Prepare for the Future: Major SAP SuccessFactors Changes Coming in 2025 and 2026

[nageshpolu]

As we approach 2025 and 2026, SAP SuccessFactors is set to undergo significant transformations that will reshape how organizations manage their human capital. This period will see the phasing out of certain legacy features in favor of more streamlined and efficient solutions. Let's explore these upcoming changes to help your business navigate this transition smoothly.

Key Changes and Deprecations

1. Phasing Out of Legacy Features

• Partial Organization Single Sign-On (SSO): This feature will be deprecated by November 13, 2026, with maintenance ending on May 16, 2025. Organizations are encouraged to transition to modern authentication methods to maintain security.
• Legacy Configuration APIs: The retirement of APIs supporting legacy People Profile configurations is scheduled for mid-2025, promoting a better user experience with enhanced People Profile functionality.
• Org Chart and Role-Based Permissions (RBP): Traditional Org Charts and the existing RBP system will be deprecated by May 2025, transitioning to an updated model for improved user experience and security.
• Canvas and Dashboard Reports: Users are advised to migrate to newer reporting tools, particularly Stories in People Analytics, as SAP plans to phase out legacy reporting tools. While exact dates have not been published, it's recommended to prepare for this transformation before the anticipated removal in late 2026 or early 2027. Stories in People Analytics will replace all other SuccessFactors 'Legacy' reporting tools using a phased approach.
  
• Built-In Support Interface: This legacy support feature will be discontinued by June 2025, paving the way for an updated support interface.

2. Authentication and Integration Enhancements

• The expiration of the SAP SuccessFactors HCM suite Single Sign-On certificate is set for June 2, 2025. Customers must migrate to SAP Cloud Identity Services for continued access and security improvements.
• Basic Authentication will cease maintenance on June 2, 2025, with complete removal by November 1, 2026. Users must transition to Identity Authentication services to ensure compliance with new security standards.

3. Deprecation of Employee Central SFAPIs

• The SOAP-based SFAPIs for Employee Central (except the CompoundEmployee API) will reach the end of maintenance on May 17, 2024, and will be deleted on May 23, 2025. Customers need to convert their integrations to OData APIs in preparation for this change.

4. Onboarding Advancements

• Onboarding 1.0 will gradually retire by mid-2026 as organizations shift towards more efficient onboarding processes within SAP SuccessFactors.

Preparing for the Future

To effectively manage these transitions, businesses should:

• Stay Informed: Regularly consult SAP SuccessFactors' product release and road map information to stay updated on upcoming changes.

  SAP Community

• Plan Ahead: Develop a strategic plan to adopt new features and retire outdated ones, ensuring minimal disruption to operations.

• Engage Stakeholders: Communicate changes to all relevant parties, including IT, HR, and end-users, to facilitate a smooth transition.

Benefits of New Authentication and Onboarding Features

Transitioning to the new authentication services and Onboarding features offers several advantages:

• Enhanced Security: Modern authentication methods provide stronger protection against unauthorized access.

• Improved User Experience: The latest Onboarding solutions offer a more intuitive and engaging experience for new hires, aiding in their integration and productivity.

  SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding

• Streamlined Processes: Integrating advanced technologies simplifies workflows, reducing administrative burdens and increasing efficiency.

Ensuring a Smooth Transition

To facilitate a seamless transition:

• Conduct Training Sessions: Educate your teams on new features and processes to ensure they are well-prepared.

• Leverage Support Resources: Utilize SAP's support and community forums to address any challenges during the transition.

• Monitor and Adjust: Continuously assess the impact of changes and make necessary adjustments to optimize performance.

By proactively addressing these changes, organizations can enhance operational efficiency and prepare for future advancements in SAP SuccessFactors.

[lars_hentzen]

@nageshpolu - you write in your blog that Canvas reports will be deprecated by End of 2025. Could you please link to an official SAP source where that is stated? To my understanding the deprecation of Canvas (and Tabel reports) have been postponed and SAP will provide more communication on this topic in the second half of 2025. https://community.sap.com/t5/product-and-customer-updates/retirement-of-canvas-table-tiles-dashboard...

Thanks!

Kind regards,
Lars

[nageshpolu]

@lars_hentzen my apologies, corrected - Yes, as of today, SAP pushed the dates to later, still, customers are advised to migrate to newer reporting tools as SAP plans to phase out legacy reporting tools. While exact dates have not been published. But, as you know, Stories in People Analytics will replace all other SuccessFactors 'Legacy' reporting tools using a phased approach.

[MVEL]

Hi, Where I can find more information on this topic - 

• Org Chart and Role-Based Permissions (RBP): Traditional Org Charts and the existing RBP system will be deprecated by May 2025, transitioning to an updated model for improved user experience and securityMore or less the other items are not a surprised as they have been announced earlier in one of other aspect. However the org chart and the RBP is something I have never seen as items. Regards, Maria

[Levin_Freudenfeld]

@MVEL  we have had the same question on our team. Our internal partner explained that this should be related to an update from the previous year in which the UI for configuring roles and permissions was updated (more of an aesthetic change) and introduced as an optional view. It still has the option to switch to the old view but that is expected to be removed with this coming update: 

Therefore no functional and/or operational impact is expected for us, as the team had already been using the new UI for a while. SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting 

It would be great if we could get a quick confirmation if that interpretation is accurate, @nageshpolu 
Thank you in advance!
Levin