USD 40K Yearly Cost Savings Through SuccessFactors API Automation
Key Results
The Challenge
The client automated their vacation clearance process using UiPath UI based robots interacting with SAP SuccessFactors. Frequent SuccessFactors UI changes caused automation failures, requiring repeated workflow updates. This resulted in high maintenance effort, wasted resources, recurring UiPath robot license costs, and additional virtual machine infrastructure expenses.
Our Solution
We replaced the UI based automation with a fully API driven solution using Python and SAP SuccessFactors OData V2 APIs. Secure SAML authentication was implemented to access SuccessFactors directly without UI interaction. All business logic was centralized in Python, eliminating dependency on screen automation and reducing long term maintenance.
The Results
The API driven automation eliminated failures caused by UI changes, reduced operational overhead, and removed the need for UiPath robots and supporting virtual machines. By retiring five unattended UiPath robot licenses and related infrastructure, the company achieved USD 40K in yearly cost savings while improving reliability.
Introduction
This case study explains how a Saudi enterprise transformed a fragile UI based vacation clearance automation into a stable and cost efficient API driven solution using SAP SuccessFactors.
Client Background
The client uses SAP SuccessFactors as their core HR platform. Vacation clearance is a critical HR process that must run reliably without delays or manual intervention.
Challenges Faced
The original automation was implemented using UiPath robots that interacted directly with the SuccessFactors user interface.
Key Pain Points
High Maintenance Effort
- Automation broke whenever the SuccessFactors UI changed
- UiPath workflows required frequent rework
- Excessive time spent maintaining automations
High Operational Costs
- Five unattended UiPath robot licenses were required
- Dedicated virtual machines were used to run robots
- Recurring subscription and infrastructure expenses
Operational Risk
- UI dependency reduced automation reliability
- Failures impacted HR operations
Solution Implemented
The automation was redesigned using an API-first approach.
API Driven Automation
- Direct integration with SAP SuccessFactors using OData V2 APIs
- Python based orchestration replaced UiPath workflows
- Business logic centralized in maintainable code
Secure Authentication
- SAML authentication enabled secure non interactive access
- No reliance on UI login or screen flows
Results and Business Impact
Cost Savings
By eliminating five unattended UiPath robot licenses and related infrastructure, the company achieved:
USD 40,000 in yearly recurring savings
Reliability and Scalability
- Automation is no longer impacted by UI changes
- Reduced failures and manual intervention
- Scalable architecture for future HR processes
Conclusion
By replacing UI based robotic automation with API driven integration, the client reduced costs, improved reliability, and eliminated technical debt. The SuccessFactors automation now delivers stable operations while saving USD 40K annually.
Looking to automate your business processes? Our business process automation services help organizations streamline operations and reduce costs through intelligent automation. Contact us to discuss how we can help transform your workflows.