Implementing, configuring or optimising SAP HR and Payroll systems is no small feat. These platforms are vital to managing workforce operations, compliance, and payroll accuracy – but they also come with complex configurations and projects may have tight timelines, and evolving business requirements. While internal HR and IT teams may be fantastic in their daily operational roles, they can lack the specialised experience, bandwidth or focus to handle every aspect of a successful implementation, upgrade or change project.
This is where staff augmentation with external SAP and SuccessFactors specialists becomes a game-changing solution.
In this series of 3 blogs, we will look at staff augmentation for projects, outsourcing projects entirely and then compare the benefits of both.
So What Is Staff Augmentation?
Staff augmentation involves temporarily integrating external professionals into your internal teams to support specific roles or tasks. In SAP and SuccessFactors HR and Payroll projects, this could mean bringing in SAP HCM functional consultants, Payroll configuration experts, Time Management specialists, ABAP developers, SAP SuccessFactors integration consultants or Dedicated Project Managers – depending on your project scope.
Rather than hiring full-time employees or fully outsourcing the project, staff augmentation can provide the best of both worlds: highly skilled resources when you need them, working under your direction and alongside your team.
Why Choose Staff Augmentation for SAP HR and Payroll?
SAP HR and Payroll implementations require not only technical configuration but also a deep understanding of country-specific legislation, conditions of employment, union rules, and organisational policies. These projects are often time-sensitive – especially when tied to go-live targets, payroll calendar cutoffs, platform lifecycles or regulatory deadlines.
Staff augmentation delivers clear time and cost-saving advantages:
Accelerated delivery: Avoid the delays of recruiting and onboarding by bringing in experts who are ready to contribute immediately and not overburdened with operational considerations.
Reduced costs: Pay only for the resources you need, when you need them—avoiding the overhead of permanent hires.
Improved project outcomes: External specialists bring proven methodologies and SAP best practices, increasing the likelihood of a smooth implementation and successful go live.
5 Key Benefits of Staff Augmentation for your SAP HR and Payroll Projects
Access to Niche Expertise
SAP HR and Payroll configurations (e.g., wage types, schemas, rules, off-cycle payments, retroactive accounting and Australian Modern Awards and Enterprise Agreements) are highly specialised. Augmented staff bring deep, targeted knowledge that can be readily applied to your projects.
Quicker Turnaround Times
With experienced professionals focused solely on project delivery, tasks such as payroll configuration, and data migration can be completed faster and more accurately.
Flexible Resourcing Based on Project Phase
Ramp up during peak times like development, configuration, or go-live—and scale down once stability is achieved.
Knowledge Sharing and Uplift for Internal Teams
External SAP consultants often mentor internal HR or IT staff, leaving behind valuable knowledge and improved processes.
Compliance Confidence
With ever-changing legislation and employment obligations, having a payroll expert ensures that your SAP system stays compliant, avoiding costly penalties or errors.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re implementing SAP HCM, optimising Payroll processes, or migrating to SAP SuccessFactors, the success of your project hinges on having the right skills at the right time. Staff augmentation can offer a scalable, cost-effective path to meeting your objectives without overextending internal teams.
If your HR technology roadmap includes changes to your SAP or SuccessFactors platforms, consider leveraging staff augmentation to ensure your systems are implemented correctly, on time, and fully aligned with your business goals.
If you would like to discuss staffing for or outsourcing your SAP ECC or SAP SuccessFactors projects give us a call and find out how Tambla Business Services can help.
