SA01. Curriculum Design - SAP SuccessFactors Platform Foundations

Bootcamp / Workshop 2026 Topics for SAP SuccessFactors - Platform Foundation

Aspirational Curriculum for SAP SuccessFactors Platform Foundation Plus :

SAP SuccessFactors Platform Foundation Plus Curriculum

Unit 1: Introduction to SAP SuccessFactors

• Origins of SuccessFactors and acquisition by SAP

• Key milestones in the platform's development

• Employee Central

• Recruiting

• Onboarding

• Learning

• Performance & Goals

• Compensation

• Succession & Development

• Cloud-based infrastructure

• Integration with SAP and non-SAP systems

• Differentiating between Provisioning and Instance

• Login procedures and security best practices

• Navigation basics for administrators

Unit 2: SAP SuccessFactors Provisioning

• Obtaining provisioning access

• Security considerations for provisioning users

• Understanding the provisioning interface

• Key areas within provisioning

• Creating and managing company instances

• Configuring system-wide settings

• Managing user accounts and permissions

Unit 3: SAP SuccessFactors Administration

• Purpose and functionality of Admin Center

• Navigating the Admin Center interface

• Exploring available administrative tools

• Customizing Admin Center tiles for efficiency

• Setting up favorites for frequent tasks

• Utilizing quick access features for streamlined administration

Unit 4: Security and Permissions

• Principles of RBP in SuccessFactors

• Creating and managing roles

• Assigning permissions to roles

• Understanding proxy functionality

• Setting up and managing proxy users

• Best practices for proxy usage

• Configuring company system settings

• Logo management and branding options

• Platform feature activation and deactivation

Unit 5: Core Administrative Tasks

• Configuring and using Admin Alerts

• Performing system health checks

• Utilizing the Check Tool for configuration validation

• Modifying system access settings

• Managing user authentication methods

• Implementing single sign-on (SSO)

• Using the Schedule Job Manager

• Creating and managing recurring jobs

• Monitoring job execution with Execution Manager

• Understanding the SuccessFactors release cycle

• Navigating the Upgrade Center

• Planning and executing system upgrades

Unit 6: User Experience Configuration

• Implementing Action Search

• Customizing search functionality

• Creating and managing custom navigation links

• Designing an effective home page layout

• Configuring Quick Cards for rapid access to information

• Managing mobile settings and permissions

• Optimizing the mobile user experience

• Setting up email notifications

• Customizing notification templates

• Managing alert preferences

• Applying custom themes and branding

• Creating and managing text replacements

• Implementing multi-language support

• Customizing Legal Scan functionality

• Implementing and managing disclaimers and agreements

Unit 7: People Profile and Data Management

• Understanding the Succession Data Model structure

• Configuring data model elements

• Managing business configuration settings

• Customizing fields and picklists

• Creating and managing picklists

• Implementing dependent picklists

• Understanding the User Data File structure

• Importing and exporting user data

• Data quality management techniques

Unit 8: Metadata Framework (MDF) and Business Rules

• Understanding the purpose and benefits of MDF

• MDF object types and relationships

• Creating custom MDF objects

• Defining fields, associations, and rules for MDF objects

• Creating and managing business rules

• Implementing complex logic with rule conditions

• Testing and troubleshooting business rules

• Utilizing the Business Configuration Tool with MDF blocks

• Extending the Succession Data Model with custom objects

Unit 9: Advanced Features and Integrations

• Configuring the Job Description Manager

• Utilizing the Job Profile Builder

• Implementing Talent Intelligence Hub features

• Setting up and managing Opportunity Marketplace

• Configuring Dynamic Teams

• Understanding Instance Sync and Instance Refresh processes

• Implementing and managing Instance Sync

• Best practices for Instance Refresh

• Overview of OData APIs in SuccessFactors

• Implementing and managing Intelligent Services

• Integration scenarios and best practices

Document Management

• Configuring document storage and management

• Implementing document workflows and approvals

• Understanding data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR)

• Implementing data privacy features in SuccessFactors

• Managing data retention and deletion policies

• Overview of accessibility features in SuccessFactors

• Configuring and testing for accessibility compliance

Unit 10: Release Management and Resources

• Understanding the SuccessFactors release cycle

• Utilizing the What's New Viewer for release information

• Planning and communicating system updates

• Accessing SAP documentation and knowledge base

• Utilizing SAP Community and forums

• Understanding support processes and best practices

• Overview of self-service reporting solutions

• Configuring and running standard reports

• Introduction to People Analytics capabilities

Track O : Product

• This track focuses on a range of innovative HR products like SAP SuccessFactors/Workday/Darwinbox/Oracle, etc tailored to streamline operations.

• Access cutting-edge tools designed to boost efficiency and productivity within your HR department.

• Empower your HR team with advanced solutions aimed at enhancing employee experiences.

• Discover new technologies and platforms that revolutionize traditional HR practices.

• Stay ahead of the curve by integrating state-of-the-art tools into your HR operations.

• Elevate your company's HR strategies with the latest advancements in HR technology.

Track 01 : Process

• This track focuses on understanding and improving HR business processes within an organization.

• Learn how to analyze, map (using Process Modelling tools like Signavio, ARIS, MS Visio etc), and optimize HR workflows to increase efficiency and productivity.

• Gain insights into process automation, workflow design, and process improvement methodologies.

• Explore best practices for streamlining HR processes and delivering a seamless employee experience.

• Acquire the skills needed to identify bottlenecks, implement process changes, and measure their impact.

Track 02 : Strategy & Architecture

• Dive into the strategic aspects of HR technology and its alignment with organizational goals.

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of HR technology strategy and its role in driving business success.

• Learn how to design and implement HR technology architectures that support organizational objectives.

• Explore frameworks for assessing technology needs, conducting vendor evaluations, and creating technology roadmaps.

• Gain insights into the integration of HR technology with overall business strategies.

Track 03 : Operation & Security

• This track focuses on the day-to-day operation of HR technology systems and platforms.

• Learn how to effectively manage HR data, ensure data integrity, and maintain data security.

• Gain knowledge of HR system administration, user support, and troubleshooting techniques.

• Explore reporting and analytics capabilities within HR systems to drive data-driven decision-making.

• Acquire skills in managing system upgrades, integrations, and vendor relationships.

Track 04 : Implementation

• In this track, learn how to successfully implement HR technology solutions within an organization.

• Gain insights into project scoping, requirements gathering, and vendor selection processes.

• Explore implementation methodologies, change management strategies, and user adoption techniques.

• Learn how to plan and execute data migration, system configuration, and testing activities.

• Acquire skills in project planning, resource management, and stakeholder communication.

Track 05 : Migration

• This track focuses on the process of migrating HR technology systems from one platform to another.

• Learn about the challenges and considerations involved in data migration, including data cleansing and transformation.

• Explore migration strategies, tools, and techniques to ensure a smooth transition.

• Gain insights into system compatibility, data mapping, and integration with existing systems.

• Acquire skills in managing migration projects, minimizing disruptions, and ensuring data accuracy.

Track 06 : Integration

• In this track, learn how to integrate HR technology systems with other business applications.

• Gain insights into integration methodologies, APIs, and data synchronization techniques.

• Explore best practices for integrating HR systems with payroll, benefits, and talent management platforms.

• Learn how to design and implement data flows between systems to enable seamless processes.

• Acquire skills in troubleshooting integration issues, monitoring data integrity, and optimizing system performance.

Track 07 : Quality Assurance

• This track focuses on ensuring the quality and reliability of HR technology systems and applications.

• Learn how to develop and execute test plans, test cases, and test scripts.

• Gain insights into different testing techniques, including functional, regression, and performance testing.

• Explore quality assurance frameworks, tools, and methodologies specific to HR technology.

• Acquire skills in defect tracking, issue resolution, and ensuring compliance with quality standards.

Track 08 : AMS

• In this track, learn about Application Management Services (AMS) for HR technology systems.

• Gain insights into the support and maintenance activities required to keep HR systems running smoothly.

• Learn about incident management, problem resolution, and service level agreements (SLAs).

• Explore best practices for system monitoring, performance optimization, and capacity planning.

• Acquire skills in managing vendor relationships, coordinating system updates, and user support.

Track 09 : Certification

• This track focuses on achieving certifications related to HR technology platforms and applications.

• Learn about different certification programs and their requirements.

• Gain insights into the benefits of certifications for career advancement and professional development.

• Prepare for certification exams through targeted training and exam preparation strategies.

• Acquire the knowledge and skills needed to successfully pass certification exams and earn credentials.

Track 10 : Interview Preparation

• This track is designed to help individuals prepare for HR technology-related job interviews.

• Gain insights into common interview questions and how to effectively answer them.

• Learn about key HR technology concepts, trends, and industry best practices to showcase during interviews.

• Acquire skills in presenting your experience, achievements, and technical expertise with confidence.

• Receive guidance on resume building, interview etiquette, and post-interview follow-up.

Track 11 : Presales

• In this track, learn about the presales process for HR technology solutions.

• Gain insights into understanding customer requirements and tailoring solutions to meet their needs.

• Learn how to conduct product demonstrations, prepare proposals, and create sales collateral.

• Explore techniques for building relationships with prospects, overcoming objections, and closing deals.

• Acquire skills in sales presentations, negotiation, and effectively positioning HR technology solutions.

Track 12 : Project Management

• This track focuses on project management principles and practices specific to HR technology initiatives.

• Learn how to plan, execute, and monitor HR technology projects from initiation to closure.

• Gain insights into project scope management, resource allocation, and risk mitigation.

• Explore techniques for managing project timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.

• Acquire skills in project documentation, communication, and leading cross-functional project teams.

Track 13 : Product Management

• In this track, learn about product management in the context of HR technology solutions.

• Gain insights into product ideation, market research, and product roadmap development.

• Learn how to prioritize features, gather user feedback, and drive product enhancements.

• Explore techniques for product positioning, pricing strategies, and go-to-market planning.

• Acquire skills in product lifecycle management, competitive analysis, and customer-centric product development.

Track 14 : Emerging Trends

• This track focuses on exploring the latest trends and innovations in HR technology.

• Gain insights into emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotic process automation.

• Learn how these technologies are transforming HR practices and shaping the future of work.

• Explore case studies and real-world examples of organizations leveraging emerging technologies in HR.

• Acquire knowledge to stay up-to-date with industry trends and make informed technology decisions.

Track 15 : Podcast/Videos

• In this track, explore HR technology-related podcasts and video content.

• Gain insights from industry experts, thought leaders, and practitioners through engaging discussions.

• Learn about the latest trends, best practices, and real-world experiences shared by the podcast hosts and video creators.

• Explore a variety of formats, including interviews, panel discussions, and educational content.

• Acquire knowledge and stay connected with the HR technology community through audio and visual media.

Track 16 : Resources

• This track provides access to a curated collection of HR technology resources.

• Gain insights into recommended books, articles, whitepapers, and research papers on HR technology.

• Explore online courses, webinars, and workshops to expand your knowledge and skills.

• Access toolkits, templates, and guides to support your HR technology initiatives.

• Acquire a comprehensive set of resources to deepen your understanding and excel in the HR technology field.

Track 17 : Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series

• In this track, participate in interactive sessions where your Mentor/Coach/HR technology experts answer your questions or give directions .

• Gain insights into specific challenges, industry trends, and best practices through live Q&A sessions.

• Learn from the experiences and expertise of seasoned professionals in the HR technology field.

• Explore a wide range of topics based on the questions asked by the participants.

• Acquire valuable knowledge and practical advice through these interactive AMA sessions.

Track 18 : Industry Specialization Series

Track 19 : Pure Research

SuccessLabs Academy: A Safe Collaboration Space for HR Tech

Why Join?

• Cross-sector collaboration: Connect with leading academicians and industry experts in HR Tech

• Innovation incubator: Develop and refine cutting-edge ideas in a supportive environment

• Knowledge sharing: Gain insights from both theoretical research and real-world applications

• Networking opportunities: Build relationships with potential research partners and industry collaborators

What to Expect

• Regular workshops and seminars: Engage in thought-provoking discussions on the latest HR Tech trends and challenges

• Collaborative research projects: Participate in joint initiatives that combine academic rigor with industry relevance

• Access to resources: Utilize shared tools, datasets, and facilities to support your research and development efforts

• Mentorship programs: Connect with experienced professionals and researchers for guidance and support

How to Get Involved

1. Express your interest: Reach out to us at [email protected] with a brief introduction and your areas of expertise in HR Tech.

2. Attend our kickoff event: Join our virtual orientation session to learn more about the collaboration space and meet potential partners.

3. Propose a project or research idea: Share your vision for advancing HR Tech and find like-minded collaborators within the community.

GICS Sector-Specific Case Studies: Platform Foundations Implementation

Case Study 1: Energy Sector - Nordic Energy Corporation

• Implemented unified instance strategy supporting multiple legal entities and business units across energy types

• Configured role-based permissions framework with works council consultation workflows

• Established MDF foundation for energy-specific custom objects (asset certifications, safety credentials)

• Implemented Talent Intelligence Hub for skills-based workforce transformation tracking

• Configured multi-language support for 15 countries with localized picklists and translations

• 99% system uptime during energy transition workforce transformation

• Role-based permission accuracy of 100% across all user types

• Custom MDF objects supporting 50+ energy-specific data requirements

• Multilingual platform supporting seamless user experience in 12 languages

• Foundation enabling successful integration of 8 SuccessFactors modules

Case Study 2: Materials Sector - Global Mining Corporation

• Configured instance with offline-capable mobile access for remote site workers

• Implemented position-based organizational structure supporting FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) operations

• Established comprehensive picklist management for safety certifications and mining-specific roles

• Created business rules for automated safety credential validation and expiry alerts

• Configured proxy management enabling site supervisors to act on behalf of workers with limited system access

• Mobile platform adoption rate of 85% across remote mining sites

• Automated safety credential tracking reducing compliance incidents by 60%

• Business rules processing 10,000+ automated validations monthly

• Proxy management enabling 95% reduction in administrative bottlenecks

• Platform supporting integration with mining-specific safety and operations systems

Case Study 3: Industrials Sector - Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

• Configured advanced security permissions with segregation of duties for classified programs

• Implemented MDF objects for security clearance tracking and DCAA compliance documentation

• Established role-based permissions aligned with ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) requirements

• Configured people profile with custom fields for government contract position assignments

• Implemented Integration Center foundations for defense contractor compliance reporting

• 100% security clearance compliance with zero audit findings

• Government contract reporting automation saving 500 hours per quarter

• ITAR compliance built into role-based permission framework

• Successful security audit with commendation for system controls

• Platform supporting complex matrix organization with program-based security zones

Case Study 4: Consumer Discretionary - Global Retail Corporation

• Implemented store format-based organizational structure templates for rapid replication

• Configured Job Profile Builder with retail role hierarchies and competency frameworks

• Established picklist management for store formats, seasonal roles, and omnichannel positions

• Implemented Instance Sync for test-to-production promotion of seasonal configurations

• Configured Intelligent Services for automated workforce planning recommendations

• New store configuration time reduced from 3 weeks to 2 days

• Seasonal workforce scaling supporting 40% headcount increase in 4 weeks

• Picklist management enabling consistent role definitions across 2,500 stores

• Instance Sync reducing configuration errors by 90%

• Intelligent Services providing workforce recommendations with 85% accuracy

Case Study 5: Consumer Staples - Food & Beverage Manufacturer

• Configured people profile with food safety certification custom fields (HACCP, GMP, SQF)

• Implemented business rules for automated certification expiry notifications and compliance validation

• Established MDF framework for quality assurance documentation and audit trail requirements

• Configured Instance Refresh capabilities for M&A integration scenarios

• Implemented document management integration for food safety compliance documentation

• 100% food safety certification compliance across manufacturing workforce

• Automated certification tracking reducing compliance team workload by 40%

• M&A integration time reduced from 6 months to 8 weeks using Instance Refresh

• Audit-ready documentation with complete historical tracking

• Platform supporting acquisition of 12 brands with seamless integration

Case Study 6: Health Care - Integrated Healthcare System

• Implemented comprehensive MDF objects for medical licenses, board certifications, and DEA tracking

• Configured role-based permissions aligned with HIPAA privacy requirements and separation of duties

• Established business rules for automated license renewal alerts and credentialing validation

• Configured people profile supporting clinical privileges, specialty tracking, and union membership

• Implemented Integration Center foundations for state licensing board data synchronization

• 100% compliance with state medical licensing requirements

• Automated credentialing validation reducing physician onboarding time by 45 days

• HIPAA-compliant role-based permissions with zero privacy violations

• Business rules processing 5,000+ license validations monthly

• Platform supporting integration with electronic medical records and clinical systems

Case Study 7: Financials - Global Banking Corporation

• Configured advanced security permissions supporting regulatory exam requirements (MiFID II, Dodd-Frank)

• Implemented MDF objects for financial services licensing tracking (Series 7, CFA, CPA, local licenses)

• Established role-based permissions with maker-checker controls and segregation of duties

• Configured people profile with Material Risk Taker designation and regulatory reporting fields

• Implemented business rules for automated licensing compliance and conduct risk flagging

• 100% regulatory licensing compliance across all jurisdictions

• Material Risk Taker reporting automation saving 200 hours per quarter

• Segregation of duties controls preventing 98% of potential compliance violations

• Regulatory examination with zero findings related to HR systems controls

• Platform supporting complex global mobility with regulatory compliance tracking

Case Study 8: Information Technology - Global Software Company

• Implemented flexible organizational management supporting agile squad-based structures

• Configured Job Profile Builder with technology stack-based skill taxonomies (cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity)

• Established Instance Sync for rapid configuration replication across acquired companies

• Configured role-based permissions supporting location-flexible remote work models

• Implemented Talent Intelligence Hub for skills-based workforce planning and internal mobility

• New hire configuration time reduced from 15 to 3 days supporting rapid growth

• M&A integration time reduced by 60% using Instance Sync capabilities

• Remote work flexibility enabling 40% geographic expansion of talent pool

• Skills taxonomy supporting internal mobility with 250% increase in internal transfers

• Platform supporting agile transformation with dynamic team structures

Case Study 9: Communication Services - Telecommunications Operator

• Configured organizational management supporting network technology-based structures (legacy copper, fiber, 5G)

• Implemented business rules for workforce transformation tracking and reskilling pathways

• Established MDF framework for network technology certifications and skill tracking

• Configured people profile supporting customer service center operations with workload forecasting integration

• Implemented picklist management for retail store formats and field technician territories

• Network transformation visibility enabling 3,500 employee reskilling programs

• Business rules supporting automated career pathway recommendations

• Platform configuration supporting 15% workforce reduction with compliance tracking

• Customer service center optimization improving efficiency by 22%

• Foundation enabling successful 5G rollout across 20 countries

Case Study 10: Utilities - Electric & Gas Utility Company

• Implemented MDF objects for NERC CIP personnel security requirements and DOT certifications

• Configured role-based permissions aligned with utility regulatory compliance requirements

• Established business rules for automated safety certification validation and emergency response role identification

• Configured people profile supporting union craft positions with seniority tracking and bidding rights

• Implemented succession planning foundation for high retirement-risk critical positions

• 100% compliance with NERC CIP personnel security requirements

• Automated safety certification tracking reducing compliance incidents by 75%

• Emergency response role identification improving coverage from 85% to 98%

• Succession planning foundation identifying 400+ critical positions at risk

• Platform supporting utility rate case filings with regulatory-compliant documentation

Case Study 11: Real Estate - Commercial Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)

• Configured organizational management supporting property-based and centralized shared services structures

• Implemented business rules for performance-based position budgeting aligned with occupancy rates and NOI

• Established MDF framework for capital project position tracking and property transaction management

• Configured people profile supporting property management certifications and market-specific roles

• Implemented Job Profile Builder with property type-based competency frameworks

• Property transaction configuration time reduced from 90 to 30 days

• Shared services consolidation eliminating 12% duplicate positions with $8M annual savings

• Performance-based staffing rules improving budget accuracy by 35%

• Platform supporting rapid portfolio optimization with 25+ transactions annually

• Foundation enabling property benchmarking with competitive staffing analysis

• Platform Foundations are critical enablers for all SuccessFactors module implementations

• Industry-specific MDF objects and business rules must be configured to meet unique requirements

• Role-based permissions frameworks must align with industry regulatory and compliance needs

• Organizational management flexibility supports diverse business models and structures

• Integration Center foundations enable seamless connectivity with industry-specific systems

• Talent Intelligence Hub provides strategic workforce planning capabilities across all sectors

Industry Immersion Lab (IIL) Case Studies for SAP SuccessFactors Platform Foundations