Case Study: Thales (TDSI)
Thales Defence and Security Inc. (TDSI) transformed its HR and Talent operations with an end-to-end SAP SuccessFactors Full Suite Implementation—digitizing HR, Payroll, Benefits, Recruiting, Onboarding, Talent, Learning, and Compliance into a single integrated platform
TDSI’ Key Challenges
Thales Defence and Security Inc., a leading provider of defense and aerospace technology, had been using Oracle HRIS systems for over 30 years.
- No Single Source of Truth: Multiple systems for HR, Time, Benefits, and Payroll led to redundancy, data issues, and compliance risks.
- Payroll Issues & Delays: Manual entry of time data into payroll caused delays and errors.
- Disconnected Recruiting & Onboarding: Hiring systems were not integrated with HRIS, creating duplication and inefficiency.
- Manual Talent Management: Performance, goals, compensation, and succession tracked in Excel.
- Standalone LMS: Learning management system lacked integration, limiting compliance reporting.
- Security & Permissions Issues: Fragmented systems weakened reporting and access controls
Over time, the HR landscape became fragmented—multiple auxiliary systems, siloed recruiting and onboarding tools, and manual payroll processes created inefficiencies, compliance gaps, and a poor employee experience. To modernize HR operations, Thales chose SAP SuccessFactors as a fully integrated cloud HR platform.
SAP SuccessFactors Solutions Deployed
3Core Systems deployed solutions below to turn challenges into business outcomes
Implemented SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central (EC) as the single source of truth, consolidating all employee biographical, employment, compensation, organizational, and job relationship data.
Deployed Employee Central Payroll (ECP) with automated processing of federal and state tax infotypes, recurring deductions, 401K/Roth/Deferred Compensation, loans, and unemployment tax reporting.
Executed comprehensive HRIS data conversion, migrating personal details, job history, pay components, recurring deductions, emergency contacts, and termination information into EC.
Completed payroll data conversion including job codes, cost centers, benefits (401K, FSA, HSA, Deferred Comp), and YTD balances, ensuring historical accuracy and compliance.
Integrated payroll with general ledger and benefits providers, streamlining deductions and postings while reducing reconciliation efforts.
Enabled automated compliance reporting (e.g., Illinois state reporting) and secure payroll data replication to financial and benefits systems
One global candidate profile and requisition template.
Multi-stage job application process and candidate status pipelines.
Standard offer letter templates and automated approval workflows.
Built-in reporting for time-to-fill, applicant sources, and compliance tracking (OFCCP, Veterans Report).
Interview Central for panel evaluations and team-based recruiting.
Integrated with Onboarding 2.0, enabling digital forms, E-Verify, and automatic transfer of new hire data into EC and Payroll.
Paperless onboarding with digital compliance forms (I-9, W-4, state-specific).
Automated E-Verify integration.
E-signatures and manager task assignments.
New hire self-service portal with document uploads and guided tasks.
Seamless integration from ATS to Onboarding to HRIS ensured accuracy and efficiency.
Performance & Goals
Configured Performance Management to automate goal-setting, reviews, and continuous feedback.
Enabled alignment of individual goals with organizational objectives for better visibility.
Integrated performance data with compensation and succession processes.
Deployed workflows and role-based permissions for manager and employee collaboration.
Succession Planning
Digitized succession management, replacing manual spreadsheets.
Built talent profiles and talent pools for critical roles.
Enabled calibration tools to identify high-potential employees.
Integrated with Performance & Goals to link readiness with development plans.
Compensation
Implemented Compensation Planning templates for salary, merit, and bonus planning.
Automated approval workflows to reduce manual tracking and errors.
Integrated compensation data with EC for accurate processing.
Delivered compensation statements for transparency to employees.
Variable Pay
Implemented Variable Pay module to automate incentive and bonus calculations.
Linked payouts directly to performance metrics and business objectives.
Eliminated manual spreadsheets with automated plan eligibility and targets.
Integrated with Payroll for accurate disbursement of incentive pay.
Integrated SAP SuccessFactors LMS with EC for a single HR and learning ecosystem.
Automated compliance tracking for mandatory training and certifications.
Enabled mobile learning, e-learning modules, and blended learning programs.
Delivered reporting and analytics for completion rates, compliance, and skills development.
Deployed Single Sign-On (SSO) using Active Directory integrated with SAP IAS/IPS, ensuring seamless and secure access for employees and administrators.
Strengthened role-based permissions, enabling granular access control across HR, Payroll, and Talent modules for compliance and data protection.
Implemented secure data replication across EC, Payroll, Benefits, and third-party providers, reducing risks of data breaches and errors.
Automated reporting and compliance outputs, including payroll reconciliation, benefits deductions, and state-specific reports such as monthly reporting, VETS4212 etc.
Enabled advanced analytics and dashboards for HR and leadership teams, improving decision-making and workforce visibility.
Ensured audit readiness with traceable workflows, version controls, and automated compliance monitoring across all HR process
Before and After Implementing SAP SuccessFactors Solutions.
| Process Area | Before (Manual / Siloed) | After (Automated / Integrated) |
|---|---|---|
| HRIS, Time & Payroll | Multiple disconnected systems; manual time entry into payroll; frequent errors and delays. | Employee Central as single system of record; automated payroll, benefits, deductions, and time integration with S/4HANA. |
| Recruiting & Onboarding | Disconnected job postings; paper-based onboarding; manual E-Verify; duplication of records. | Unified ATS with branded career site; digital onboarding with automated E-Verify; seamless flow to Payroll & HRIS. |
| Performance & Compensation | Performance reviews and compensation planning managed in Excel; error-prone, manual approvals. | Automated goal alignment, compensation cycles, and merit planning integrated with Payroll. |
| Succession & Learning | No succession system, ad-hoc spreadsheets; standalone LMS not connected to HRIS. | Digitized succession planning; integrated Learning with EC for compliance and development tracking. |
| Platform, Security & SSO | Fragmented access controls; weak reporting security; multiple logins across systems. | Centralized SSO with Active Directory & IAS/IPS; role-based permissions; secure data exchange. |
| Reporting & Compliance | Limited visibility; reactive tracking; high risk of errors in compliance reporting. | Real-time dashboards, proactive analytics, and automated state/federal compliance reports. |
Digitization
Eliminated manual payroll entry, paper onboarding, and Excel-driven processes.
Data Accuracy
Established a single source of truth with integrated, secure workflows.
Eficiency Gains
Reduced payroll errors, shortened payroll cycles, accelerated recruiting and onboarding.
User Experince
Delivered modern portals, seamless onboarding, and a unified learning environment.
Security
Centralized SSO and permissions reduced risks and improved compliance.
Return on Investment
Measurable cost savings through error reduction, faster time-to-hire, and compliance adherence.
Author | Shyam Reganti
Shyam is an SAP Practice Lead at 3Core Systems, focused on helping organizations through every step of Digital Transformation Journey
Ready to digitize your HR processes like Thales? Contact 3Core Systems to learn how we can help transformed your HR, Payroll and Talent operations with an end-to-end SAP SuccessFactors Full Suite Implementation
Contact Us
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