CONET supports the implementation of the Henkel HR Digi+ strategy

As part of the digital transformation, many HR processes were implemented at Henkel, particularly as part of the HR Digi+ strategy. Applications and user-oriented solutions for analyzing and visualizing large amounts of data are implemented using modern technologies and a user-centered approach.

initial situation

With innovative and sustainable brands and technologies, Henkel has a diversified portfolio with teams around the world in both industrial and consumer businesses. The portfolio includes the areas of hair care, detergents and cleaning products as well as adhesives, sealants and functional coatings. Henkel looks back on a success story spanning over 145 years and employs more than 50,000 people worldwide, around 85 percent of whom are outside Germany.

Introducing a new UI concept

For its new user interface concept, Henkel primarily used SAP Fiori as the central and strategic UI technology, which aims to concentrate on user tasks and workflows. Since the introduction of Fiori, SAP has made more than 12,000 Fiori applications available for all relevant business areas and the number continues to grow.

Fiori apps from SAP are used in various areas, but the standard apps are not sufficient in some cases. If the functionalities do not meet the requirements, existing apps can be adapted or expanded.

solutions

Henkel’s strategic approach in collaboration with CONET included analyzing the processes and comparing them with the standard apps and functions in the HR area provided by SAP.

The digitalization process can be divided into the introduction of standard apps (Adopt), the expansion of apps (Adapt) and individual development with functionalities tailored precisely to requirements (Develop).

In addition to extensions for e.g. For example, absence management and time management, dashboards and role-based apps have been developed that digitally cover HR processes.

In addition, CONET also supported the “HR Reporting One Entry Point” project, in which the consumer goods and adhesives manufacturer is increasingly relying on digital and user-oriented solutions for analyzing and visualizing large amounts of data in group-wide HR management and to improve the employee experience. The reporting contains all data and facts about the group workforce, key figures such as the number of employees, fluctuation, the proportion of women in management and much more.

Two independent sub-projects as part of the Henkel HR Digi+ strategy formed the development of the two custom apps “Total Rewards App” and “House of FlexBenefits”.

The “House of FlexBenefits” app offers employees the opportunity to manage and divide their credit for individual benefits and advantages within the company.

The “Total Rewards App” makes it easier for employees to get an overview of the extensive portfolio of Henkel social benefits, identify fundamental risks and view their personal achievements and contributions from the last twelve months (salary, social security contributions, benefits). The app not only determines individual care needs, for example in the event of occupational disability, old age or need for care.

It also enables the cost of living and basic financial risks to be calculated – everything is easy for employees to understand via a traffic light system and can be used on smartphones, tablets and PCs. In collaboration with Henkel, CONET accompanied the project from the conception and creation of the first mockups, through app development and the connection of the backend systems to the go-live and subsequent support.

Technologically, the apps are also based on SAP Fiori. The frontend was developed with SAPUI5 and uses its own theme with some branding highlights. They run on the SAP Cloud Platform and are used inside and outside the company.

The backend logic and encrypted user data storage are integrated into the SAP ERP system. The two modules are connected via an OData interface that is provided via the SAP Cloud Connector.

For the legally compliant calculations, the backend uses a service from the German Institute for Retirement Provision and Financial Planning. The app is technically tested and certified by this institute.

To use

The benefits of an improved user experience of the solutions include increased efficiency and productivity through simpler and more user-friendly operation of the systems. Increased employee retention is achieved through increased employee satisfaction with HR processes, which in turn contributes to greater motivation and lower turnover. Uniform HR processes enable better overview and control of human resources work and help increase efficiency.

By using the latest SAP technologies, the throughput times of many processes and workflows have also been significantly reduced, thereby saving time and money.

The maintenance and further development of many applications have also been made significantly easier by the IT department through the use of a uniform platform and interface.

“CONET provided us with excellent support and further progress in many areas as part of our HR Digi+ strategy, from the initial consultation to the technical implementation and support of the system landscape.”
Markus Falkenau, Head of HR Consulting Global Processes, Henkel AG & Co. KGaA GmbH

At a glance: HR digitalization and employee retention

Could:

Henkel AG & Co. KGaA

Solution:

Introduction of a new UI concept with SAP Fiori as a strategic technology basis

Key requirements:

• advisory work in the needs analysis and the creation of an individual and needs-based user interface
• Development of the frontend component of the app with SAPUI5
• Connection of OData services of the HR module

Most important benefit aspects:

• Improved user experience through user-friendly operation
• increased efficiency and productivity
• increased employee satisfaction & reduced fluctuation
• accelerated processes
• simplified maintenance and further development

Technical information: