Succession planning has become increasingly important due to a rapidly aging workforce and the need to upskill employees. In the United States alone, 10,000 baby boomers reach the age of 65 every day, and this trend is expected to continue for the next decade. Europe is also experiencing its own “silver tsunami,” with mature workers comprising 16% of the total workforce in the European Union. The urgency to reskill and upskill employees is further highlighted by the 2018 Future of Jobs report from the World Economic Forum, which states that 54% of workers will need to update or change their skills within the next two years.
To address these challenges, companies are turning to succession planning and the tools that support it. In this article, we will explore 12 providers of succession planning tools. We will discuss their main features, what sets them apart, who uses them, and, when available, their pricing.
1. SAP
About
SAP is a leader in Human Capital Management (HCM) software for enterprises with more than 1000 employees. They are one of the biggest players in the global market for succession and leadership planning applications.
What’s unique
SAP’s succession planning software offers many interesting features. Notably, it provides “good fit” role recommendations to match employees’ skills and interests with suitable positions. It also allows companies to inform recruiting plans and proactively identify potential open roles.
Used by (among others)
AGCO, Terex, Kibar
Pricing
Available on request.
2. Succession Wizard
About
Succession Wizard simplifies the succession planning process by identifying potential gaps and assisting in planning future staffing needs. Its powerful and user-friendly interface enables organizations to create effective succession plans within hours of implementation.
What’s unique
With Succession Wizard, there is no need for consultants to configure the software or purchase additional hardware. It is designed for standard Windows desktop PCs and can be set up within minutes of downloading.
Used by (among others)
Barclays, Vodafone, Siemens
Pricing
Prices vary based on the number of entries, with options ranging from 50 to an unlimited amount. An Enterprise plan is also available.
3. Cornerstone OnDemand
About
Cornerstone OnDemand is a cloud-based learning, talent management, and talent experience software provider. Their succession planning tool helps ensure the availability of the right people for key roles and prevents talent vacancy costs by increasing bench strength.
What’s unique
Cornerstone’s succession planning promises to make upskilling the entire workforce simple. Their intuitive visualizations allow organizations to easily visualize bench strength across the organization.
Used by (among others)
Canon, the Commonwealth Bank
Pricing
Available on request.
4. Plum
About
Plum empowers organizations to succeed by placing the right people in the right roles. Their solution offers scalable strategic workforce planning and prioritizes an exceptional experience for every employee.
What’s unique
Plum distinguishes itself by combining Industrial/Organizational Psychology and AI. Their software intelligently matches employees’ talents with job behavioral needs throughout the organization. It also provides individualized and transparent career pathing.
Used by (among others)
R.S. Hughes, SureCall, Homes by WestBay
Pricing
Available on request.
5. UltiPro
About
UltiPro provides comprehensive HR, payroll, and HR talent management solutions. Their succession planning tool enables organizations to create flexible, comprehensive, and executable strategies to prepare for the future.
What’s unique
UltiPro’s succession management software includes a feature called Leadership Actions. This library provides suggested activities to help managers coach and engage employees, proactively impacting their success and retention.
Used by (among others)
Subway, Aetna, Texas Roadhouse
Price
Available on request.
6. TalentGuard
About
TalentGuard offers a talent management system that focuses on performance management, career pathing, succession planning, and 360-degree feedback. Their succession planning tool helps organizations identify key roles, high-potential employees, and accelerate skill development.
What’s unique
TalentGuard’s tool allows for the creation of an unlimited number of dedicated talent pools. This feature helps organizations track talent development and progression effectively.
Used by (among others)
Carolina Herrera, Campbell’s, Sophos
Price
Available on request.
7. PeopleFluent
About
PeopleFluent is a talent management and learning solutions provider, assisting companies in hiring, developing, and advancing their workforce. Their succession planning software provides a complete, flexible, and functional toolset for making decisions about the organization’s future.
What’s unique
PeopleFluent’s flexible toolset caters to both large and mid-sized enterprises, providing them with exactly what they need to make informed decisions. Large companies may focus on leadership vulnerabilities, while mid-sized companies may emphasize mentoring and career pathing.
Price
Available on request.
8. Empxtrack
About
Empxtrack is a comprehensive HR product that covers the entire employee lifecycle. Their succession planning tool enables organizations to identify key leadership positions, high-potential employees, and create short, medium, and long-term succession plans.
What’s unique
Empxtrack’s software allows for the creation of multiple succession plans for each key role. It also enables multiple stakeholders to participate in the process.
Used by (among others)
HR departments in various industries (IT, consulting, energy)
Price
Available on request.
9. SumTotal
About
SumTotal offers talent management and learning software solutions. Their succession planning tool helps organizations understand skills and competency gaps, develop talent pools, and align management needs with strategic objectives.
What’s unique
SumTotal’s succession planning software includes the Drag and Drop 9 Box, allowing for easy evaluation of employees based on performance and potential.
Used by (among others)
SumTotal customers come from various industries (financial services, healthcare, airlines, retail)
Price
Available on request.
10. Saba
About
Saba provides talent management software solutions, including a succession planning tool. Their software enables organizations to build competency-based talent pools for critical business areas.
What’s unique
Saba emphasizes the importance of helping employees develop themselves, keeping them engaged and equipped with necessary skills. Their tool provides HR with the information and insights needed to build strategic succession plans.
Used by (among others)
HR departments across various industries
Price
Available on request.
11. BirdDogHR
About
BirdDogHR offers an integrated talent management system. Their cloud-based succession planning software enables accurate performance reviews and readiness assessments using scorecards, comparative ratings, and 9-box talent matrices.
What’s unique
BirdDogHR emphasizes the benefits of succession planning for Millennials and Generation Z, who will soon constitute the majority of the workforce. The software provides these generations with accelerated development opportunities.
Used by (among others)
Companies from various industries
Pricing
Available on request.
12. PageUp Succession Planning
About
PageUp offers a complete talent management solution. Their succession planning software helps organizations conduct skills gap analyses, reduce vacancy risks, and plan ahead.
What’s unique
PageUp’s software allows for regular talent review and calibration using the 9-box tool. This information informs conversations and helps identify and develop individuals with the potential to fill future roles.
Used by (among others)
Lindt, the University of Alabama, Rollins
Pricing
Available on request.
Before You Go
Succession planning is crucial for organizations to prepare for the future and ensure continuity. The 12 tools mentioned in this article are just a starting point. If you know of any other deserving tools, please let us know. For more information about succession planning and other topics, visit Zenith City News.
