Succession planning is like having a backup plan for your team. It’s all about making sure there’s always someone ready to step up when needed. With the right succession planning software, you can spot potential leaders and help them grow. These tools make the whole process easier, ensuring your team is always prepared for whatever comes next. Let’s look at six top picks that can help you get your team future-ready.
Key Takeaways
- SAP offers a comprehensive suite for managing talent and planning for future leadership roles.
- Succession Wizard specializes in simplifying the succession planning process with easy-to-use features.
- Cornerstone OnDemand provides robust tools for workforce planning and employee development.
- Plum uses AI to match employees to roles, focusing on their strengths and potential.
- UltiPro integrates HR and talent management to streamline succession planning.
1. SAP
When it comes to succession planning tools, SAP’s SuccessFactors stands out for its comprehensive suite of features designed to streamline talent management and succession planning. This tool is particularly suited for large enterprises looking to ensure a smooth transition in leadership roles.
SAP SuccessFactors offers a variety of features that help organizations identify and develop potential leaders. Some of the standout features include:
- Talent Identification: This feature helps pinpoint high-potential employees who have the skills and qualities necessary for leadership roles. With robust analytics, it provides actionable insights, allowing for data-driven decision-making.
- Talent Pools: SAP facilitates the creation of succession pools, ensuring a prepared lineup of potential successors for critical positions.
- Development Plans: Tailored development plans address skill gaps and align growth paths with leadership requirements, including mentorship opportunities.
SAP’s integration capabilities allow it to seamlessly work with other systems, making it a versatile choice for organizations that utilize multiple software solutions. However, some users have noted that the user interface could be more intuitive.
SAP SuccessFactors is known for its ability to offer a holistic view of employee management by integrating payroll and talent management features. This integration not only streamlines processes but also enhances overall efficiency. Despite its many strengths, potential users should be aware that the pricing is available only upon request and that setting up integrations might require significant time and resources.
In summary, SAP’s succession planning tool is a powerful ally for companies aiming to maintain a robust leadership pipeline, although it may require some investment in setup and maintenance.
2. Succession Wizard
Succession Wizard is a tool aimed at simplifying succession planning for organizations. It helps identify potential gaps in succession and assists in planning future staffing needs. With its intuitive interface, Succession Wizard makes succession planning straightforward, allowing organizations to focus on strategic growth.
Key Features
- Customized Development Plans: Organizations can create tailored development plans for potential successors, addressing specific skill gaps and aligning growth with leadership requirements.
- Talent Identification: The tool aids in identifying high-potential individuals within the organization who possess the skills and competencies necessary for future leadership roles.
- Succession Pools: Facilitates the creation and management of succession pools, ensuring a prepared pool of potential successors for critical positions.
Pros
- User-friendly UI that guides users through various succession planning tasks.
- Facilitates tasks such as evaluating employee performance, identifying skill gaps, and monitoring career advancement.
Cons
- Focuses solely on succession planning, which might require integration with broader HR systems.
- Some users desire more flexibility in tailoring the software to their organization’s unique needs.
Pricing
Pricing for Succession Wizard starts at $399 per month. Costs can vary depending on the number of entries, with options for an Enterprise plan available.
Succession Wizard is used by organizations like Barclays, Vodafone, and Siemens, demonstrating its effectiveness in large-scale environments.
For those seeking a strategic tool to prepare both internal employees and external candidates for critical roles, the Succession Planning module in Interact HRMS can be an excellent complement to Succession Wizard, offering a broader HR management perspective.
3. Cornerstone OnDemand
Cornerstone OnDemand is a cloud-based platform that focuses on learning and talent management. It’s designed to help companies keep key roles filled and avoid the costs that come with not having the right people ready to step in. Cornerstone OnDemand’s succession planning tool is all about making sure your team is ready for anything.
Key Features
- Scenario Modeling: This feature lets you play around with different "what if" scenarios. You can see how changes might affect your company structure and make plans based on that.
- Data Visualization: All your workforce data gets turned into visual formats. This makes it easy for everyone involved to understand what’s going on and make quick decisions if things change.
- Comprehensive Modules: Besides succession planning, Cornerstone has tools for recruiting, onboarding, learning and development, performance management, and more.
User Experience
The platform is all about making things simple. You get to see your organization’s bench strength at a glance, thanks to intuitive visualizations. This setup helps you understand where you might need to focus your training efforts.
Cornerstone OnDemand helps businesses align their workforce with their goals by providing tools that make data easy to digest and act on.
Pricing and Availability
Cornerstone OnDemand offers a free demo, but pricing details are available upon request. This means you need to contact them directly to get a quote based on your needs.
Used By
Some big names like Canon and the Commonwealth Bank use Cornerstone OnDemand. This shows it’s trusted by major organizations to handle their succession planning and other HR needs.
For companies looking to establish a standardized evaluation process, Cornerstone OnDemand might be a great fit. It simplifies reviews and shows a commitment to employee development and future growth.
4. Plum
Plum is all about getting the right people into the right jobs. They use a mix of Industrial/Organizational Psychology and AI to make sure employees’ talents match the behavioral needs of the job. This approach makes Plum stand out in the world of succession planning tools.
Key Features
- Empowering Employees: Plum offers access to resources that help employees grow in their careers. It’s like having a personal development guide at your fingertips.
- Talent Flow: This feature helps identify top candidates within your company, making it easier to fill positions internally and meet business needs.
- Leadership Potential: Plum helps spot employees who could be future leaders, using data to remove bias from the process.
Pros
- Great for scalability.
- User-friendly interface that enhances the experience.
Cons
- Lacks regional data filters.
- Generating reports can be tricky.
Pricing
- Pricing details are not publicly available.
Plum is a solid choice for companies looking to identify leadership potential early and prepare their teams for future challenges. It’s a practical tool for managing talent and ensuring that the right people are ready to step into key roles.
5. UltiPro
UltiPro, by UKG, stands out as a comprehensive HR solution that integrates payroll, talent management, and succession planning. This tool is designed to help organizations identify and nurture potential leaders, ensuring a seamless transition when key positions need to be filled.
Key Features of UltiPro
- Learning Experience: UltiPro offers a modern learning experience with access to social and collaborative tools. It provides on-demand content, focusing on a person-centric approach to employee development.
- Performance Management: The platform provides user-friendly tools that offer insights into employee data and performance metrics. This allows organizations to set strategic talent objectives and make informed decisions.
- Succession Management: UltiPro enables the creation of detailed and realistic succession plans, preparing employees for key roles at all levels.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface with adequate resources for assistance.
- Custom reporting features that help analyze various metrics.
Cons:
- The UI could use an update for better intuitiveness.
- Customer support can be slow unless prioritized by the user.
Why Choose UltiPro?
UltiPro’s succession planning tool is ideal for organizations looking to create flexible and executable succession strategies. It simplifies employee performance tracking and progress, helping to set goals and develop plans based on individual potential.
UltiPro’s unique feature, Leadership Actions, provides a library of suggested activities to help managers engage and coach employees effectively.
For those considering a comprehensive HR solution, analysts provide a detailed comparison of UKG Pro and UltiPro, highlighting over 400 evaluation criteria and user reviews.
6. TalentGuard
TalentGuard is a game-changer when it comes to succession planning. This tool stands out for its ability to handle the complexities of workforce management with ease. Its AI-powered platform is designed to help HR teams not only plan for succession but also develop talent and manage performance effectively.
Key Features
- Talent Finder: This feature allows organizations to pinpoint the right talent internally. It identifies succession gaps, ensuring that managers are aware of areas where successors need further development.
- Risk Mitigation Center: Centralizes potential risks and gaps in succession plans, reducing bias in candidate selection by using verified employee skill data.
- Talent Plan: Facilitates talent planning sessions by providing insights into employee performance and skills, allowing for accurate candidate matching based on competencies.
Pros
- Transparent career progression plans help employees understand the skills they need to advance.
- Employee-driven approach allows for the creation of multiple career paths, showing gaps employees must fill to reach their goals.
Cons
- Pricing details are not disclosed, which can be a drawback for organizations budgeting for new software.
TalentGuard’s succession planning software is a robust tool that integrates seamlessly with learning management systems and HRIS platforms. It supports a continuous planning process by aligning employee skills with current and future business needs, ensuring high-potential employees are matched with suitable opportunities.
TalentGuard’s ability to create unlimited dedicated talent pools is a unique feature, allowing organizations to keep track of talent development and progression. This flexibility is why companies like Caroline Herrera and Campbell’s have chosen TalentGuard to support their succession planning efforts. For more insights, check out reviews of TalentGuard for detailed information on its features and integrations.
Conclusion
Succession planning tools are more than just a safety net for organizations; they’re a strategic necessity in today’s fast-paced business environment. As we’ve explored, these tools offer a structured approach to identifying and nurturing future leaders, ensuring that businesses are prepared for any leadership transitions. By leveraging these tools, companies can not only safeguard their operations but also foster a culture of continuous development and readiness. Whether you’re just starting out with succession planning or looking to refine your existing processes, the right tools can make all the difference in building a resilient and future-ready team. So, what’s your next move? Are you ready to invest in your organization’s future?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is succession planning?
Succession planning is a way to make sure a company has the right leaders ready to step up when needed. It helps find and train people to take on important roles in the future.
Why is succession planning important?
It’s important because it helps a company stay strong and keep running smoothly, even if key people leave or retire. It also helps employees grow and get ready for bigger roles.
How do succession planning tools help?
These tools help by organizing the planning process, finding potential leaders, and helping them develop the skills they need. They make it easier to see who might be ready for future roles.
What features should I look for in a succession planning tool?
Look for features like talent pools, performance tracking, and development plans. These help you see who is ready for leadership and how to help them grow.
Can small businesses use succession planning tools?
Yes, small businesses can use these tools too. They help small teams plan for the future and make sure they have the right people ready to lead.
Are succession planning tools expensive?
The cost can vary. Some tools offer different pricing plans, so you can find one that fits your budget. It’s a good idea to check with the provider for exact pricing.
