ServiceNow: Misconception #2 - Human Resources Delivery (HRSD)

You Don't Always Need the ServiceNow HR Module to Achieve Your HR Goals

When organizations implement ServiceNow, a common request is to automate their HR processes. It is something that every organization must manage, and ServiceNow is an ideal solution due to its ability to seamlessly integrate with third-party platforms and automate workflows.

Unfortunately, many organizations believe they must purchase the ServiceNow HR Service Delivery (HRSD) module to perform any HR-related tasks. The good news is that most client’s goals related to onboarding, offboarding, and employee lifecycle automation can be achieved without purchasing additional licenses by leveraging ServiceNow’s standard IT Service Management (ITSM) features. Here is why:

1.??? Businesses Can Achieve Common HR Goals with Standard ITSM Features

ServiceNow’s ITSM capabilities allow for the automating and streamlining HR-related workflows without the HRSD module.

• Onboarding and Offboarding: Automate onboarding and offboarding workflows including automated task creation, assignment and approvals.
• Zero-Touch Deployment: Enable zero-touch provisioning, where employees receive the necessary access, devices, and applications without any manual intervention. This includes automated procurement requests.
• Automated Access Provisioning: Automate account creation and permissions adjustments across various enterprise systems (e.g., Entra, Active Directory, Okta, and other IAM solutions).
• HR Self-Service Portal: Offer employees a dedicated HR self-service portal, and knowledgebase for common HR requests.
• Cross-Platform Integration: Connect ServiceNow with existing HR platforms such as Workday, Oracle HCM, and SAP SuccessFactors to synchronize data and eliminate redundant manual updates. ?????????????????????????????

2.??? ServiceNow is Rarely a Standalone HR Platform

Despite the powerful capabilities of the HRSD module, most organizations still retain core HR systems such as Oracle HCM, SAP SuccessFactors, or Workday to manage employee records, payroll, and benefits administration. For organizations already operating with well-established HR platforms, adding HRSD often results in redundant functionality and unnecessary costs.?

Rather than trying to replace these systems, it is best to integrate ServiceNow with them to enhance workflows, reduce manual efforts, and improve the overall employee experience. By leveraging ServiceNow’s ITSM capabilities in conjunction with existing HR platforms, organizations can create a seamless and automated experience without investing in an additional license.?

When does purchasing the HRSD module make sense?

The HRSD module provides some unique features including:

1. HR Case and Knowledge Management

• Separate HR task type used for tracking HR requests and inquiries.
• Employees can access a HR knowledge base for self-service.

2. Preconfigured HR Employee Service Center (Portal)

• A user-friendly self-service portal for employees to submit requests, access HR articles, and track progress.

3. HR Add-ons

• Employee Center/Manager Center for tracking employee performance, training and documentation.
• Lifecycle Events offering prepackaged workflows for common HR workflows such as onboarding, offboarding and relocations.

Ultimately, organizations need to assess whether these features justify the additional investment and how far do they plan to pursue additional licensed features such as Employee Center.? ??

The Bottom-line

Before purchasing the ServiceNow HRSD module, organizations should carefully evaluate whether their needs can be met using standard ITSM features. For most, the answer is yes—onboarding, offboarding, automated provisioning, and zero-touch deployment can all be handled without additional licensing.

Additionally, by integrating ServiceNow with existing HR platforms, businesses can optimize their HR workflows without overcomplicating their ServiceNow implementation.? Use ServiceNow as an enabler of HR automation, not a replacement for your HR system.

Are you considering whether the HRSD module is the right fit for your organization? Let’s discuss how to maximize your ServiceNow capabilities without the additional costs!