Is it Time to Migrate to SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0?

Released a few years ago, the new version of the SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding solution (known as Onboarding 2.0) has now reached its required level of maturity. Starting from the second half of 2025, SAP will be discontinuing support for the previous version, SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 1.0, and entering the end-of-maintenance phase.

Organizations currently using Onboarding 1.0 need to prepare for the upcoming changes. It is not surprising that questions like these arise: How will this impact us? Why should we migrate to the newer version? What are the available approaches?

Let’s take a closer look at some of these questions.

What are the Potential Pitfalls of Onboarding 1.0 Reaching End-of-Life?

When a solution provider announces the end of product maintenance or support, it is crucial to approach this matter seriously, as it can significantly impact an organization in various ways, including unforeseen expenses. You have to clearly understand all potential consequences and engage in proper planning to minimize any disruptions to your operations. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind related to the deprecation of Onboarding 1.0:

1. Limited Support

When Onboarding 1.0 enters the end-of-maintenance lifecycle phase, SAP will discontinue Onboarding 1.0 support. This means customers will no longer receive patches, bug fixes, or technical assistance. Furthermore, there is no innovation roadmap for Onboarding 1.0, and compliance updates for 2026 will not be made to the product. This can potentially create challenges in resolving any issues or problems that may arise in the system and maintaining Onboarding 1.0.

2. Impact on Related Systems and Processes

Given that Onboarding 1.0 is no longer supported, organizations will need to eliminate any dual redundancies that exist alongside other systems or processes.

3. Transformation to a Newer Version

The announcement of Onboarding 1.0 reaching its end-of-life highlights the importance for organizations to consider migrating to Onboarding 2.0. This upgraded version will provide access to updated features, improved functionality, and ongoing support and innovations from SAP.

It’s a good idea to start planning the migration to a newer version now and complete SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding implementation before the second half of 2025. This involves analyzing customer requirements, the current system, and processes, evaluating the benefits and features of the latest version, and devising a comprehensive migration strategy.

Approaches to Transition to Onboarding 2.0

Switching to the new SAP Onboarding solution seems inevitable. What companies can think of is the best way to perform the transition. The choice of approach may be influenced by factors such as:

• Size of the organization

• Complexity of the existing Onboarding 1.0 configuration

• Desired level of customization

• Specific requirements of the migration project

There are two main implementation approaches for migrating from Onboarding 1.0 to Onboarding 2.0. Here they are:

1. Big Bang Approach

This approach involves a complete cut-over from Onboarding 1.0 to Onboarding 2.0 in a single go-live event. It is typically adopted by smaller organizations with simpler configurations and minimal customizations. While the advantages of this approach involve speed and simplicity, it is important to consider that it may also pose risks.

2. Pilot & Phased Approach

This approach encompasses a gradual migration from Onboarding 1.0 to Onboarding 2.0 in phases, which are determined by factors such as Country, Region, and Company. In the Pilot phase, a specific target population is transitioned to the new Onboarding process, enabling them to benefit from the updated onboarding experience. This method is typically implemented by larger organizations with more complex configurations that vary across user populations. It can be a more controlled and less risky approach but may also result in a longer timeline.

Key Benefits of Onboarding 2.0

SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0 utilizes the HXM suite platform to streamline the configuration, administration, and overall experiences for your onboarding, cross-boarding, and offboarding processes. The single-platform approach offers several key benefits that improve the experience for everyone involved, including HR teams, new hires, and hiring managers.

1. A common data structure shared with SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central enables simplified data mapping, validation, and localization. Maintaining security or corporate structure data synchronization is no longer necessary.

2. Advanced capabilities of the SAP SuccessFactors HXM suite as a platform (SAP SuccessFactors e-Signature, Document Management Service, Role-Based Permissions, Business Rules Engine, Administration Center, and Extension Center) allow eliminating redundant functionality.

3. Fiori-based design provides a simplified and responsive UI.

4. A unified user experience across Onboarding and other HXM modules (Employee Central, Recruiting Management, Learning, Performance and Goals, Benefits, and Work Zone) allows for a seamless employee journey.

5. Comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities are enabled across SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding and other HXM modules with People Analytics.

6. Pre-day 1 integration to SAP SuccessFactors Learning provides new hires with access to training courses before their first day at work improving the onboarding processes overall.

7. The use of enhanced adaptability and extensibility makes it easier to integrate with other third-party solutions.

Simplifying Your Onboarding 2.0 Migration Journey with EPAM

While the transition to SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0 offers significant advantages, navigating the migration process from Onboarding 1.0 can be complex. EPAM's SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding implementation service bridges this gap, providing a smooth and efficient path for existing users.

Our team's deep understanding of both Onboarding 1.0 and Onboarding 2.0 allows us to seamlessly translate your current processes to the new platform. This minimizes disruption to your ongoing onboarding activities while ensuring you maximize the benefits of the upgraded features. We prioritize preserving your core business functionalities but with a focus on leveraging Onboarding 2.0 automation capabilities to streamline efficiency.

Proactive planning is essential for a successful migration. Contact EPAM today to discuss your specific needs and develop a customized plan to transition to SAP SuccessFactors Onboarding 2.0.