What is SAP Fieldglass?
SAP Fieldglass is a cloud-based vendor management system (VMS) that enables organizations to manage their external workforce. This includes contingent workers, freelancers, contractors, temporary staff and service providers employed through a statement of work.
Fieldglass, part of SAP's broader suite of enterprise software, is used by global businesses to gain visibility, control and compliance in managing their nonpayroll workforce. It supports processes like sourcing, onboarding, time tracking, invoicing and performance evaluation for external workers.
SAP Fieldglass core features and functionality
Using SAP Fieldglass, companies can do the following:
- Source and procure external workers.
- Compare labor rates and supplier proposals.
- Onboard and offboard contingent labor.
- Track work progress, time and expenses.
- Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.
- Analyze and benchmark workforce performance and costs.
The platform integrates with other SAP offerings such as SAP SuccessFactors for core HR processes and SAP Ariba for procurement workflows, enabling seamless enterprise-wide management of both internal and external labor.
SAP Fieldglass Flex
SAP Fieldglass Flex, introduced in 2016, is a streamlined version of the platform designed for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). It provides out-of-the-box functionality and a lower implementation cost, making it more accessible to businesses.
While SAP has not released major updates to Fieldglass Flex in recent years, it remains a relevant option for SMBs that need basic external workforce management features.
SAP Fieldglass Live Insights
In 2017, SAP launched Fieldglass Live Insights, a real-time analytics engine powered by SAP HANA and machine learning. It provides predictive intelligence and market benchmarking, helping organizations do the following:
- Determine competitive pay rates.
- Compare supplier performance.
- Forecast labor demand based on historical trends.
- Run cost-benefit analyses of workforce decisions.
SAP continues to refine the AI and machine learning models.
Integration with the SAP ecosystem
One of Fieldglass' strongest advantages is its deep integration with other SAP products and services.
SAP SuccessFactors provides employee lifecycle data, enabling seamless collaboration between internal HR and external workforce management. SAP Ariba facilitates the procurement processes related to service providers and contingent labor.
Additionally, SAP Business Network helps streamline communication between enterprises and their extended labor ecosystem.
SAP Fieldglass competitors
SAP Fieldglass competes in a crowded market of VMS vendors and similar companies with a focus on the management of contingent labor and vendor management. For example, a few well-known competitors include the following:
- WorkMarket, an ADP company. Focused on freelance workforce automation.
- Magnit, formerly Pro Unlimited. Strong in total talent intelligence.
- Coupa Contingent Workforce. An emerging player after acquiring DCR Workforce.
- PeopleFluent. Integrated talent management with VMS capabilities.
- Upwork Enterprise. Focused on large-scale freelance program management.
Some enterprise resource planning and human capital management providers, such as Oracle, UKG and Infor, also offer contingent workforce functionality, although not all provide standalone VMS platforms.
New employees have specific needs during the various phases of onboarding, from pre-onboarding to their first months on the job. Use this checklist to welcome -- and retain -- workers.
