01 SAP SuccessFactors HCM Implementation - Phase 0 Objectives

[RajaThukiwakam]

This blog will focus on SAP SuccessFactors HCM Implementation - Phase 0 Objectives. 

This will be a multi-part series covering each topic in detail in the SAP SuccessFactors HCM implementation. The content is based on my experience leading multiple large-scale SAP SuccessFactors HCM Implementation projects over the past 10+ years.

Why are you doing Phase 0? 

Phase 0 in SAP SuccessFactorsHCM is the critical pre-implementation groundwork, a strategic readiness phase before the formal project implementation kickoff, focusing on business alignment, scope definition, data assessment, and implementation strategy (Transformation or As-is) to ensure project success, reduce risk, and build the business case. It's about defining what you're doing and why, aligning stakeholders, assessing current systems, and planning the Integration, data migration, and change management needed for a smooth transition to SuccessFactors HCM.

Phase 0 Objectives:

The list below covers the broader topics we handle in phase 0. It may vary by customer, but the objective is to ensure a clear strategy, ownership, and solution appropriate in place. 

Phase 0 Objectives Description and Responsibility Matrix:

Commonly asked questions on Phase 0 SAP SuccessFactors HCM:

Question 1: Is Phase 0 mandatory?

Answer: Phase 0 is not mandatory, but for complex transformation projects involving multiple countries, it is strongly recommended.

Question 2: Is Phase 0 Part of the implementation? 

Answer: Yes and NO. Some customers prefer to do so outside of implementation to scope the project correctly (Budget, Timelines, Deployment approach). Some customers choose to do it as part of the implementation. In both cases, the outcome is to achieve the objectives listed above. 

Question 3: Who leads Phase 0? 

Customer leads Phase 0, and the Implementation Partner (SI) brings SMEs. Some objectives are owned entirely by the customer, some are SI, and some are shared. 

Question 4: What is the format of  Phase 0 Deliverables? 

1. Deliver Process Maps (Signavio, Lucidchart, Miro, etc.) for business process design.
2. PPT - for Strategy documents
3. Word document for detailed solution documents

Question 5: Does Phase 0 involve configuration work? 

Typically, no, but it depends on the phase duration. Sometimes, we can do an Iteration 0 configuration, which always helps. 

Question 6: What is the role of the customer in Phase 0?

The Customer Team (Business and IT) owns Phase 0 and ensures its objectives are achieved.

Question 7: What is the role of the SI in Phase 0?

Assist the customer in defining the deployment strategy, and provide expert-level advisory on business process design and solution design for the future state. Align customer goals and bring the right people with experience in similar projects.