managed by EC as leading system, as a Cloud solution help us to move to the future related to HR data administration.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is somewhat complex. We get the software and it's in the cloud and they still said we'd have to do a lot of integration with our recorded on-premise systems for it. It's not that simple, it's quite complex. There is a lot of coordination involved in order to make it happen.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
Consider cost of subscriptions and costs for implementation partners.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate it an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Information System Manager at a non-tech company with 11-50 employees
Good for management to understand how people are performing
Pros and Cons
- "The most important feature is the ability to follow up on the yearly performance of the team. It's very good for management to understand how people are performing."
- "LMS, Learning Management Systems, needs improvement because there were some stability problems."
What is our primary use case?
I use the cloud deployment model. Our primary use cases of this solution is for making a fall schedule, human resources services. We're starting with the objectives, monitoring performance, efficiency, planning, and then management.
What is most valuable?
The most important feature is the ability to follow up on the yearly performance of the team. It's very good for management to understand how people are performing.
What needs improvement?
LMS, Learning Management Systems, needs improvement because there were some stability problems.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using SuccessFactors for one and a half years.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
It's scalable. We are expanding our business now to 500 employees. Scalability is good. We started with 400 users.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used HCM but I wasn't there when they switched to SuccessFactors. I don't know why they switched.
How was the initial setup?
SAP implementation is not an easy thing. SAP implementation is an issue.
What about the implementation team?
We used a consultant for the deployment.
What other advice do I have?
My advice to someone considering this solution is to focus on your business requirements and get yourself a strong, reliable partner.
I would rate SuccessFactors a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Sr. Supervisor HR at a comms service provider with 10,001+ employees
Made our operations much easier and smoother but the reports need improvement
Pros and Cons
- "The best features that were working well for us was the Goal Management and Performance Management. They were the most valuable to our organization."
- "They should improve the reports."
What is our primary use case?
We use the private deployment model of this solution.
How has it helped my organization?
It was much easier than the previous system. It made things a lot easier and operations much smoother.
What is most valuable?
The best models we used were the Goal Management and Performance Management. They were the most useful. We use three modules in our company, the Goal Management and Performance, the Talent Acquisition, and there's the LMS, the training. The best features that were working well for us was the Goal Management and Performance Management. They were the most valuable to our organization.
What needs improvement?
They should improve the reports. We had a problem with the reporting. If we compare it to Oracle products, Oracle has much more comprehensive and a better reporting system all in all. They really should work on the reports and making it more user-friendly. There's room for more customization in the reporting. This is the feedback I received, that the main edge that all Oracle products have is the reporting system, which is the main reason why I'm using the system in the first place.
In the next release, I would like for them to make the system have a slot for regular, back and forth feedback. It should have a feedback form on the system.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've been using SuccessFactors for around three years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable. We haven't had any problems.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability is good. We can easily expand it. We were able to integrate it with a couple of our systems.
How are customer service and technical support?
We were not happy with their after-sales support. Whenever we had an issue it was really difficult to get in touch with them. There was a problem with asking them about a feature or other things. They weren't as responsive as we would have hoped. During the installation of the system, they replied 24/7. However, after we deployed the system, it was not that easy to get a response.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used Oracle. We switched because SAP is much more user-friendly. We weren't using Taleo or Fusion, we were using Oracle Basic. SAP was user-friendly for our employees.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. SAP was really supportive during this time.
What about the implementation team?
We used a consultant for the deployment and they were very supportive during the time.
What other advice do I have?
I would advise someone considering this solution that they need to really look into their requirements and be very specific regarding the requirements when getting their orientation on the system and creating the requirement documents. They really need to to be very specific and very detailed in their requirements. Make sure to understand all the features and capabilities of the system.
I would rate it a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Deputy Human Resources Coordinator at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees
The interface is really useful and it's very easy to combine different information and to create reports
Pros and Cons
- "The interface is really useful and it's very easy to combine different information. For example, we can easily get reports that we need. It's very easy to create reports."
- "Some of the screens aren't that user-friendly, older employees especially have a hard time with it. They have some problems with it."
What is our primary use case?
The administration parts and PA modules are on-prem but the talent management recruitment part is on the cloud. We have 22 different companies and we selected this solution so every employee can have a main point of connection.
What is most valuable?
The interface is really useful and it's very easy to combine different information. For example, we can easily get reports that we need. It's very easy to create reports.
What needs improvement?
Some of the screens aren't that user-friendly, older employees especially have a hard time with it. They have some problems with it.
Challenge management parts should be improved. Also, the recruitment part module should be improved to help managers to select the right person without an HR.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using SuccessFactors for three months.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
It is stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
We don't have problems with scalability.
How are customer service and technical support?
We haven't needed to use support yet.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
Before using this solution we used Excel.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup was straightforward. It's very easy on the cloud.
What about the implementation team?
We used a consultant for the deployment.
What other advice do I have?
Be sure about your processes. If you know how to plan your processes and needs, it's very easy to deploy it.
I would rate it a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Human Resources Officer at a non-profit with 10,001+ employees
Has a lot of flexibility but it doesn't give us the flexibility to integrate to other modules
Pros and Cons
- "It's brought to our organization a big big improvement. We would give it a good rating."
- "We have many interruptions and disconnection points into processes, which is why we are looking to another solution. We are not so happy with the system. We believe we have in the market better solution, so we are looking for alternatives but so far the system has been used a lot."
What is our primary use case?
SAP is our ERP. On the cloud we only have SuccessFactors for the recruitment.
What is most valuable?
We are currently looking for a better solution enabling us to better analytics. So SAP on-premise is pretty old and while it allows a lot of flexibility, it doesn't give us the flexibility to integrate to other modules. We have many interruptions and disconnection points into processes, which is why we are looking to another solution. We are not so happy with the system. We believe we have in the market better solution, so we are looking for alternatives but so far the system has been used a lot. It's brought to our organization a big big improvement. We would give it a good rating.
What needs improvement?
The analytics part could be improved. Analytics are pretty poor plus some usability parts need improvement but in the end, the process is covered. In some cases, we don't have the possibilities to reverse the workflow. Overall, the product is a good product, I'm not saying it's bad. We are just looking for an integrated platform and of course, SuccessFactors is one of the possibilities. We are evaluating several alternatives.
In the next release, I would like to have the possibility to reverse workflows. There should be better automation. On the scoring, it's pretty fine. It really depends on the way you manage your recruiting. We are a wide organization so we have these type of issues. But for the normal recruiting process, it's more than enough.
For how long have I used the solution?
We implemented SuccessFactors in 2016 so we've been using it for three years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The system is pretty stable. We have not had big issues with that.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
Scalability needs improvement.
What other advice do I have?
I would definitely recommend SuccessFactors but I think the roadmap for a better product needs to happen. Our overall rating is good but I think there is space for improvement.
I would rate it a seven out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Download our free SAP SuccessFactors Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Updated: December 2025
Popular Comparisons
Oracle HCM Cloud
PeopleSoft
Eightfold Talent Intelligence Platform
DarwinBox
BambooHR
PeopleStrong
Dayforce HCM
ADP Workforce Now
ADP GlobalView Payroll
SmartRecruiters
IBM Kenexa
Buyer's Guide
Download our free SAP SuccessFactors Report and get advice and tips from experienced pros
sharing their opinions.
Quick Links
Learn More: Questions:
- What are the biggest differences between Workday, PeopleSoft, and SAP SuccessFactors?
- Feedback on SumTotal Talent.
- What is better, SAP HCM or SAP SuccessFactors?
- What are the biggest differences between Workday, Oracle Cloud and SAP SuccessFactors?
- What is the difference between using Oracle Fusion and SAP SuccessFactors?
- What should I choose: SAP SuccessFactors or Oracle HCM Cloud?
- Which is better for concurrent employment: Oracle Fusion or SuccessFactors?
- When evaluating Cloud HCM, what aspect do you think is the most important to look for?
- Which HRMS solution do you prefer and why?
- Why is Cloud HCM important for companies?














