A new era in SAP SuccessFactors with AI assistant SAP Joule

Human Resources (HR) is evolving at an accelerating pace under the impact of digitalization. In this shift, artificial intelligence is more than a tech trend; it is a powerful enabler that is transforming the employee experience. SAP Joule, one of SAP’s latest innovations in this area, adds intelligent support to HR processes in its role as an AI-powered digital assistant. It helps users quickly access the information they need, complete tasks with ease and make more strategic decisions. It offers HR teams a preview of the workplace of the future – available today.

NTT DATA Business Solutions | maj 27, 2025

SAP Joule is an AI-powered digital assistant designed to deliver a modern, intuitive experience for SAP SuccessFactors users. Built on natural language processing (NLP) technology, Joule simplifies interactions with HR systems by allowing users to complete tasks without navigating complex menus. As a result, both employees and HR professionals save time and overall system adoption increases.

SAP Joule stands out by making Human Resources processes more accessible and user-friendly. Employees can perform the following actions using simple text commands:

Request time off
Access payroll information
View performance goals

These features significantly enhance the user experience while reducing the operational workload for HR departments.

Proactive decision support features for managers

SAP Joule does more than provide managers with information – it also delivers proactive decision support that helps make processes more strategic. For example:

It can analyze team members’ performance
It can recommend the most suitable candidates during recruitment

These suggestions are generated by comparing keywords in candidate résumés with terms used in job descriptions. This supports a data-driven approach to hiring and talent management decisions.

SAP Joule is redefining the user experience

Beyond speeding up processes, SAP Joule also sets a new standard for how users interact with technology. Through the Joule button in the top corner of the SAP SuccessFactors interface, users can easily access the digital assistant and ask questions using natural language. This helps increase system adoption and boost user satisfaction.

SAP Joule, with its AI-powered digital assistant capabilities, represents a major step forward in SAP’s effort to completely reshape the user experience. Leveraging NLP technology, SAP Joule makes HR processes more accessible and user-friendly.

Instead of navigating complex menus, users can complete the following tasks using simple text commands:

Request time off
Access payroll information
View performance goals

These features save valuable time for both employees and HR departments while also increasing overall system adoption.

Proactive Decision Support

In addition to functioning as a digital assistant, Joule also offers decision-making features for both managers and employees. For example:

It can offer managers insights into team members’ performance
It can recommend the most suitable candidates during recruitment

Accessing SAP Joule through the SuccessFactors interface is also simple. Users can click the Joule button in the top corner of the screen to ask their questions directly.

SAP Joule’s integration with SAP SuccessFactors provides significant advantages, especially for human resources teams:

Speed and efficiency in operational processes
Less manual work, more time for strategy
More accurate and predictive decisions for managers
Increased employee satisfaction and system interaction

Simplifies the user experience

Employees can easily complete tasks like requesting time off, viewing payroll details, or accessing performance goals by simply asking in natural language. As a result, training requirements are reduced and system adoption increases.

Decision support for managers

SAP Joule can provide managers with insights into team performance and suggest suitable candidates during the hiring process. These recommendations are based on data-driven analysis, such as keyword matching between résumés and job descriptions.

Saves time and reduces costs

Automated responses and guided workflows help lighten the administrative burden on HR departments, allowing more time to focus on strategic tasks.

Delivers a modern, intuitive experience

SAP Joule is accessible directly via the diamond icon integrated into the SAP SuccessFactors interface, providing users with an intuitive and smooth experience.

Enabling data-driven HR processes

AI-powered insights help transform HR decision-making, making it more informed, data-based, and strategic.

1. Defining required roles and licenses

Before beginning the setup, make sure the necessary licenses and the following user roles are already in place:

SAP BTP Global Account Admin
SAP SuccessFactors Admin
SAP Cloud Identity Services Admin

2. Checking the Global User ID (GUID)

Verify that the Global User ID (GUID) is defined in user profiles within SAP SuccessFactors. This identifier must be mapped to the SAP Cloud Identity Authentication system. If IAS or Story Reports is already active, this mapping is likely already in place.

3. SAP BTP registration and integration

Once validations are complete:

The SAP SuccessFactors system is registered on the SAP BTP platform.
The appropriate subaccount is created.
Integration with SAP Cloud Identity services is established.

4. Activating SAP Build Work Zone

The SAP Build Work Zone, Standard Edition must be activated. (SAP Joule cannot be activated on the Foundation Edition.)

5. Automated configuration using the Joule Booster tool

Once the required services are defined, run the “Joule Booster” tool provided by SAP to automatically configure the system.

6. Integration and security settings

Configure integration settings in SuccessFactors.
Upload the required certificates.
Complete all security checks.

7. Getting started

After all configurations are complete, users can access SAP Joule via the diamond icon in the SAP SuccessFactors interface and begin taking advantage of the digital assistant’s innovative experience.

SAP SuccessFactors Joule not only accelerates HR processes with its AI-powered design, it also strengthens your decision-making capabilities. With its user-friendly interface, natural language access and proactive recommendation engine, SAP Joule boasts improved employee satisfaction and enhanced operational efficiency.

If you’re looking for a strong partner on your digital transformation journey, SAP Joule is the innovative solution that can make a real difference for your organization.

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