Maximizing SuccessFactors Integration Tools: From Basics to Automation

In our previous blog, we highlighted the pivotal role HR systems play in your IT landscape and introduced the tools available for SuccessFactors integrations [link to Blog 1]. Now, it’s time to take a closer look at the capabilities SuccessFactors itself offers for seamless connectivity.

This blog dives into the built-in integration tools within SuccessFactors, unpacking their use cases, strengths, and limitations. Whether you’re just starting or optimizing your current integrations, this guide will help you make the most of what SuccessFactors has to offer.

First stop: SuccessFactors Integration Center

As a built-in solution, SuccessFactors Integration Center is immediately at your disposal. Its aim is straightforward: to export data from or import data into SuccessFactors using its OData APIs or files that are uploaded to an SFTP. It features mapping and simple transformation such as calculated fields and (time-based) filters. Exported data can be encrypted with PGP keys and authenticated with OAuth 2.0 or certificates, ensuring secure operations. Integrations can be scheduled for periodic data transfers or triggered in real-time through event-based actions using the Intelligent Services Center (ISC). For example, ISC can initiate updates when an employee changes roles, enabling automated, efficient data handling. 

Below you will find an example of an integration overview in SuccessFactors Integration Center.

The Integration Center also excels in internal SuccessFactors integrations, such as updating MDF objects based on Succession Data Model records. When paired with business rules, it opens opportunities for automating processes within SuccessFactors.

However, this tool is limited to moving data between source and target systems. It lacks advanced capabilities like intermediate API calls, scripting, or routing. For more complex integration needs, a different tool may be necessary. Let’s explore one that offers greater flexibility.

SuccessFactors OData API: A flexible integration tool

The SuccessFactors OData API offers direct interaction with SuccessFactors data, supporting operations like Create, Read, Update, Delete, and function imports for specific actions. It ensures secure data exchange through OAuth 2.0 or certificates, is governed by role-based permissions, and is auditable within the system. Extensive documentation and sandbox options are available in the SAP Business Accelerator Hub.

Unlike the Integration Center, the OData API is not an end-to-end solution. It requires external tools like API clients (e.g., Postman) or middleware (e.g., SAP Cloud Integration) to process data. Some applications, like Microsoft Azure, use prebuilt modules with OData APIs for tasks such as user provisioning. Whatever you want to or can do with this data is ultimately up to the capabilities of your tool or code.

The OData API is ideal for organizations with existing integration tools or those needing a bespoke approach. It’s also commonly used for extracting large datasets into data lakes or warehouses, giving data engineers direct control over what data to retrieve and when.

Ready for the next step?

Still searching for the perfect integration tool? If the Integration Center feels too basic or building custom capabilities with OData APIs seems overwhelming, SAP Cloud Integration might be your solution. With its extensive out-of-the-box content, this tool could be exactly what you need.

In the final blog of this series, we’ll explore the full potential of SAP Cloud Integration. Don’t miss it.