Human resource (HR) systems are undergoing an ongoing digital transformation, and SAP SuccessFactors, a leader in cloud-based HR software solutions, is always changing to meet the changing requirements of businesses everywhere. SAP SuccessFactors HCM suite has become an essential tool for managing everything from employee development and performance management to talent acquisition, thanks to developments in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and data analytics.
As we are already into 2025 and approaching 2026, SAP SuccessFactors is set to bring an array of innovative enhancements and improvements that will transform workforce management and HR procedures. In order to stay ahead of the curve, this blog explores the major developments you should be ready for in the upcoming years.
As we are already in 2025 and approaching 2026, SAP SuccessFactors is expected to undergo significant transformations that will change how businesses manage their human resources. In favor of more simplified and effective solutions, some legacy features will be phased out at this time. Let’s discuss these impending changes to ensure a smooth transition for your company.
Key Changes and Deprecations
1. Phasing Out of Legacy Features
- Partial Organization Single Sign-On (SSO): Partial Organization Single Sign-On (SSO) will no longer be supported after November 13, 2026, and maintenance will last until May 16, 2025. To maintain security, organizations are being encouraged to switch to modern authentication techniques.
- Legacy Configuration APIs: By mid-2025, APIs supporting legacy People Profile configurations will be retired, improving user experience through expanded People Profile capability.
- Org Chart and Role-Based Permissions (RBP): Traditional Org Charts and the current Role-Based Permissions (RBP) system will be phased out by May 2025 in favor of an updated model that will enhance security and user experience.
- Canvas and Dashboard Reports: Because of SAP’s plan to phase out legacy reporting tools, users are encouraged to switch to more recent reporting tools, especially Stories in People Analytics. It is recommended to prepare for this transition prior to the expected removal in late 2026 or early 2027, even if precise dates have not yet been released. All existing SuccessFactors ‘Legacy’ reporting products will gradually be replaced with Stories in People Analytics.
- Built-in Support Interface: By June 2025, this legacy support feature will be phased out to make room for an upgraded support interface.
2. Improvements to Authentication and Integration
On June 2, 2025, the SAP SuccessFactors Single Sign-On certificate will expire. For ongoing access and security enhancements, customers must switch to SAP Cloud Identity Services.
Maintenance on Basic Authentication will end on June 2, 2025, and it will be fully decommissioned by November 1, 2026. To guarantee adherence to the new security standards, users must switch to Identity Verification services.
3. Employee Central SFAPIs are being deprecated
With the possible exception of the CompoundEmployee API, the SOAP-based SFAPIs for Employee Central will be decommissioned on May 23, 2025, after reaching the end of maintenance on May 17, 2024. In order to prepare for this shift, customers must migrate their integrations to OData APIs.
4. Onboarding Advancements
As businesses transition to more effective onboarding procedures within SAP SuccessFactors, Onboarding 1.0 will be phased out by the middle of 2026.
Preparing for the Future
In order to handle these changes well, companies should:
- Stay updated: To stay informed a strategy plan to retire old features and implement new ones with the least amount of operational impact possible.
- Stakeholder Engagement: To ensure a seamless transition, inform all important stakeholders—including IT, HR, and end users of any changes.
Benefits of the new onboarding and authentication features
There are various benefits to moving to the new onboarding features and authentication services:
Improved Security: More effective protections against unwanted access are offered by modern authentication techniques.
Better User Experience: New hires benefit from a more seamless and interesting onboarding process thanks to the newest onboarding technologies, which also help with productivity and integration.
Simplified Procedures: By streamlining processes, integrating modern technologies reduces administrative workloads and boosts productivity.
Delivering a Seamless Transition
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Organize training sessions: Make sure your teams are prepared by training them on new features and processes.
- Leverage assistance resources: To resolve any issues that may arise during the transfer, make use of SAP’s community forums and assistance.
- Monitor and modify: To maximize performance, continuously evaluate the effects of changes and make the required modifications.
Businesses can improve operational efficiency and prepare for upcoming SAP SuccessFactors developments by proactively addressing these changes.
In Conclusion
With innovative developments that will transform how businesses handle their human resources, SAP SuccessFactors appears to have a promising future. With the help of AI-consulting business services and an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, companies will be able to design an employee experience that is more connected, efficient, and personalized.
HR leaders can start preparing for these changes ahead of time through learning about the new features, evaluating their existing HR procedures, and making plans to include new tools and capabilities. Organizations can set themselves up for future success by adopting these innovations, maximizing their SAP SuccessFactors investment, and developing a workforce that thrives in a world that is becoming more digital and dynamic by the day.