The client for the interim mandate is a large German logistics company. The central HR department wanted to introduce the SAP HCM modules OM (Organization Management) and ESS/MSS (Employee/Manager Self Services) in the branches. However, the branches are managed very independently. The decision to introduce the modules is therefore not made by the central HR department, but by the respective branch manager. The previous experiences of the branches with projects from the central HR department were rather negative. Against this background, the interim manager was hired to improve acceptance of the new processes.
Standard functionality in SAP ESS/MSS for vacation planning significantly expanded
In order to be able to convincingly present the advantages of the new processes, the standard functionality in SAP ESS/MSS for vacation planning was significantly expanded. To this end, an external add-on tool was further developed on the recommendation of the project team. This tool allows managers to define vacation blocks, minimum staffing levels and substitution rules for employees in their area of responsibility. This enables, for example, vacation arrangements to be made between colleagues without the manager's involvement - even before the vacation is requested. This innovation significantly reduces the workload for managers.
Managers at the branches motivated to work on detailed concepts
The branches were then invited to participate in the finalization of the detailed concepts. In order to increase the motivation for participation, the number of possible participations was deliberately kept short. Only the branches that were the first to voluntarily opt for the implementation were given the opportunity to influence the further design of the SAP modules.
In the next step, the interim manager and a colleague presented the SAP modules and the add-on to the management teams of the participating branches. They answered questions from the managers and discussed suggestions for further improvements. As the project progressed, the project team placed particular emphasis on training local HR managers and executives. The latter were supported in individual meetings, for example, in setting up the individual parameters for vacation planning for the branch.
Branches involved rate the introduction of the SAP modules as a success
The new approach contributed significantly to the branches rating the introduction of the SAP HCM modules OM and ESS/MSS as successful. The standing of the HR department throughout the company is now also significantly better than before. This was achieved despite - or perhaps because of - the critical discussion of suggestions for improvement from the management team led by the interim manager.
The task now is to further accelerate the speed of implementation. To this end, local HR managers are supporting colleagues from neighboring branches. In case of doubt, the remaining branches may still have to decide whether to switch from the voluntary principle to a directive. At the end of the process, however, there will be standardized and automated processes throughout the Group.
