SAP SuccessFactors Position Management FAQs

SAP SuccessFactors Position Management FAQs
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This blog covers common configuration and troubleshooting scenarios in SAP SuccessFactors Position Management. It simplifies multiple KBAs into step-by-step instructions to help administrators manage positions, workflows, permissions, and reporting effectively.

How to create a new position automatically during the hire process in SAP SuccessFactors?

Answer 

  1. Ensure the Event Reason is configured with Follow-Up Activity = Position Reclassification.  
  2. Use a dummy position that already has an incumbent assigned.  
  3. Navigate to Position Management Settings.  
  4. Set Search for Position in Position Reclassification = No.  
  5. Ensure the position is active and configured as a Mass Position.  
  6. Verify that modified Job Information fields are included in Job Info to Position sync rule mapping.  
  7. Complete the hire process.  

Note: 

  • A new position is only created if field values differ between Job Info and Position.  
  • Incorrect configuration will update the existing position instead of creating a new one.  

Is there a limit to how many employees can report to a Matrix Manager?

Answer 

  1. There is no system limit on the number of employees reporting to a Matrix Manager.  
  2. Check the Matrix Report Threshold setting.  
  3. Adjust the threshold via Provisioning (through SAP partner/support) if needed.  

Note: 

  • If the threshold is exceeded, no matrix reports are displayed in the org chart.

How to control the date of Job Requisition created from Position Org Chart?

Answer 

  1. Navigate to Position Org Chart.  
  2. Select a position and choose Create Job Requisition.  
  3. Observe the “As Of” date field.  
  4. The Job Requisition date defaults to the selected “As Of” date.  

Note: 

  • This behavior is hard-coded and cannot be controlled via business rules.

How to disable My Team Positions page in SAP SuccessFactors?

Answer 

  1. Go to Manage Home Page → Quick Actions.  
  2. Disable Manage Team Positions Quick Action.  
  3. Adjust permissions for Position access if needed.  

Note: 

  • The page cannot be fully disabled.  
  • It will still appear but may show no data if permissions are restricted.  

How to set matrix relationship in Position using user instead of position code?

Answer 

  1. Go to Configure Object Definitions → PositionMatrixRelationship.  
  2. Add a custom field (e.g., cust_incumbent) with Data Type = User.  
  3. Save changes.  
  4. Create a Business Rule with base object Matrix Relationship for Position.  
  5. Assign the rule to the custom field under Rules section.  

Note: 

  • Matrix relationships still rely on position code for synchronization.  
  • This is a workaround, not a replacement.  

How to transfer direct reports to next manager when a manager leaves a position?

Answer 

  1. Go to Position Management Settings.  
  2. Set Reassign Direct Reports According to Position Hierarchy = Yes – Always.  
  3. Enable Use Position Types = Yes.  
  4. Configure Position Type (e.g., SP):  Set “Transfer direct reports to next manager”.  
  5. Assign this position type to the manager’s position.  
  6. Perform termination.  

Note: 

  • Works for both UI and termination import scenarios.  

How to filter departments based on company in Position object?

Answer 

  1. Go to Configure Object Definitions → Department.  
  2. Add association to Legal Entity (Company).  
  3. Go to Position Object Definition.  
  4. Open Department field details.  
  5. Add Field Criteria:  
  • Source: cust_toLegalEntity.internalId  
  • Destination: company  

Note: 

  • Ensures only relevant departments are shown per company.

How to perform a mass change run for positions?

Answer 

  1. Navigate to Admin Center → Manage Mass Changes for Metadata Objects.  
  2. Create a new Mass Change Run.  
  3. Select Object Type = Position.  
  4. Define Change Date.  
  5. Configure Select and Update Rule.  
  6. Choose execution mode:  
  • Simulate (test)  
  • Run (execute)  

Note: 

  • Execution runs as a background job (QUARTZ).  
  • Results are available in logs and email notifications. 

How to trigger Intelligent Services Center (ISC) event for position changes?

Answer 

  1. Create a Business Rule:
    • Type: ISC 
    • Scenario: Position
  2. Configure rule conditions.  
  3. Go to Intelligent Services Center.  
  4. Configure actions for:
    • New Position   
    • Update Position
  5. Enable Raise Events = Yes in Position Management Settings.

Note: 

  • Required for integrations and event-based automation.  

How to deactivate a position when incumbent is transferred?

Answer 

  1. Ensure setting “To Be Hired” is updated when incumbent is unassigned.  
  2. Create a Business Rule for Position object.  
  3. Configure rule to deactivate position when incumbent is removed.  
  4. Assign rule as Save Rule.  

Note: 

  • Depends on correct configuration of “To Be Hired” logic.  

How to default matrix relationship when creating a position?

Answer 

  1. Create a Business Rule to add matrix relationships.  
  2. Assign it as an onChange rule to a required field.  
  3. Optionally create an onSave rule to validate entries.  

Note: 

  • OnInit rules are not supported for this use case.  

How to grant access to Manage Positions?

Answer 

  1. Go to Admin Center → Manage Permission Roles.  
  2. Select the role.  
  3. Enable Metadata Framework → Manage Positions.  
  4. Save changes.  

Note: 

  • Access to Position object alone is not sufficient.

How to restrict users from viewing higher-level positions?

Answer 

  1. Go to Manage Permission Roles.  
  2. Configure Target Population:  Set Parent Position = specific hierarchy level. 
  3. Ensure Position object permissions are correctly configured.

Note: 

  • Conflicting roles with broader access override restrictions. 

How to move position when manager is changed?

Answer 

  1. Go to Manage Permission Roles.  
  2. Enable Move Position to New Supervisor on Job Info Change.  
  3. Ensure required permissions on Job Information fields.  
  4. Use Change Job and Compensation Information action.  
  5. Enable Move Position option.  

Note: 

  • Works only in MSS UI, not in imports or workflows.

How to hide vacant positions in Position Org Chart?

Answer 

  1. Go to Manage Permission Roles.  
  2. Define Target Criteria.  
  3. Set filter: To Be Hired = TRUE.  
  4. Save changes.  

Note: 

  • Controlled entirely via role-based permissions.  

How to audit position data changes?

Answer 

  1. Enable MDF Version History in Position object.  
  2. Enable General Audit in Manage Audit Configuration.  
  3. Go to Change Audit Reports.  
  4. Select MDF Change History Data.  
  5. Enter filters (user, time range, object type).  
  6. Generate and download report.  

Note: 

  • Reports are limited to 7-day time range per run.

How to troubleshoot Position Matrix Relationship sync issues?

Answer 

  1. Check Position Management Settings → Synchronization.  
  2. Ensure correct sync option is selected.  
  3. Verify PositionMatrixRelationship association is editable.  
  4. Validate picklist mapping between:   
    • PositionMatrixRelationshipType
    • jobRelType 
  5. Confirm correct effective dating (01/01/1900).  
  6. Verify Position Type sync settings if used. 

Note: 

  • Sync occurs only in supported scenarios (e.g., position assignment changes).

Effective Position Management in SAP SuccessFactors requires precise configuration of business rules, permissions, and synchronization settings. Proper setup ensures smooth hiring, reporting, and organizational hierarchy management. 

For specialized SAP SuccessFactors AMS support, contact 3Core Systems. 

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Shyam Reganti

SAP SuccessFactors Practice Lead