SAP SE is venturing into people analytics following the acquisition of intellectual property and talent from SwoopTalent. The terms of the deal are still under wraps.
SwoopTalent is behind a platform with automation capabilities that connect talent systems and data for analytics, machine learning, and migrations.
SAP said that after the acquisition, it plans to integrate SwoopTalent’s technology into its SuccessFactors Human Experience Management Suite to provide transparency on projects, internal jobs, fellowships, mentorships, courses, and more. The platform deals with people analytics and is used by company managers and executives to make optimal decisions about their workforce.
People analytics is new
Most HR departments have not used people analytics at all. However, a recent study by McKinsey found that 70% of company executives view people analytics as a priority.
SwoopTalent was founded in California in 2012 and created a platform that uses natural language processing and machine learning to combine, analyze and train data from human resources departments.
Organizations can get a continuous, up-to-date view of the entire workforce, their skills, capabilities, experience, interests, learning preferences, among other metrics. In that way, the platform enables managers to match employees with the appropriate initiatives, courses, or projects.
The intent behind the technology
SAP’s senior Veep of product and design, Amy Wilson, said that SwoopTalent’s algorithms create profiles of employees, using data from various sources while taking into account local data regulations and employees’ consent on what information they would like to share.
SAP will also use the software to connect job advertisements to specific talent pools. As the employees progress over the months and years, they will encounter more individualized opportunities.
She added that a marketplace reliant on rich data will empower people to advance their careers and offer organizations the agility needed to transform their businesses.