Close
Enter your
text here

SpinifexIT Blogs

Easy Reporter now allows integration to SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)
 Easy Reporter now allows integration to SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) 1024 683 SpinifexIT

Easy Reporter now allows integration to SAP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI)

Learn More

Whilst Easy Reporter may be considered a great Reporting Solution that is used by many of the largest companies around the world, it is also used by most of these companies to create interfaces into many other systems.

These systems could be internal or external systems, including Bank Files, Business Intelligence or many other environments.

All of this can be built using simple Drag and Drop Functionality without the need of creating custom code or manual manipulation of data.

We live in a complex world

As security increases across many of the environments that we are interfacing to, it is becoming more complex to connect and transmit data between systems (Including 3rd parties). In many cases, the customer has restricted the ability to send external files or emails via any other method than SAP CPI.

The most common approach suggested by SAP, is to use the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP) solution Cloud Platform Integration (CPI). The SAP CPI solution allows for secure connections to be made between a SAP System and a 3rd party solution. Through this you can build complex connections in an iFlow.

Some examples of this could include:

  • A customer needing to pass data to a Business intelligence System
  • The need to transmit an interface to a vendor.
  • The need to push data onto a Secure FTP server, that can then be accessed externally.

There are many cases, but the challenge with many of these is getting the data you require and in the format you need to send to the external systems.

Most customers already have SAP Cloud Platform Integration in their landscape, so it makes logical sense to use this where possible.

Easy Reporter – A new Integration via SAP Cloud Platform Integration

In order to align to this recommended approach that many customers are using, SpinifexIT has recently built an integration to SAP Cloud Integration.

This new integration allows an Easy Reporter output file to be sent to a CPI iFlow, which can then handle the connection to any 3rd party application (Whether this is a SFTP server, a BI solution or any 3rd party solution requiring complex integration).

Since we are also using CPI, it also allows for further steps to be built into the process, including file encryption.

For example: The following is a very simple iFlow for writing to a Secure FTP (SFTP) system. This could however be much more complex with decisions, branches, encryption etc. Of course, for many scenarios, the iFlow can be quite simple when called from Easy Reporter, because the transmission file can be completely built within Easy Reporter and the iFlow is just used to perform the transmission.

Easy Reporter CPI iFlow chart

How does this work?

  • Step 1: Create a CPI iFlow for the transmission.

The iFlow will accept a file as part of the body of the iFlow. The iFlow will depend upon the customers requirements but might encrypt the file, connect to the 3rd party and transmit the file. If there are any controlling parameters required (Such as a password for the encryption, or a file location), these can be setup as Parameters to the iFlow.

  • Step 2A: Build an Easy Reporter Report to read the HXM data.

For example: A Benefits interface will be required to read the Payroll Results and the Benefit infotypes from SAP.

  • Step 2B: As part of the Report built above, the report will be set to create an output file.

This can be of different formats such as simple Tab delimited files, to complex interface files with headers/footers, to XML files.

  • Step 2C: Rather than selecting the file in Step 2b to be sent via Email or save to a local file, instead select to send to the CPI solution.

Here, we would select the iFlow to pass this to, and enter any parameters needed to control this (These are optional).

The following is an example of how we would send a file to the iFlow to store onto a SFTP server. We simply select the iFlow, give it a filename, and add any parameters required to control this.

Execution of the Report and Sending to CPI

The report can then be executed as a normal Easy Reporter report. This will read the data requested, and build the required output file. Then Easy Reporter will automatically:

  • Connect to the CPI solution - this uses an oAuth authentication to establish a secure connection
  • Pass the file to the selected iFlow

The CPI iFlow will then take over and depending upon what is in the iFlow, will process the file and if needed move it to the remote environment.

Why this is important?

As we live in a more and more connected world, this interface allows the customers a simple method to get access to their complex HXM data (Including SuccessFactors if using the Easy Reporter SuccessFactors Connector), and to easily create the data required to be sent to 3rd parties.

But by using CPI, we can ensure a secure connection between the customer and 3rd parties.

By using Easy Reporter, these transmissions can be automatically scheduled in SAP to occur on a regular bases, can be run manually, or can be even included as part of a Payroll Control Center execution.

All of this without any technical knowledge on the SAP HXM side.

Future Enhancements

This solution is built into the core Easy Reporter solution, and as such will be included in future enhancements. As part of the SpinifexIT future roadmap, all transmitted files will be tracked via our new Easy Reporter Web front end. The plans are to allow the customer a simple way to see the reports that have been run, the transmission files created and for CPI iFlows, we would be looking to include the current Status of the transmission and ability to see any logs from this – All directly from the Easy Reporter Web front end.

Availability of this solution

This solution will be made available to customers later this year as part of Easy Reporter. There will be a small additional uplift in the cost for this feature.

Darren Souter

SpinifexIT Co-Founder and Easy Suite Product Chief Technology Officer

Related Content

Exploring SpinifexIT’s HXM Migration Solutions
 Exploring SpinifexIT’s HXM Migration Solutions 840 560 SpinifexIT

Exploring SpinifexIT's HXM Migration Solutions

Understanding the differences and the benefits of their combination. 

Learn More

You may be aware that SpinifexIT has migration and implementation solutions that accelerate the migration to a new system or help streamline an implementation. However, it is not always clear which tool is used. This overview will provide clarity on this matter.

The two SpinifexIT solutions are Easy Migration and Easy Go Live. Both have crucial use cases, but they are best used together in a migration to meet the majority of customers’ needs.

Please note: If you are conducting a new implementation (coming from a non-SAP environment), only the Easy Go Live solution would be relevant to this case.

What is Easy Migration?

Easy Migration is a solution used to selectively migrate HXM configuration from your existing SAP environment to a new SAP environment. It can move your configuration in a matter of hours instead of requiring a new implementation or months of manual table entry movement.

Easy Migration offers several features that not only facilitate system migration but also refine the new system. You can remap configuration to new ranges, such as aligning number ranges of wage types, and even merge multiple SAP systems together.

The solution targets HXM-specific configuration, including Payroll Schemas. All configuration is migrated to the new environment and packaged into transports, ready for migration throughout your landscape.

Additionally, Easy Migration provides limited capabilities to migrate up to 200 employees into the new system for initial testing purposes. It also allows for basic system comparisons for core payroll results.

With Easy Migration, you can streamline and expedite the migration process while ensuring accurate configuration transfer.

What is Easy Go Live?

Easy Go Live is focused on many of the tasks that the customer often needs to do in a migration or an implementation. Key features of Easy Go Live include:

  • Pre-migration analytics
  • Ability to create Employee Central data load extracts (if implementing Employee Central)
  • Migrate your full historical SAP employees to your new system
  • Parallel run testing within an auditable workbench, with pre-delivered best practice approaches for testing and analysis of errors.

The aim of Easy Go Live is to provide you with the best method to migrate your employees to the new environment and perform testing on them without the need for manual data creation or relying on Excel and other solutions.

Features and why they are best used together

In this fast-moving and busy world, equipping your teams with the right tools can save countless weeks or months of manual work.

When migrating to a new environment, using both Easy Migration and Easy Go Live is a winning combination. However, to help you understand the differences, we have compiled the following table.

Summary

In a migration to a new system, whether it involves a direct migration, an Employee Central implementation, or a complete system transformation, the combination of the two solutions, Easy Migration and Easy Go Live, will assist your team in swiftly transferring the configuration to the new system. However, equally important is the role of Easy Go Live in transitioning your employees to the new system and streamlining the entire testing process.

Darren Souter

Co-Founder & Product
Chief Technology Officer - Easy Suite

Related Content

Simplifying Payroll Reporting
 Simplifying Payroll Reporting 1024 683 SpinifexIT

Simplifying Payroll Reporting

Conquering the Top 10 Most Complex Reporting Needs in Payroll Processing

Learn More

As payroll professionals who have implemented payroll or who run payroll operations, we appreciate having payroll efficient and validated processes that ensure accurate payroll results, I’ll be honest—it can feel like a daunting task to address, especially if the right type of payroll reporting does not exist to support the payroll function.

With intricate rules, ever-changing regulations, and diverse employee situations, there are numerous payroll reporting needs that require our attention. 

Here are 10 of the most challenging reporting needs:

1. Gross Wages Report: Unveiling the Hidden Components of Total Compensation

When it comes to calculating gross wages, we can’t afford to overlook any element. It’s not just about basic salaries; it encompasses bonuses, overtime, allowances, and more. To ensure accuracy, we need to meticulously account for every component.

2. Deductions Report: Navigating the Intricacies of Pre- and Post-Tax Deductions

Diving into the world of deductions requires a sharp focus. From tax withholdings and retirement contributions to health insurance premiums and union dues, each deduction has its own set of regulations. The reporting must be precise to navigate this intricate landscape.

3. Time and Attendance Report: Solving the Puzzle of Employee Work Hours and Attendance

Tracking employee work hours and attendance is likely solving a complex puzzle. With various shift patterns, flexible working hours, and differing overtime rules, it’s essential to find a solution that adapts seamlessly to our diverse workforce’s needs.

4. Benefits Accruals Report: Navigating the Vast Realm of Accrued Benefits

Accrued benefits, such as vacation time and sick leave, add another layer of complexity to our payroll reporting. Each employee accrues benefits at a different rate, making it crucial to navigate this terrain with precision. Accurate tracking ensures our employees’ benefit balances are well-managed.

5. Tax Report: Tackling the Tax Challenges with Confidence

When it comes to tax reporting, we can’t afford to leave anything to chance. Accounting for federal, state, and local tax withholdings for each employee requires a meticulous approach. Operating in multiple tax jurisdictions or managing employees across different states amplifies the complexity, demanding our full attention and expertise.

6. Retirement Contributions Report: Managing the Complexity of Retirement Plans

Effectively tracking employee and employer contributions to retirement plans is a matter of great importance. With various plan types and contribution limits, attention to detail is paramount. We must navigate this complex landscape with unwavering focus to ensure accuracy and compliance.

7. Earnings Statement: Enlightening Employees with Transparent Pay Breakdowns

Our employees deserve transparency when it comes to their pay. The earnings statement provides them with a comprehensive breakdown, including gross wages, net pay, deductions, accrued benefits, and year-to-date totals. By delivering this detailed information, we empower our workforce to understand their compensation better.

8. Workers’ Compensation Report: Safeguarding Employees and Compliance

Ensuring the safety and well-being of our employees is a top priority. The workers’ compensation report allows us to track work-related injuries and illnesses for insurance and compliance purposes. With state-specific reporting requirements, we navigate this terrain carefully to protect our workforce and adhere to regulations.

9. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Reports: Embracing Diversity and Compliance

Diversity and inclusion are essential values in our organization. The EEO reports enable us to categorize workforce demographics, such as race, gender, age, and job category. By accurately capturing this data, we not only comply with anti-discrimination laws but also foster a work environment that celebrates diversity and equality.

10. Year-End Reports: Concluding the Payroll Cycle with Confidence

As the year draws to a close, the year-end reports become our final destination. These reports involve compiling W-2 and 1099 forms, summarizing wages and taxes, and generating other essential payroll reports. The complexity lies in accurately consolidating an entire year’s worth of data while meeting federal and state reporting obligations.

Conclusion

By successfully addressing these top 10 complex reporting needs and assuming control over our payroll reporting, you have the opportunity to enhance your processes, guarantee compliance, and streamline your overall payroll management. Let’s simplify your reporting needs and propel your payroll management to unprecedented levels of efficiency and effectiveness. Trust our solution, Easy Reporter, to support you in achieving seamless reporting and optimizing your payroll operations. Together, we can make a significant impact.

Mathew Katakis

Chief Operating Officer

Related Content

Upgrade Options for SAP HXM Customers
 Upgrade Options for SAP HXM Customers 840 560 SpinifexIT

Upgrade Options for SAP HXM Customers

Learn More

Currently, there are over 8000 SAP customers using the SAP ECC Solution. In the coming years, these customers will need to upgrade as the current version of SAP is only supported for a limited time, until 2027, with additional extended maintenance until 2030.

While the deadline may seem far away, there is a concern that consultants available to assist with the migration will become scarce at some point.

Recommended Upgrade Options

1. Migrate to Employee Central & Employee Central Payroll

For HXM customers, the recommended approach from SAP is to implement Employee Central and migrate Payroll to Employee Central Payroll.

This is the best approach for customers looking for a future-proofed HR/Payroll solution. SAP will be investing most of their future innovation around HR into SuccessFactors solutions, and Employee Central Payroll is the recommended option for the best integration.

Migrating to Employee Central involves implementing Employee Central and migrating the Payroll Configuration to the Employee Central Payroll System. SpinifexIT provides software solutions, such as Easy Migration/Easy Go Live, to assist with data loading, migration of configuration and employee data and testing.

2. Upgrade to S/4HANA

The S/4HANA solution offers an alternative upgrade path, especially for customers with multiple modules of SAP (e.g., Finance, Logistics, HR/Payroll) who may want to upgrade to the S/4HANA solution.

In this scenario, customers have options for upgrading. They can purchase their own hardware and install S/4HANA locally, or choose to install it in a S/4HANA Private Cloud Edition.

Migrating to S/4HANA is relatively simpler, and customers can continue using their existing SAP HXM solutions. However, it’s important to note that innovation will be limited, and the user experience will be similar to the current HXM Solution.

SpinifexIT provides tools to assist with this upgrade, and the same solutions used for upgrading to Employee Central/Employee Central Payroll can also be used. These solutions are particularly useful if there is a need to transform configuration, clean up data, or migrate a limited amount of data to the new system.

3. Customers who had previously moved to Compatibility Pack on S/4HANA

Prior to 2023, customers moving to S/4HANA who wanted HXM to be installed had the option to install HXM within a Compatibility Pack. This special option installed SAP ECC 6 Enhancement Pack 8 into the customer’s SAP S/4HANA environment, where the HXM functionality was running.

The compatibility pack solution is supported only until January 2025. Therefore, these customers need to upgrade to a S/4HANA version that has HXM embedded (S/4HANA 2022 version or higher)

SpinifexIT Solutions align with SAP Roadmap

All SpinifexIT Solutions are aligned with the SAP Roadmap. Each solution has been fully tested on S/4HANA.  The S/4HANA version is currently undergoing certification with SAP. Many existing customers are already using these solutions on the ECP and S/4HANA 2022 version.

For customers moving to the S/4HANA solution, they will not only receive the core solutions but also a rebuilt Fiori interface for report building and execution, aligned with the new User Experience.

SpinifexIT solutions are designed to be flexible and adapt to the customer landscape as it evolves. Examples include:

  • Implementing Employee Central Payroll: The Easy Reporter and Easy Clone solutions can be upgraded to enable reporting or cloning of Employee Central Data.
  • Implementing the Payroll Control Center: The Easy PCC Solution can be used to quickly implement the PCC, run payroll simulations validation checks, and reuse existing Easy Reporter reports.
  • Planning to use SAP Analytics Cloud: Easy Reporter can be used as a data connector to load data into the SAP Analytics Cloud.
  • Complex Interface Requirements: As cloud security needs increase and connections to third parties become more complex, many customers are turning to the SAP BTP Cloud Platform Integration (CPI) solution to connect and transmit interfaces and files. The Easy Reporter solution can be connected to SAP CPI for file transmission.

The same applies if you are moving to Employee Central Payroll. In this case, Easy Reporter and Easy Documents customers will also receive the new Fiori front end for Easy Reporter. 

Additionally, since Employee Central Payroll always includes Employee Central, Easy Reporter for ECP will always include the ability to report on SuccessFactors data. Similarly, Easy Clone will, by default, include the ability to copy Employee Central Data.

Conclusion

As a SAP Partner for the last 20 years, SpinifexIT has undergone many SAP upgrades and has aligned with the SAP Roadmap. This alignment will continue as customers move to S/4HANA and Employee Central Payroll.

The future roadmap of SpinifexIT will continue to evolve the solutions as SAP evolves.

Darren Souter

Co-Founder & Product
Chief Technology Officer - Easy Suite

Related Content

Easy Reporter – More than just a reporting solution
 Easy Reporter – More than just a reporting solution 1024 683 SpinifexIT

Easy Reporter - More than just a reporting solution

Experience seamless data integration and diverse export possibilities.

Learn More

When discussing Easy Reporter, the conversation naturally revolves around reporting needs. In most cases, this is aimed at addressing the immediate requirements of the Payroll Team, including Reconciliation, Payroll Audits, or General Company Reporting.

However, for many customers, there is also a need to integrate and distribute information to other areas, such as SAP Analytics Cloud (or other BI Solutions), create interface files for external transmission, or enable internal consumption of these reports via Employee Self Service or Managers Self Service.

Easy Reporter offers much more

Over the years, Easy Reporter has evolved into much more than just a reporting solution. Many of our customers now use it to integrate data into their own internal systems or even external solutions.

The advantage for our customers is that Easy Reporter provides access to the majority of the data they may need to export into external systems. This includes not only the complex tables within the SAP environment but also SuccessFactors Data, and the ability to import data from external files. Moreover, the HR or Payroll Team can build the reports themselves. Once they have the data in a report, setting up the required export file becomes a fairly simple process.

This blog aims to provide an overview of some of the available output options.

What are the output options?

When it comes to consuming the reports, the first and most common option for our customers is to run them directly. All our reports are built within SAP, and our customers can use the Easy Reporter interface directly from SAPGUI, SAP Business Client, or WebGui. Typically, these users are within the HR or Payroll Team itself, and they have access to the complete solution, including the creation of various interface options.

Secondly, many of our customers want to share reports with different teams within the company. For this purpose, we offer a Web Fiori solution for Manager Self Service or Employee Self Service, enabling managers or employees to access any reports they need.

The final area involves exporting the report data from Easy Reporter. Here, there are several diverse options available.

Easy Reporter – Import & Export options

  • Emailing the Report: Any report can be emailed to either an internal or external person within the company. The email can be sent with the report data as an attachment in any of the formats listed below.
  • Saving to a File: Any report can also be written to a local directory on the SAP server (or Internal Network if accessible from the SAP system) or to a local PC file. This can be useful if it needs to be imported into another system or consumed by another team.
  • oData API: The Easy Reporter reports can be called as a SAP Service. This allows calling reports and returning the data in oData format. This is typically the case in scenarios such as:
  • SAP Analytics Cloud: When data needs to be imported into SAP Analytics Cloud, the oData API can be used.
  • Excel or PowerBI: Similar to Excel or PowerBI, both of these can be pointed to the Easy Reporter API.
  • SAP Cloud Integration (CPI): Starting from our upcoming release (2023.R2), Easy Reporter will be able to connect to the CPI solution hosted on the Business Technology Platform (BTP). Any Easy Reporter report can create an external file, which can then be passed to an iFlow on the BTP platform for transmission.

File Formats

When sending a file, there are many formats available, including:
  • Excel XLSX
  • Tab Delimited
  • Comma Delimited
  • Interface (Header, Body, Footer)
  • XML
  • And many more

Summary

As seen from the information above, the Easy Reporter solution offers more than just reporting capabilities. It not only provides access to the majority of the HXM and SuccessFactors data sources but also offers multiple output formats for consumption by other solutions.

This is one of the advantages of Easy Reporter that makes it the most versatile solution for SAP HXM customers.

Darren Souter

Co-Founder & Product
Chief Technology Officer - Easy Suite

Related Content

The Significance of Payroll for Business and CEOs
 The Significance of Payroll for Business and CEOs 1024 683 SpinifexIT

The Significance of Payroll for Business and CEOs

Get in Touch

Payroll is the process of calculating and distributing employee compensation, including salaries, wages, benefits, and bonuses.

It is a critical component of any company, directly influencing the financial stability of employees and potentially affecting the company’s overall performance. Below are several significant reasons why payroll holds a vital place in a business, and its CEO.

Why is payroll accuracy so crucial to a business:

  • Financial management: Payroll often represents a major portion of a company's expenses, and precise payroll information is essential for financial management and forecasting. Analyzing payroll data can assist businesses in recognizing labour cost trends and formulating strategic decisions on employee numbers and compensation.
  • Reduce risks, increase compliance: As mentioned earlier, payroll must comply with various laws and regulations. If payroll is inaccurate, it can lead to compliance issues and legal problems. CEOs are ultimately responsible for ensuring the company follows all laws and regulations, and accurate payroll processing is a key aspect of this responsibility.
  • Employee satisfaction and retention: Accurate and timely payroll processing ensures that employees are paid correctly and on time, which can boost morale and improve job satisfaction. Satisfied employees are more likely to remain with the company, reducing turnover and associated costs.
  • Reporting and analysis: Payroll data can be used to generate reports and analyze employee performance, productivity, and compensation. This information can help businesses identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions.

Now let’s talk about why payroll accuracy is crucial to a CEO:

  • Financial management: Inaccurate payroll can lead to errors in financial planning and budgeting, which can have a significant impact on the company's bottom line. CEOs rely on accurate payroll data to make informed decisions about staffing levels and compensation.
  • Reduce risks, increase compliance: Payroll processing must conform to several laws and regulations, such as minimum wage, tax, and labour laws. Noncompliance with these regulations can lead to legal repercussions, fines, and penalties.
  • Employee satisfaction and retention: Inaccurate payroll can lead to underpayment or overpayment of employees, which can cause dissatisfaction and reduce employee retention. Inaccurate payroll can also cause delays in payment, which can cause financial stress for employees. A CEO wants to ensure that their employees are happy and motivated to work, and accurate payroll processing is essential to achieving this goal.
  • Reputation: Inaccurate payroll can harm a company's image, making it challenging to hire and retain talented employees. CEOs understand the significance of employee trust and strive to create a reputation for their company as a fair and ethical employer. Accurate payroll management is a crucial component of maintaining this reputation

In summary, payroll is an essential aspect of any business, and accurate payroll processing is crucial for compliance, employee satisfaction, financial management, and reputation. CEOs have a responsibility to ensure that payroll is accurate, as it directly impacts the success of the company and the well-being of employees.

Mat Katakis

Chief Operating Officer

Take the first step to payroll accuracy

Get in Touch

Related Content

SuccessConnect 2023

Join us at SuccessConnect 2023 from October 2nd to 4th at...

Strato 1.21 Solution Release

Boost Your Productivity with Strato 1.21! Experience better accessibility, performance, security...

Customer Mandate “Move entirely away from ABAP Dependency”
 Customer Mandate “Move entirely away from ABAP Dependency” 1024 683 SpinifexIT

Customer Mandate

“Move entirely away from ABAP Dependency”

Get in Touch

I recently heard a quote for an existing SpinifexIT customer, who recently purchased our Easy Payroll Control Center solution.

The Project Manager involved said ‘We have a mandate now to move entirely away from ABAP dependency’.

Whilst I’ve been an ABAP developer for over 20 years, I also can see the rationale. These days, I see many customers who are looking at what to do with their ABAP customization that they have built over the last few decades.

This is especially the case when customers are taking on a system upgrade to S/4HANA or even Employee Central/Employee Central Payroll. With these migrations, there are often decision points on whether to migrate current custom code, or to leave it behind.

Sometimes the code needs a redesign

Often though, it isn’t just a decision on whether to move the code or not. In many cases, there are scenarios where we see the need for redesign of existing ABAP code. Some common cases we are seeing include:

  • Customers upgrading to Employee Central and need data from Employee Central being imported into existing reports
  • When implementing the Payroll Control Center (PCC) and the current reports don’t work with the Decluster results
  • Customers who have moved from SAPGUI to Fiori views, such as the PCC, but their existing reports are not Fiori enabled
  • Customers who have moved away from SAPGUI (Such as Employee Central Users) but are not happy with the WebGui look and Feel

What are the alternatives?

For many customers, that code that they have built over the years, is also very similar to some of the commercially available products that you see on the SAP store. I would highly recommend checking these out before completely deciding on whether to take on a large project to re-engineer your functionality, or even build new functionality.

I might be biased (I’m a co-founder of SpinifexIT), but after working with building Addon software for the last 20 years, I have seen the value that this can bring to many customers, without them having to take on the IT burden with additional technical debt.

For many of the key tasks around SAP HXM/SuccessFactors, we purposely look to build out robust solutions for many of the most common areas that customers often need additional functionality. More than just solving the problem you might have today, we also take on the responsibility of adding functionality to make our tools work as SAP evolves.

Take for example our Easy Reporter solution.  This has now been available for nearly 20 years, but over this time, we have seen constant evolvements as SAP changes.  With the constant need for additional data sources inside of SAP, the addition of SuccessFactors, with the Payroll Control Center Decluster reporting, and then working through various Employee Self Service / Manager Self Service solutions over the years, our customers have been able to keep up with this without needing a development team. SpinifexIT simply supplies a new release every 6 months.  

As an example: Our latest upcoming release has brought out a complete new Fiori front end for Easy Reporter report execution.

Use your ABAP team to differentiate your business

I’m not saying to go and fire your ABAP team tomorrow. But, having them constantly making small modifications or additional versions of reports to meet the business needs, isn’t the best use of their time.

My suggestion is to keep a core team of developers on hand, we use them in areas that truly can differentiate a customer. Having an ABAP team build reports or other functionality that can be brought off the shelf doesn’t make sense. Not only is it costly and time consuming, in most cases it also won’t have as much functionality.

Using that same team to build functionality that truly differentiates the customer from their competitors or makes them more efficient though, makes sense. For example: A customer who has a unique type of business that needs additional screens or functionality to enhance that business makes sense to build that, as there is likely nothing commercially available.

Darren Souter

Co-Founder & Product
Chief Technology Officer - Easy Suite

Take the first step

Get in Touch

Related Content

SuccessConnect 2023

Join us at SuccessConnect 2023 from October 2nd to 4th at...

Strato 1.21 Solution Release

Boost Your Productivity with Strato 1.21! Experience better accessibility, performance, security...

SpinifexIT & CodeBot for SAP SuccessFactors Partner Up
 SpinifexIT & CodeBot for SAP SuccessFactors Partner Up 1024 683 SpinifexIT
Codebot SpinifexIT logos image

SpinifexIT and CodeBot accelerate SuccessFactors Migrations and Implementations

The first end-to-end solution that accelerates HCM to HXM migrations while simultaneously enabling ongoing customer digital transformation.
VIEW THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

SpinifexIT and CodeBot accelerate SuccessFactors Migrations and Implementations

The first end-to-end solution that accelerates HCM to HXM migrations while simultaneously enabling ongoing customer digital transformation.

You may have seen our recent press release that announces a partnership between SpinifexIT and CodeBot for SuccessFactors (If not: See here). As part of our partnership, we bring complementary software to our partners and customers a unique opportunity to accelerate the movement and configuration of SuccessFactors and SAP HXM.

This blog helps to explain the value points that each of the companies deliver both separately and when combined.

In summary, the SpinifexIT solutions are fantastic accelerators when migrating your employees and configuration into SuccessFactors, as well as supporting ongoing testing. The Codebot solution provides an automated way to streamline initial and ongoing configuration and testing related activities. When these solutions are used in combination the implementation and maintenance process for both SuccessFactors and SAP HXM is accelerated and simplified reducing risk and enhancing time to value.

SpinifexIT Easy Migration and Easy Go Live Solutions

These two SpinifexIT solutions typically are used by customers to accelerate many of the processes around either an implementation of SAP HXM and Employee Central or a Migration from SAP HXM ECC to either ECP and S/4HANA.

The SpinifexIT solutions cover the following key use cases:

  • Analysis of SAP Configuration prior to a migration

  • Migration of Configuration to a new SAP Environment (Lift & Shift)

  • Extraction of SAP Configuration for quick loading into Employee Central

  • Extraction of Employee Data from SAP for loading into Employee Central

  • Migration of Employees from SAP ECC to ECP or S/4HANA

  • Parallel Run Testing

In addition: SpinifexIT also offers many HR and Payroll operational solutions for customers on SAP HXM or SuccessFactors even after the initial implementation, such as advanced reporting solutions across HXM and SuccessFactors, employee document generation and data cloning and anonymisation to name a few.

CodeBot

The SFCodeBot solution is used by customers who are configuring SAP SuccessFactors, (including Employee Central), helping manage the configuration and allowing for easier migration of configuration to a new system (Dev -> Test -> Production).

Think of SFCodebot as an Advanced Configuration Management Solution.  Codebot follows the SAP approach using excel type workbooks automatically extracting your configuration documentation, and rather than needing to manually enter new configuration details into SuccessFactors, it will automatically update the configuration directly into the system.

Key Use Cases

  • Automatic Comparison of current configuration to a partner’s leading practices
  • Initial and ongoing configuring of SuccessFactors via Workbook automation
  • Automatic Comparison of Configuration between SuccessFactors instances
  • Migration of Configuration between SuccessFactors instances
  • Robotic Testing of business processes and workflows
  • Automatic creation of Workbooks from existing configuration

CodeBot also gives SAP Partners the ability to quickly update a pre-built configuration model helping accelerate new implementations.  Further to being an implementation solution, it is utilized by existing customers to better manage their ongoing configuration and enhancements.

SpinifexIT and SFCodeBot Complement each other

Now customers and their partners can use the SpinifexIT and SFCodeBot solutions as a fast start when populating the customer’s new SuccessFactors Solution.  This means that you can quickly get SuccessFactors initial configuration and employee data loads into the system for testing, comparison, validation and deployment.

After this initial load, any further configuration can be taken over by SFCodeBot.  SFCodeBot can then be used to manage further configuration via workbooks, but just as importantly, it can be used to migrate the SuccessFactors Configuration to each of the subsequent SuccessFactors systems.

In the meantime, whilst continuing to configure in SuccessFactors, the SpinifexIT solutions can continue to focus on any further movement of HXM Configuration to SuccessFactors, Creation of EC / ECP employee test data, and comparing the results between the systems (Parallel runs)

Key Considerations:

  • Leverage legacy configuration + Leading Practice to focus design & highlight data transformation tasks
  • Faster design & build of each iteration
  • More focus on business process, less on system/technical tasks
  • Supports shorter implementation timelines = faster go lives
  • Start reporting earlier in the project

The following shows this pictorially:

Codebot SpinifexIT blog graphics

The two solutions working together give the customer the best solutions and processes to streamline an implementation or migration, as described in the following section.

Employee Central Implementation

Employee Central Payroll

or SAHANA Migration

No additional

solutions

With

CodeBot

With

SpinifexIT

With SpinifexIT

& CodeBot

Configuration of SuccessFactors

Manual

Via Workbook

Manual

Via Workbook

Maintenance & update of workbook

Manual

Automated

Manual

Automated

Employee Data Loads into Employee Central

Standard

Standard

User-definable,

history possible

User-definable,

load process

Migration of Configuration to Test & Production

Standard

Automated

via workbook

Standard

Automated

via workbook

Comparison of System Configuration

Manual

Automated

Standard

Automated

Script-based robotic testing

Manual

Automated

Manual

Automated

Employee Central Payroll or S/4HANA Migration

Employee Central Payroll

or S/4HANA Migration

No additional

solutions

With

CodeBot

With

SpinifexIT

With SpinifexIT

& CodeBot

Pre-Analysis of Configuration pre-move 

Standard SAP

Standard SAP

Customizable

Customizable

Recreation of Config load to load

into Employee Central

No

No

Yes

Yes

Create Extraction of Employees

to load into EC

Infoporter

Infoporter

Yes

Customizable advanced extraction

Accelerated config

& data rapid loads

Migration of HXM Configuration to New System

Migration of HXM Configuration

to New System

No additional

solutions

With

CodeBot

With

SpinifexIT

With SpinifexIT

& CodeBot

Migration of HXM Employees 

including historical data

No

No

Yes

Yes

Comparison of EC and ECP or S/4HANA 

data post replication

No

No

Yes

Yes

Parallel Run Testing 

between Systems

Manual

Manual

Yes

Yes

Analysis of Payroll Issues

Manual

Manual

Yes

Yes

Employee Central Payroll or S/4HANA Implementation

Employee Central Payroll or S/4HANA Implementation

No additional

solutions

With

CodeBot

With

SpinifexIT

With SpinifexIT

& CodeBot

Automated formatting & manipulation 

of EC data loads

Manual

Manual

Yes

Yes

Data Loading of Employee Data into ECP

or S/4HANA

Custom ABAP

Custom ABAP

Yes

Yes

Parallel Run Testing between Systems

Manual

Manual

Yes

Yes

Analysis of Payroll Issues

Manual

Manual

Yes

Yes

First looks S/4 HANA 2022 including SAP HXM
 First looks S/4 HANA 2022 including SAP HXM 1024 683 SpinifexIT

S/4HANA 2022 including SAP HXM - First looks

Good news for customers who want to keep
SAP HXM or Payroll longer

S/4 HANA 2022 including SAP HXM – First looks

Good news for customers who want to keep SAP HXM or Payroll longer

Many of you likely know, SAP previously announced their “End of Life” dates for the current SAP ECC solutions. This is 2027 with extended maintenance up to 2029. 

Previously, the only option for customers seeking a long-term Payroll solution was to switch to the Employee Central Payroll (ECP) option.

At the same time, many customers have been migrating their core ERP solution to the S/4HANA release.  Payroll, including HXM, can be  installed into this environment using a compatibility pack, but it would require installing the EHP 8 version into the system.

Here comes S/4HANA 2022 with SAP HXM Embedded

SAP has recently released the S/4HANA 2022 release, which now includes SAP HXM integrated into its core package. This provides customers moving to S/4HANA with a simpler landscape and upgrade options. Customers will no longer have to use compatibility packs or go through separate upgrade processes.

This also means that SAP HXM is now part of the standard SAP supported solution until 2040. This allows customers who are not quite ready to upgrade to SuccessFactors to continue utilizing this solution in the foreseeable future.

“With SAP extending the HXM solution and making it available on S/4HANA up until 2040 gives the customers the most flexibility over the coming years. Customers have the option to maintain their current Payroll and HR systems, and replace parts or all of their HR functionality with SuccessFactors at a time that suits their business needs. SpinifexIT solutions enhance the capabilities of standard SAP HXM and SuccessFactors, enabling customers to continue take advantage of their existing HXM solution with specialized solutions for reporting, document generation, data copying, and implementation/migration tailored to HXM and SuccessFactors.”

Darren Souter

SpinifexIT Co-Founder & Product Chief Technology Officer – Easy Suite

What is the difference between the ECC Version and S/4 HANA 2022?

Well, other than providing the HXM solution, which includes most of the commonly used features such as Payroll, Employee Infotypes, Organizational Data, Time Evaluation and more, there is not much new. This is primarily a technical delivery, but it allows for upgrades with minimal changes.

As part of this delivery,the transactions, tables, code, etc. remain largely unchanged. Over time, it may receive additional enhancements ahead of the ECC version of SAP, however, the majority of SAP’s product development efforts will continue to be directed towards cloud solutions such as SuccessFactors. 

In addition, certain advanced features such as the Payroll Center, which previously required separate installation, are now included in the core delivery.

This also means that SAP HXM is now part of the standard SAP supported solution until 2040. This allows customers who are not quite ready to upgrade to SuccessFactors to continue utilizing this solution in the foreseeable future.

SpinifexIT Solutions on S/4HANA 2022

To support our customers, we will also be setting up a complete S/4HANA landscape for Development and Support. As part of our 2023.R1 release, we will be collaborating with SAP to certify it on the S/4HANA 2022 release. 

In the next few months of 2023, SpinifexIT will release a S/4HANA specific release.  This release will include new features for customers who are migrating to S/4HANA. Easy Reporter, in particular, will have a new user interface that is Fiori-enabled and aligned with the S/4HANA design. Additionally, the default reporting capabilities for decluster tables from the Payroll Control Center will be included to take advantage of the HANA performance. We are committed to continue to enhance this version and align our other solutions with the HANA version in the future.

Customers Upgrading to S/4HANA 2022

While the standard SAP upgrade process and SUM Tool (SAP Upgrade Manager) will apply to many customers, those looking to maximize the benefits of migration may choose to use the SpinifexIT Migration Solutions. These solutions allow for customers to perform tasks such as consolidation of naming conventions, deletion of unused configuration, and selective migration of employees of payroll history. Whether you want to streamline your configuration or just move the latest decade of payroll data, the migration solution can help you achieve those goals.

The SpinifexIT solutions, Easy Migration and Easy Go Live, are designed for this purpose.. Infact, during our internal testing, we found that these solutions made the migration process extremely efficient. For example, by using these solutions, we were able to quickly copy the Australian Configuration and data for 20 employees, including historical payroll results, infotypes, and organizational data, to the new S/4HANA system. Within just two hours of setting up the test system, we were able to run payroll and validate it against our ECC 6 EHP system, where the configuration and data originated. This highlights the ease and speed of our migration solutions.  You should discuss this possibility with your implementation partner on using these solutions as part of the migration.

The Easy Suite solutions can be used not only for migrating and implementing SAP HXM, but also for day-to-day operations. While many of our customers are familiar with the capabilities of the Easy Suite, they may not be aware that we also offer migration solutions to speed up the migration process. These solutions can help you to make the transition to SAP HXM as smooth and efficient as possible.

Take the first step

Get in Touch

Explore all our solutions for
SAP and SAP SuccessFactors

Available-on-SAP-Store-White-BG-Wallet-1024x344
Jump start your career in SAP & Software development
 Jump start your career in SAP & Software development 1024 754 SpinifexIT

SpinifexIT Academy

Jump start your career in SAP & Software Development!

Get in Touch

We’re proud to announce the launch of SpinifexIT Academy!

The SpinifexIT Academy, which will run for two months and be led by some of the company’s most qualified employees, is an important part of our commitment to the local community in the Philippines. The valuable time spent training the graduates and providing them with an opportunity to apply their skills in real time is also a key component of our commitment to ensuring the success of our talents.

Providing a strong foundation to build a career upon

Bringing new talent to a company is always a valuable investment, and our fresh grad program is no exception. New graduates bring with them a fresh perspective, new ideas, and a willingness to learn and grow. They are an invaluable asset to any company, and we are excited to see what the next group of talented individuals will bring to the table.

This year, we are excited to expand the program to hire:

  • Developers
  • Testers
  • Consultants
  • Devops

Recognizing the invaluable addition to the organization

Our first batch of graduates hired in 2022 was a huge success. Despite the challenging times during the pandemic, SpinifexIT was able to provide gainful employment to these young professionals and help them jump start their career in software development in the world of SaaS and SAP SuccessFactors. The group worked on several projects under the Strato HCM solution suite. They were trained by our top developers who also recently represented SpinifexIT in an AWS conference. Following their completion of the program, SpinifexIT absorbed and hired 5 graduates for the QA and Testing team and another 5 for the development team.

Investing in the future of the organization and community

At SpinifexIT, we value the importance of guiding fresh grads in their careers and believe that this initiative is important not only for the organization, but also for the community as a whole. In February 2023, SpinifexIT plans to hire 20 additional fresh graduates to join our team. I am excited to see what the next group of talented individuals will bring to the table and am confident that they will help us to continue to grow and succeed.

Gregory Tutt

Strato Global Architect

“I got my first job as part of my internship and found that programs like a company Academy are very valuable.”

Jumpstart your career today!

If you are a fresh grad looking for an opportunity to start your career, Please message us below for more information on how to apply to our program.

Get in Touch

Related Content