SuccessFactors Integration to ERP: A Guide to Using the Business Integration Builder (BIB)

Businesses today often operate with a hybrid system landscape, blending cloud-based solutions with traditional on-premise enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. SuccessFactors, a leading cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) suite, is often paired with ERPs like SAP for a comprehensive approach to business management. A robust integration strategy is crucial to ensure consistent and seamless data flow between these systems. SAP’s Business Integration Builder (BIB) is an invaluable tool for streamlined SuccessFactors to ERP integration.

What is the Business Integration Builder (BIB)?

The Business Integration Builder (BIB) is a configuration toolset within SAP ERP systems (specifically within the SAP S/4HANA environment) that facilitates the integration of SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central with on-premise SAP ERP (or S/4HANA). Using the BIB, you can streamline data flows and enable real-time data synchronization, ensuring consistent data between your cloud-based HCM and on-premise ERP solutions.

Critical Use Cases for BIB in SuccessFactors Integration

• Employee Controller Data Replication: BIB enables seamless replication of core employee data (name, address, job title, etc.) between SuccessFactors and your ERP system. This synchronization maintains data consistency, vital for HR processes and reporting.
• Organizational Structure Updates: Any changes to an organization’s structure within SuccessFactors can be effectively mirrored in the ERP system through BIB. This maintains alignment between the HR system of record and core business processes that rely on updated organizational information.
• Cost Center Replication: BIB ensures their synchronization with the ERP when cost centers are created or modified in SuccessFactors. This supports accurate financial reporting and cost tracking in the ERP system.

Steps for Setting Up SuccessFactors Integration with BIB

1. Configuration in SAP S/4HANA: Within your S/4HANA system, utilize the Business Integration Builder configuration tools (available within the IMG) to establish integration scenarios, map fields between SuccessFactors and ERP entities, and define transformation rules.
2. Middleware Setup: A middleware solution like SAP Cloud Platform Integration is necessary to bridge the communication between SuccessFactors and the on-premise SAP system. Configure the middleware to handle data flows, transformations, and error handling.
3. SuccessFactors Configuration: Within your SuccessFactors instance, activate the required integration components and configure API endpoints for communication with the middleware.

Benefits of using BIB for SuccessFactors to ERP Integration

• Simplified Configuration: The BIB provides a user-friendly and guided configuration experience, simplifying the integration setup without extensive coding.
• Data Consistency: BIB maintains reliable data synchronization between your core business systems, reducing errors caused by manual data entry.
• Real-time Updates: Enable near real-time data updates between your systems, promoting better decision-making based on timely information.
• Flexibility: The BIB offers flexibility to customize your integration based on specific business requirements.

Things to Note

• Integrating SuccessFactors with a non-SAP ERP system will require a middleware solution, which may add complexity.
• Continuous integration monitoring is crucial to detect and handle any errors that may arise.

Let the Integration Flow

Effectively utilizing the Business Integration Builder can establish a solid foundation for your SuccessFactors and ERP integration efforts. This integration empowers your organization with accurate, synchronized data, leading to streamlined operations and informed decision-making.