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Reimagining HR: A Digital Transformation Journey with Technische Unie (NL)
In the heart of the Netherlands, Technische Unie faced a critical moment that many businesses encounter: a legacy HR system creaking under the weight of growth and technological change. What began as a practical challenge soon became an opportunity for radical transformation. SD Worx helped them seize that opportunity by transitioning the group to SAP SuccessFactors – with success.
The Turning Point
The digital HR landscape of Technische Unie was a patchwork of custom-developed applications and a basic HR system, held together by increasingly rare programming expertise. With 2,300 employees across 37 sales locations and 3 distribution centres, the Dutch technical wholesaler needed more than just a quick fix.
We were seeking a stable HR package with solid support. After researching available solutions on the market, we believed SAP would align best with our current processes and would be the easiest to integrate.
“What’s more, is that the SAP software suite excels at usability and flexibility. Its scalability makes it possible to grow along with our business, making it a future-proof choice,” Mario adds.
More Than Just an Implementer
Technische Unie wasn’t looking for just another software implementation. They needed a strategic partner who could transform their HR operations into a dynamic, value-creating engine.
One of the most strategic decisions was embracing SAP's best practices. Where many organisations resist standardisation, Technische Unie saw it as an opportunity. Approximately 80% of their HR and payroll functionalities were implemented using standard processes, with only 20% requiring custom configuration.
This approach wasn't about cutting corners; it was about leveraging proven industry-standard processes to gain speed and reliability, and simplifying implementation and integration at the same time.
Mastering change, minimising disruption
Understanding that A) every software change touches employees’ daily experiences, and B) true change goes far beyond software installation, we made sure to involve the employees of Technische Unie throughout the implementation process.
Communication became our secret weapon for smooth adoption.
- Extensive workshops, training sessions, feedback loops and user testing with payroll and HR professionals didn’t just ease the transition – it gave them a say in their new way of working.
- All other employees were informed long in advance and multiple times through ‘micro-moments of contact’: strategic touchpoints through post, intranet, and even coffee corners.
The goal was simple yet profound: employees should feel supported, not disrupted. Although there would be changes – like how to apply for leave – the new system had to feel natural and easy to navigate, so employees could continue their work seamlessly.
Beyond Implementation: A Vision for the Future
The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors was a success. All employees’ salaries were processed and paid correctly and on time at the end of that first month.
With payroll processes streamlined and automated in Employee Central and leveraging SD Worx’s support services, Technische Unie’s payroll and HR professionals now have more time for strategic HR tasks.
The world changes, management evolves and employees transform. By leveraging the right HR technology, we become more agile and scalable, and better equipped to handle these changes.
But the transformation didn't end with the go-live. Technische Unie and SD Worx saw this as the beginning of a continuous improvement journey. Their vision extends to achieving "zero-touch" data transfer between systems, further process automation, and creating an HR function that's not just efficient, but truly strategic.