What’s New in SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0 and Why it Requires New Certification

SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0 is not just an update to Onboarding 1.0; technically, it is a brand-new product leveraging Employee Central (EC) data structures and localization. The way the new tool is implemented and operated is based on the same Metadata Framework that EC uses, unlike 1.0, which is based on a non-SAP platform. As a result of this more connected approach, Onboarding 2.0 certification through SAP is a new and separate requirement for those already certified in the Onboarding 1.0 module.

It is important to note that because Onboarding 2.0 utilizes the SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central data model, consultants implementing will need to have a strong background in Employee Central. In fact, SAP lists Employee Central certification as a prerequisite step in its Onboarding 2.0 learning track.

To implement Onboarding 2.0, consultants will have to learn the product features and implementation process, as with all new modules. Knowledge of Onboarding 1.0 can undoubtedly help in understanding the business process needed to support a successful implementation for clients. Still, the technical knowledge in Onboarding 1.0 is not transferrable to Onboarding 2.0. As with any module, certification is an important piece of the skillset used to gain insight into the tool and provide the best service to SAP SuccessFactors customers.  

What’s different in SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0?

The short answer to what has changed from Onboarding 1.0 to Onboarding 2.0 is everything.

Onboarding 2.0 is a whole new approach to the world of Onboarding. Due to the vast differences between 1.0 and 2.0, SAP has documented a feature comparison between the versions to help consultants and clients “translate” features from the old to the new version. Additionally, a knowledgeable partner can help customers decide which solution is the best fit for an organization, balancing the new platform with the full features available today in 1.0.

Key differences between 1.0 and 2.0:

• • Onboarding 2.0 has a very intuitive and interactive dashboard that helps monitor every task you are involved in and see the status of tasks assigned to others. As opposed to Onboarding 1.0, where you can only see basic info on upcoming new hires.

• • Tasks can be assigned to a variety of roles now. In Onboarding 1.0, onboarding new hire activities could only be assigned to the manager.
  • As mentioned earlier, Employee Central data models are leveraged to determine the data that Onboarding 2.0 collects, making the integration from Onboarding to Employee Central significantly easier. All Onboarding fields are defined in the same data model used for Employees.
  • Onboarding 1.0 could easily be set up as a standalone module alongside non-SAP SuccessFactors core HR systems. Onboarding 2.0 requires an implementation of the EC core features in order to connect the Talent Acquisition Suite to the external HRIS. This standalone 2.0 setup does not support crossboarding or offboarding at this time, though those functions are supported when leveraging the full Employee Central system.
  • You can create a custom Onboarding 2.0 process via the Process Variant Manager tool. In Onboarding 1.0, the process steps were determined by the system without the ability to change the order.
  • New hires no longer need to access a separate onboarding system to fill out their paperwork. They get access directly to the SuccessFactors platform and can complete Onboarding tasks via Home Page tiles. This is, of course, RBP-secured so their access can be limited to just Onboarding related tasks. The home page tile access provides a consistent experience to the end user both as a new hire and later as an employee.
  • Clients can customize or create different Onboarding Programs (Collections of tasks). This adds flexibility in case you have diverse populations with different requirements.
  • The 2.0 system has the ability to flag potential rehires as part of the Rehire Verification feature. This activity can be done during the onboarding process, rather than waiting until the hire is completed in Employee Central. In 1.0 this is a manual process. Currently, Onboarding 2.0 only has compliance forms for the UK and Australia. Canada and US forms are in the roadmap for 2021.
  • Custom notifications are available in 1.0, but on the 2.0 roadmap for 2021.
  • Onboarding 2.0 is supported with a full roadmap of enhancements, whereas 1.0 enhancements are limited to support of compliance forms.

Why Should Customers Look for Onboarding 2.0 Certified Consultants?

Since the technical knowledge to configure Onboarding 2.0 is totally different from 1.0, it’s not just recommended, but required that consultants be certified in this new offering. It will also ensure that consultants understand the features and provide best-practice recommendations keeping the new product benefits in mind.

If your company is looking to implement SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0, check with your implementation partner to verify their consultants have Onboarding 2.0 certifications. The SAP certification verifies that they are aware of and understand the differences between the Onboarding 1.0 and Onboarding 2.0 modules and give you the best shot at successful implementation.

For more on the different levels of SAP SuccessFactors certifications and what they mean, check out our guide on Navigating SAP SuccessFactors Certification Claims from Partners.