HR Strategy & Transformation
A Planned Path to the Future: Why an HR-IT Transformation Needs a Clear Roadmap
Authors: Ludwig Wartlsteiner 24. June 2025 HR Strategy
Content:
The HR world has long been in a state of constant change – but never as rapidly and disruptively as today. The automation of manual tasks, complex organizational demands, the foreseeable end of SAP ERP HCM by 2027, and the technological shift toward the cloud are all forcing companies to fundamentally rethink their HR-IT landscape. But where do you start when the challenges are complex, technical dependencies are multilayered, and business requirements are highly diverse? A strategically developed HR/IT transformation roadmap provides the necessary guidance.
Why an HR/IT Roadmap Is Essential
An HR-IT transformation project is more than just switching systems. It impacts processes, roles, technologies, and ultimately, company culture. Without clear target visions, defined milestones, and a shared understanding of the “where to” and “why,” there is a risk of inefficiency, resistance, or strategic contradictions—which, in the worst case, can lead to project failure. An HR/IT roadmap provides structure, orientation, and a foundation for decision-making—tailored to the organization’s current situation.
According to the 2023 "HR Pulse Survey," 67% of HR decision-makers see an urgent need to modernize their HR technology. Companies with a clear digital roadmap perform particularly well, rating their HR function significantly more often as effective and future-ready.
Source: PwC HR Pulse Survey 2023
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Typical Starting Points for Companies
Common triggers for HR-IT transformation projects include:
- The end of the SAP ERP HCM maintenance cycle
- Lack of digitalization resulting in inefficient processes
- A strategic desire for more harmonization, internationalization, and standardization
- New HR business requirements conflicting with historically grown IT landscapes
- Questions around cloud adoption, integration scenarios, or data protection
Each of these challenges brings unique requirements. That’s why a sound transformation approach always begins with a thorough analysis of the current situation.
The Road to the Roadmap: Structured and Collaborative
The proven p78 HR/IT transformation approach supports the development of a viable and practical roadmap:
- As-Is Analysis: Evaluation of the existing HR system landscape, processes, and organization. Identification of urgent action areas and technical dependencies.
- To-Be Visioning: Development of realistic target states and evaluation of implementation scenarios based on defined criteria.
- Roadmap Development: Creation of a customized HR/IT roadmap for the years ahead.
- Results Presentation: Documentation of recommendations, insights into follow-up projects, and structured next steps.
What Defines a Good Roadmap
A well-founded HR/IT roadmap considers not only technical aspects but also:
- The strategic goals of the HR organization
- Business requirements such as self-services, payroll, or global rollouts
- Change needs regarding roles, processes, and company culture
- Resource planning, including budget and project teams
It is not a rigid plan, but a flexible management tool that adapts to the organization’s unique situation and evolves continuously.
Change Management as a Success Factor
Technology transitions are always change processes. Focusing solely on technical implementation risks acceptance issues and project delays. Successful transformations are built on:
- Early involvement of all relevant stakeholders
- Target-group-specific communication and enablement
- Structured change formats such as persona development, change agents, and pulse checks
Consistent change management increases acceptance, ensures knowledge transfer, and lays the foundation for sustainable use.
Why p78?
p78 stands for holistic HR/IT transformation—technically solid, methodologically clear, and strategically forward-thinking. The consulting approach combines individual client focus with an integrative view across all SAP solutions. It’s not just about implementation but about smart, strategic thinking: from portal solutions to user identity management and add-ons.
Instead of isolated solutions, p78 follows a "plateau principle": guiding companies step by step from one maturity level to the next—with a clear plan, concrete work packages, and measurable added value. This approach ensures structure, budget control, and fast results along a long-term digitalization journey.
The combination of technical depth, methodological rigor, and clear communication builds trust, predictability, and sustainable impact—well beyond the first project.
Conclusion: There’s No Way Around the Roadmap
Every HR/IT transformation is unique. Whether the focus is on implementing SAP SuccessFactors, migrating to H4S4, or building hybrid integration solutions—a tailored HR/IT roadmap forms the essential foundation for targeted investment, clear communication, and long-term success.
For more information, check out the p78 HR/IT Transformation Starter Package: hello@projekt0708.com.
