HR leaders face increasing pressure to modernize their people strategies, embrace AI, and deliver exceptional employee experiences. This is why we’re proud to share that SAP has been recognized as a Strategic Leader by Fosway Group, Europe's leading HR industry analyst, in the recently released 2024 Fosway 9-Grid™ for Cloud HR.

As businesses navigate economic uncertainty, talent shortages, and the rapid rise of AI in HR, this recognition highlights SAP’s ability to deliver innovative HCM software that supports end-to-end HR transformation—empowering organizations to simplify complexity, reduce risk, and unlock agility in a rapidly changing world of work.

The evolving landscape of Cloud HR

Even amid economic pressures, the Cloud HR market continues to grow across EMEA. Businesses are consolidating their HR technology stacks and seeking integrated HCM software that supports both operational efficiency and strategic HR transformation.

One of the most critical areas of focus is payroll compliance. As companies expand globally, managing payroll across multiple locales becomes increasingly complex. Global dashboards are becoming a standard feature in multi-country payroll solutions, enabling companies to monitor compliance in real time and streamline payroll operations across borders.

These dashboards are essential for ensuring accuracy, reducing risk, and maintaining regulatory alignment—especially in regions with diverse labor laws and collective agreements.

Meanwhile, AI in HR is evolving from a productivity enhancer to a strategic enabler. Forward-looking vendors are moving beyond basic automation and introducing AI agents capable of delivering real-time value. These agents can autonomously manage tasks such as timesheet processing, personalized learning recommendations, and interview scheduling—freeing HR teams to focus on higher-value initiatives. As AI capabilities mature, the emphasis is shifting toward holistic, persona-optimized solutions that combine automation with meaningful business impact.

Together, these innovations signal a new era in human capital management—one where agility, intelligence, and compliance are built into the core of every HR decision.

Understanding the Fosway 9-Grid™

The Fosway 9-Grid™ is a five-dimensional model that helps organizations evaluate and compare HR technology providers based on:

• Performance: Market success and customer satisfaction
• Potential: Scope, capability, and sophistication of the solution
• Presence: Market footprint and enterprise reach
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): The full cost of acquiring, implementing, and operating the solution
• Trajectory: The vendor’s direction of travel in terms of performance and potential—not in comparison to other vendors

Buyers across Europe use Fosway 9-Grids™ to:

• Assess and benchmark current providers
• Inform supplier shortlists during selection processes
• Stay current with the latest market developments

This makes the Fosway  9-Grid™ not only a strategic tool for procurement but also a valuable resource for long-term HR planning and transformation.

Unlike other analyst models, the Fosway 9-Grid™ emphasizes that value exists across all zones—not just the top right. The Fosway 9-Grid™  for Cloud HR also distinguishes between HCM suites, which offer broad, integrated capabilities, and Cloud HR specialists, which focus on specific areas like payroll or workforce management.

SAP is recognized as a Strategic Leader in the HCM Suite category, reflecting its proficiency in providing comprehensive, scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of enterprise HR teams.

What makes SAP stand out in the HCM market?

Whether transitioning from SAP ERP HCM on-premises or adopting a new cloud-based approach, SAP SuccessFactors HCM provides a robust, AI-enabled suite of solutions designed to drive business outcomes and empower employees.

Here’s how SAP stands out:

• Accelerated HR transformation
  SAP enables companies to embrace Cloud HR with confidence, unlocking new AI in HR capabilities that streamline processes and future-proof operations. With embedded AI tools like Joule, the SAP copilot, HR teams can automate routine tasks, gain predictive insights, and deliver personalized experiences at scale.
• Reduced risk and TCO
  SAP helps HR leaders simplify the HR system landscape, ensuring compliance and reducing operational costs. Its integrated cloud solution supports secure, scalable, and compliant operations—critical for global enterprises managing diverse regulatory environments.
• Global coverage
  SAP offers the broadest localization and compliance for Core HR and Payroll, supporting over 100 countries. This global reach ensures that businesses can scale confidently while meeting local requirements.
• Increased extensibility
  With embedded AI, a robust partner ecosystem, and extensibility through SAP Business Technology Platform, organizations can tailor their HCM software to meet unique business needs—without compromising on innovation or compliance.

Choose the vendor that’s right for your HR transformation

With the abundance of options and marketing claims, choosing “the best” Cloud HR solution can feel overwhelming. However, independent, region-specific analysis like the Fosway 9-Grid™ can help provide clarity and confidence in your decision-making.

Download the analysis to learn more about SAP's placement as a Strategic Leader in the 2024 Fosway 9-Grid™ for Cloud HR, and why the best solution is the one that best fits your organization’s needs, resources, and trajectory.