SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central serves as the core system for managing employee master data and overseeing the employee lifecycle. When utilizing SAP S/4HANA for various ERP processes, such as finance or headcount planning, it’s crucial to ensure that employee data is seamlessly accessible in SAP S/4HANA. This enables effective data utilization in these processes.
Pre-packaged integrations with SAP S/4HANA facilitate replicating employee master data and organizational data from Employee Central to SAP S/4HANA. Additionally, cost centres from SAP S/4HANA can be replicated back to Employee Central. These integration scenarios closely mirror those employed when connecting Employee Central with SAP ERP. The diagram below illustrates the data flow between Employee Central and SAP S/4HANA.
Employee Data Synchronization with SAP S/4HANA
This process outlines how employee data from a source system, like Employee Central, is kept in sync with SAP S/4HANA.
1. Configuration
Following the initial setup of Employee Central, integration settings like data mapping and specific actions (similar to Business Application Programming Interfaces or APIs) are defined within the Cloud Integration middleware and SAP S/4HANA. Within SAP S/4HANA, this configuration happens in the Business Integration Builder, accessible through the SPRO transaction.
2. Data Retrieval and Transformation
A dedicated program within SAP S/4HANA (ECPAO_EE_ORG_REPL_QUERY) retrieves the configuration details and initiates a web service call to the Cloud Integration middleware (getEmployeeMasterDataAndOrgAssignmentBundleReplicationQuery). This request essentially requests specific employee data from the source system.
The Cloud Integration middleware then interacts with the source system’s API (like the Compound Employee API in Employee Central) to fetch the requested employee data. This data might transform within the middleware to ensure compatibility with SAP S/4HANA’s format.
3. Data Transfer and Processing
Once transformed, the Cloud Integration middleware transmits the data back to SAP S/4HANA using another web service (EmployeeMasterDataAndOrgAssignmentBundleReplicationRequest). This triggers the processing of the employee data within SAP S/4HANA and generates an internal event (SAP_SFIOM_EE_ORGAS_RPPQ_CREATED). Any data related to organizational assignments is temporarily stored in a designated area.
4.Data Update and Integration
Employee data is then incorporated into the relevant info types within SAP’s Personnel Administration (PA) module. These info types essentially act as data storage containers for specific employee information. Based on the received information and the info type structure within SAP S/4HANA, new records are created, existing ones are updated, or data is marked for deletion. After this update, the organizational assignment information is reflected in the Organizational Management (OM) info types.
5. Confirmation and Monitoring
Finally, a web service (EmployeeMasterDataReplicationConfirmation) sends a success or failure message back to the Cloud Integration middleware, relaying the status to the Data Replication Monitor in the source system (like Employee Central). This feedback loop ensures both systems are aware of the data synchronization outcome.
Organizational Structure Synchronization with SAP S/4HANA
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1. Configuration
Following the initial setup, integration settings for data mapping and specific actions are defined within the Cloud Integration middleware and SAP S/4HANA. Within SAP S/4HANA, this configuration happens in the Business Integration Builder tool.
2. Data Transfer and Processing
A dedicated program in SAP S/4HANA (RH_SFIOM_ORG_OBJ_REPL_QUERY) retrieves the configuration details and initiates a request to the Cloud Integration middleware via a web service call (getOrganisationalObjectReplicationQuery_Out). This request essentially asks for specific organizational data from the source system.
The Cloud Integration middleware then interacts with the source system’s API (like the OData API in Employee Central) to fetch the requested data based on filters defined during configuration. This data might transform within the middleware to ensure compatibility with SAP S/4HANA’s format.
3.Data Retrieval and Transformation
Once transformed, the Cloud Integration middleware transmits the data back to SAP S/4HANA using another web service (OrganisationalObjectReplicationResponse_In). This triggers the data’s processing within SAP S/4HANA and generates an internal event (AP_SFIOM_ORG_STRUC_RPRQ_CREATED). The status of each data object (sent, successful, or failed) is recorded within SAP S/4HANA.
4. Data Update and Integration
The data is then incorporated into the relevant info types within SAP S/4HANA’s OM module. These info types act as data containers for specific organizational information. Based on the received information and the info type structure, new records are created, existing ones are updated, or data is marked for deletion.
5. Logging and Monitoring
The application log within SAP S/4HANA is updated to reflect the data synchronization process.
Cost Center Data Synchronization with Employee Central
This process outlines how cost centre information from a source system, like SAP ERP’s Finance (FI) and Controlling (CO) modules, is kept in sync with Employee Central.
1. Configuration
Following Employee Central’s initial setup, integration settings for data mapping and specific actions are defined within the integration middleware and the source system (SAP ERP, in this case). This configuration can be accessed through a dedicated menu path within SAP ERP.
2. Data Retrieval and Transformation
Data replication is initiated through pre-defined scheduled jobs within the source system. Specific reports are executed depending on the chosen method (using IDoc technology or flat files). These reports extract the cost centre data from SAP ERP.
The extracted data might transform within the integration middleware to ensure compatibility with Employee Central’s format.
3. Data Transfer and Update
Once transformed, the integration middleware transmits the cost centre data to Employee Central. This data is then incorporated into the relevant structures within Employee Central. Based on the information received and Employee Central’s data model, new records are created, existing ones are updated, or data is marked for deletion.
Tracking Data Synchronization with Employee Central
The Data Replication Monitor within Employee Central is a central hub for monitoring and managing data synchronization between Employee Central and its target systems, like SAP S/4HANA. This monitor offers functionalities for:
- Visibility: It provides a clear view of the synchronization status for various data types, including employee data, organizational structures, absence information, and time & pay components.
- Error Identification: In case of any issues during data transfer, the monitor displays error messages, pinpointing potential problems.
- Filtering: Users can leverage filtering options to narrow the displayed information and focus on specific data elements or timeframes.
- Manual Intervention: The monitor allows for manual rescheduling of data synchronization for individual records or groups, providing flexibility to address particular situations.
Conclusion
Integrating SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central with SAP S/4HANA is essential for efficient ERP processes, ensuring accurate and timely employee and organizational data. Leveraging pre-packaged integrations and robust synchronization processes guarantees data consistency and reliability across HR and ERP systems.
At VE3, we specialize in providing tailored end-to-end SAP integration solutions. Our expertise in configuring and managing integrations between SAP SuccessFactors and SAP S/4HANA ensures your systems work harmoniously, driving efficiency and accuracy.
For expert assistance in integrating SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central with SAP S/4HANA, connect with VE3 today. Our experienced team will help you achieve seamless integration and unlock the full potential of your SAP systems. Connect with VE3 today or Contact Us!
