HR Self-Service Launchpad with SAP Build Work Zone – all relevant content and processes accessible anytime, anywhere
As part of a joint project, we worked closely with the Vaillant Group HR and IT department as a long-standing implementation partner to develop and implement a solution for a global SAP Fiori HR self-service rollout in nine countries.
The goal: all Vaillant Group employees, particularly in the areas of production and customer service, have access to company-relevant information, news and services regardless of their workplace and business equipment – at any time and from anywhere.
THE CHALLENGES
Previously, only Vaillant employees with a PC workstation were able to access corporate communications information (e.g. news, telephone book) and SAP HCM self-service applications for employees and managers (e.g. vacation requests, time bookings, remuneration statements, digital personnel files). Employees from areas such as production, customer service, etc. had to use conventional methods such as paper-based applications, kiosk systems or the official HR area. With the new solution, every employee will be able to access and use the relevant content and processes at any time and from anywhere using any end device and an internet connection.
In the project, not only were existing WebDynpro and SAP GUI applications replaced by modern HR ESS/MSS SAP Fiori applications, but requirements and issues relating to secure access and suitable user provisioning also had to be considered and resolved. A well thought-out authorization concept enabled the step-by-step rollout of the new Fiori-based HR self-services in the various countries of the Vaillant Group, taking into account the different requirements, scopes and authorizations and ensuring that only country-specific applications are accessible at all times.
THE CHALLENGES
Previously, only Vaillant employees with a PC workstation were able to access corporate communications information (e.g. news, telephone book) and SAP HCM self-service applications for employees and managers (e.g. vacation requests, time bookings, remuneration statements, digital personnel files). Employees from areas such as production, customer service, etc. had to use conventional methods such as paper-based applications, kiosk systems or the official HR area. With the new solution, every employee will be able to access and use the relevant content and processes at any time and from anywhere using any end device and an internet connection.
In the project, not only were existing WebDynpro and SAP GUI applications replaced by modern HR ESS/MSS SAP Fiori applications, but requirements and issues relating to secure access and suitable user provisioning also had to be considered and resolved. A well thought-out authorization concept enabled the step-by-step rollout of the new Fiori-based HR self-services in the various countries of the Vaillant Group, taking into account the different requirements, scopes and authorizations and ensuring that only country-specific applications are accessible at all times.
OUR APPROACH
We used various SAP technologies and standards to implement the desired solution: SAP HCM, SAP Fiori, SAP Fiori Frontend Server, SAP IAS, SAP Work Zone, standard edition, SAP Cloud Connector and SAP Mobile Start.
The activation and provision of the desired HR self-service Fiori applications and the Fiori Inbox was carried out on the basis of the existing SAP Fiori Frontend Server (FES). The Fiori applications concerned are a mixture of standard SAP applications (Fiori, WebDynpro) and individually implemented custom Fiori applications. In addition to the on-premise Fiori Launchpad, the provisioning and replication of the HR Fiori applications was implemented in SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition, and also made available externally via SAP BTP.
We developed a corresponding role and authorization concept in order to optimally map country-specific access rights in the HR Fiori applications. A dedicated HR self-service launchpad in 10 languages was set up in SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition.
Secure login takes place via Microsoft 365 (Entra ID) and multi-factor authentication – in this context, all employees received an MS 365 login. The central and uniform distribution of user authorizations was ensured by AD group mappings. Access to internal applications and data follows SAP best practices and was set up using SAP Cloud Connector and Principal Propagation.
The ability to activate and use SAP Mobile Start for iOS and Android will also provide even easier access for all mobile devices. As a native app, SAP Mobile Start significantly improves the user experience and enables access to Fiori applications and content using Face ID and Touch ID, for example.
OUR APPROACH
We used various SAP technologies and standards to implement the desired solution: SAP HCM, SAP Fiori, SAP Fiori Frontend Server, SAP IAS, SAP Work Zone, standard edition, SAP Cloud Connector and SAP Mobile Start.
The activation and provision of the desired HR self-service Fiori applications and the Fiori Inbox was carried out on the basis of the existing SAP Fiori Frontend Server (FES). The Fiori applications concerned are a mixture of standard SAP applications (Fiori, WebDynpro) and individually implemented custom Fiori applications. In addition to the on-premise Fiori Launchpad, the provisioning and replication of the HR Fiori applications was implemented in SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition, and also made available externally via SAP BTP.
We developed a corresponding role and authorization concept in order to optimally map country-specific access rights in the HR Fiori applications. A dedicated HR self-service launchpad in 10 languages was set up in SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition.
Secure login takes place via Microsoft 365 (Entra ID) and multi-factor authentication – in this context, all employees received an MS 365 login. The central and uniform distribution of user authorizations was ensured by AD group mappings. Access to internal applications and data follows SAP best practices and was set up using SAP Cloud Connector and Principal Propagation.
The ability to activate and use SAP Mobile Start for iOS and Android will also provide even easier access for all mobile devices. As a native app, SAP Mobile Start significantly improves the user experience and enables access to Fiori applications and content using Face ID and Touch ID, for example.
THE RESULT
With the future central HR Self-Service Launchpad of the SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition, the Vaillant Group HR department is taking a major step towards comprehensive process digitalization and ensuring greater transparency, efficiency and data quality in the relevant workflows.
Employees receive equal access to HR services and information, regardless of their role and workplace. The general idea of self-service is strengthened and the organizational overhead due to media disruptions can be significantly reduced – one of various advantages that result in a high level of acceptance among the workforce.
From a technological perspective, the project has created a solid foundation and starting point for the integration of further services such as talent management and future digitalized workplaces.
THE RESULT
With the future central HR Self-Service Launchpad of the SAP Build Work Zone, standard edition, the Vaillant Group HR department is taking a major step towards comprehensive process digitalization and ensuring greater transparency, efficiency and data quality in the relevant workflows.
Employees receive equal access to HR services and information, regardless of their role and workplace. The general idea of self-service is strengthened and the organizational overhead due to media disruptions can be significantly reduced – one of various advantages that result in a high level of acceptance among the workforce.
From a technological perspective, the project has created a solid foundation and starting point for the integration of further services such as talent management and future digitalized workplaces.
ABOUT VAILLANT
The Vaillant Group is an international company headquartered in Remscheid, Germany, which operates in the fields of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology. As one of the global market and technology leaders, the Vaillant Group develops and produces customized products and systems and provides services for home comfort. The product portfolio ranges from efficient heating appliances based on conventional energy sources to system solutions for the use of renewable energies. In the 2023 financial year, the company, which has been family-owned since it was founded in 1874, generated sales of around €3.8 billion with 17,000 employees.
LEARN MORE
