Digital, simple, transparent: the aim of the MOSAIC project is the step-by-step implementation of SAP SuccessFactors (SAP SF), our new people management system.
The successful go-live of the first modules last year marked a milestone in VTG’s digital transformation – until then, the HR system landscape had been characterized by isolated solutions and a wide variety of file formats.
The project team led by Julia Reusch is now changing that step by step. From modernizing the Performance & Development Dialogue (PDD) to introducing our new learning platform “VTG Learning Academy” – with SAP SF, our HR processes will be available to us collectively on one platform in the future.
What does the new year hold for the project? We asked Julia Reusch (project lead) and Anne Seidel (process owner for Performance Management & Goals – PDD and change management).
Can you give us an insight into the current status of the MOSAIC project?
Julia: The aim of our project is to gradually implement the entire SAP SuccessFactors Suite. We are currently using four of a total of eight modules: Performance Management & Goals, which enables a streamlined, digital PDD and goal-setting process, Compensation for pay and target bonus rounds, and Learning, our new learning management system. The roll-out of Employee Central is currently underway.
4
of a total of 8 modules
have already been implemented by the project team
What benefits have arisen since the roll-out of the first modules?
Anne: I think that the example of the PDD process is a good illustration of this. Since the beginning of last year, this has been mapped in the Performance Management & Goals module – and not only digitized, but also optimized. By integrating it into SAP SF, we are creating the basis for an all-in-one solution, because the PDD process will no longer be viewed in isolation in the future.
Did you know that …
… SuccessFactors has been rolled out in 23 countries where we have employees?
Instead, it is linked to other modules, for example by linking development goals from the PDD with learning activities in the learning module.
And even if this is still a long way off, there are already clear advantages: development goals and tasks can also be viewed and further developed during the year, for example through a mid-year review.
Julia: Another major advantage for VTG is the improvement of the database. Because we used to work with different systems and data formats, we had an inefficient conglomeration of isolated, non-networked individual processes for a long time – but that is now changing – module by module. Especially with the latest module, Employee Central.
Anne: Correct. This module will be our “system of record” in the future, i.e. the central system in which all HR data is recorded, managed and stored, for example employee data …
Julia: … which, by the way, will soon be able to be managed independently by our colleagues! This saves time and duplication of work – for employees and for HR.
What lessons have you already learned from the MOSAIC project?
Julia: There are a lot of things! For one thing, it has been confirmed once again that the introduction of a new system, as in this case SAP SF, does not improve the process by itself. SuccessFactors is a powerful tool for faster, easier and more transparent operations, but the definition of good processes and content must continue to come from us.
Anne: And that we cannot simply digitize existing processes 1:1, but must simultaneously question and optimize them, or even redefine them if necessary.
Various modules, one solution
The eight modules of SAP SF are linked to each other and have a common database. They can be accessed via a central interface. Taken together, they thus present a unified and harmonious picture – a MOSAIC.
Julia: Exactly! That’s why it’s important to me to emphasize that, despite the progress we’ve already made, we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Key aspects, such as the job architecture at VTG, have not yet been fully defined – but they are essential to realizing the full potential of SAP SF.
Anne: Right – so there is still a lot to be done here!
Julia: Another thing we have learned is that, while we generally strive for process standardization, we also had to admit that this can sometimes be a challenge for smaller country organizations. That’s why we prefer to define some processes as offers rather than strictly prescribe them.
Anne: In addition, we have also learned how important it is to be well organized, especially for a complex IT project like MOSAIC. In the course of the project, responsibilities were sharpened and the PMO position – which was long bridged by the team – was filled by our colleague Thorben vom Scheidt.
> 9.000
companies worldwide
use SAP SuccessFactors
Julia: Absolutely! You need the right people with the right skills at the right time, as well as the necessary resources, and you can’t be afraid to bring dynamism into the team. But none of this works without strong management support! We are therefore grateful for the unwavering support of the VTG management – and, of course, for the fantastic team, which is contributing so much energy, stamina and passion. This is and remains crucial to the success of the project.
Thanks for the conversation!
Would you like to learn more about the step-by-step roll-out of Employee Central? Then look forward to the second part of this article, in which Linn Richter and Svenya Vaid will give you a deeper insight into the benefits of the module!
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