Implementing Cascading Dropdowns in SAP SuccessFactors

[GouthamiV]

Cascading dropdowns in SAP SuccessFactors help users by showing only the relevant options as they fill out forms. For example, if you select "Yes" in one dropdown, the next dropdown will show only the choices that match that "Yes." This blog will guide you step-by-step on how to set this up using an easy-to-understand example.

What are Cascading Dropdowns?

Cascading dropdowns are connected dropdown fields. When you make a choice in one dropdown, it affects the options available in the next one. This makes filling out forms quicker and reduces mistakes because users only see the options that apply to their earlier choices.

Use Case:

We received a request from a customer to add three dropdowns to a form:

Dropdown 1: "I am a person with unique need" - Options: Yes, No

Dropdown 2: "Type" - Options that depend on the first dropdown

Dropdown 3: "Sub Type" - Options that depend on the second dropdown

We created three custom fields in SAP SuccessFactors and connected them so that the choices in each dropdown depend on the previous one.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Step 1: Create Custom Fields : First, we need to create the three custom fields in SAP SuccessFactors

Field 1: "I am a person with unique need"

Picklist ID: YesNo

Options: Yes, No

Parent Picklist Field ID: None (because it’s the first dropdown)

Field 2: "Type"

Picklist ID: PCReason

Parent Picklist Field ID: custPhysicallyChallenged (connected to the first field)

This dropdown will show options based on what you selected in the first dropdown.

Field 3: "Sub Type"

Picklist ID: PCSubReason

Parent Picklist Field ID: custPCReason (connected to the second field)

This dropdown will show options based on what you selected in the second dropdown.

Step 2: Set Up the Dropdown Options Next, we add the options for each dropdown:

Options for Field 1 ("I am a person with unique need")

Picklist ID: PCH

Options: Yes (Y), No (N)

Options for Field 2 ("Type")

Picklist ID: PCReason

Options: These could include "Protected Person," "Physical Disability," etc., which show up if you select "Yes" in the first dropdown.

Options for Field 3 ("Sub Type")

Picklist ID: PCSubReason

Options: These are more detailed choices that show up based on what you selected in the second dropdown.

Step 3: Test the Dropdowns After setting up the fields and options, it’s important to test that everything works correctly.

For example:

Field 1: Select "Yes"

Field 2: The "Type" dropdown should now show options like "Protected Person," "Physical Disability," etc.

Field 3: Based on what you selected in "Type," the "Sub Type" dropdown should show the correct options.

Conclusion: Cascading dropdowns are a great way to make data entry in SAP SuccessFactors easier and more accurate. By following this guide, you can set them up in your project and improve the user experience for everyone.