Edgewell Personal Care has significantly improved its HR data quality within SAP SuccessFactors solutions, laying the groundwork for cutting-edge AI-driven tools and people analytics. Focused on accurate and accessible data, Edgewell’s initiative has revolutionized strategic decision-making across talent acquisition, performance management, and more. This article highlights the company’s 18-month journey to data excellence and its preparation for future innovations.
Transforming HR Data Quality
Recognizing the Challenge
When Colin Emery, the director of Global HR Systems, was tasked with establishing a People Analytics function in 2022, he discovered that Edgewell’s HR data was only 37% accurate for key fields. This pivotal realization marked the beginning of a comprehensive project to enhance data quality. The company had relied on SAP SuccessFactors solutions since its formation in 2015, but the data maintenance was lacking, especially in countries without integrated payroll systems. Understanding the critical role high-quality data plays in decision-making, Emery developed an in-house methodology to address the inconsistencies.
Edgewell realized that the success of their HR operations depended highly on the accuracy of underlying data. Inaccuracies were not just an operational nuisance but posed substantial risks in compliance, employee satisfaction, and strategic planning. Emery’s recognition of these stakes led to the formulation of a robust, targeted approach to rectify data issues. This plan was not a mere surface-level tweak but aimed at overhauling the data management ethos from the ground up, ensuring sustainable data integrity.
Collaborating for Success
Emery’s strategy involved identifying priority data fields and collaborating with HR business partners (HRBPs), who were best positioned to manage the data. This process required a significant shift in mindset and responsibility among HRBPs, supported by extensive change management. To ensure the transition was successful, Emery introduced an HR data steward program for upskilling HRBPs. Designated stewards received training to resolve data errors and educate their colleagues, fostering a proactive approach to data maintenance.
Adapting to this change, HRBPs learned the importance of owning their data. The initiative demanded not just procedural adjustments but a cultural shift in how data was perceived and managed across various functions. By empowering the HRBPs with the right tools and mindset, Edgewell ensured a collaborative approach to managing data. Each HRBP, equipped with deeper insights and responsibilities, acted as a catalyst in driving the overall success of the data quality project, making the collective goal of accurate and timely data a shared responsibility.
Achieving Data Excellence
Expanding the Initiative
The data quality improvement project began in the U.S. and gradually expanded to Europe, LATAM, and APAC. As a result, Edgewell’s HR data accuracy rose dramatically, consistently holding at 96%-97%, thus significantly enhancing the reliability of HR reporting capabilities. With real-time, live data available, the company leadership, HR leaders, and HRBPs could quickly share insights, enabling more informed decisions and strategic planning. The expansion underscored the adaptability of Emery’s methodology, allowing it to scale effectively across diverse geographic and cultural landscapes.
Edgewell’s commitment to maintaining this high standard of data accuracy required continuous monitoring and validation efforts. The rapid increase in data quality also meant that new analytics capabilities could be leveraged almost immediately, offering fresh perspectives and insights on HR trends and patterns. This high level of accuracy significantly improved predictive modeling and strategic HR initiatives, ensuring HR practitioners were well-equipped to handle dynamic market conditions and workforce needs, giving Edgewell a competitive advantage in talent management.
Leveraging Improved Data
One tangible outcome of improved data quality was the identification of short-term turnover issues. This insight led to the development of the “Joyful Journey” candidate experience program. The program improved recruiting processes and onboarding, helping attract new talent and reduce turnover rates. Edgewell’s data-driven culture has facilitated crucial strategic decisions by making accurate and actionable insights readily available. This proactive approach underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging data for business success.
The benefits of this data refinement extended beyond turnover reduction, positively impacting other HR facets such as performance management, employee engagement, and succession planning. By having a precise and timely understanding of their workforce dynamics, Edgewell could fine-tune their HR strategies, ultimately boosting employee morale and fostering a more efficient workplace. The ability to pin down accurate data points allowed the company to customize interventions, ensuring each initiative addressed specific needs and challenges faced by different employee segments.
Looking Ahead
Preparing for AI Integration
The establishment of a robust HR data foundation has positioned Edgewell to effectively utilize AI tools like AI copilots and agents, which depend on high-quality data. Emery stresses the ongoing nature of maintaining data quality and the importance of translating data into meaningful actions. Edgewell’s focus on data governance and quality not only addresses present challenges but also paves the way for future advancements in HR technology and analytics, positioning the company ahead of industry standards.
As the landscape of HR technology evolves, the integration of AI will continue to grow in significance. Edgewell’s forward-thinking strategy in maintaining a pristine data environment ensures that they can seamlessly incorporate future technological advancements. The emphasis on continuous improvement in data governance signifies the company’s readiness to adapt and innovate, making them poised to harness the full potential of upcoming AI-driven tools. This strategic foresight exemplifies their commitment to staying ahead of the curve and maximizing the efficacy of their HR operations.
Setting the Benchmark
Edgewell Personal Care has made great strides in enhancing the quality of its HR data within SAP SuccessFactors solutions. This effort sets the stage for the introduction of advanced AI-driven tools and people analytics in the organization. By prioritizing accurate and easily accessible data, Edgewell’s initiative has transformed strategic decision-making across various domains, including talent acquisition and performance management. This article delves into the company’s 18-month journey to achieve data excellence and how it is positioning itself for future innovations. The journey has not only optimized their current processes but also provides a robust foundation for leveraging cutting-edge technological advancements. By doing so, Edgewell is poised to lead in HR operations, ensuring they stay ahead in an increasingly competitive marketplace. This transformation underscores their commitment to continuous improvement and innovation in the human resources field.