Our Company

About Us

We are about more than just modern HCM processes.
We have the passion for creating great work environments and promoting the Employee Experience. With our extensive Cloud and On-Premise expertise and our warm, responsive approach, we help you to realize your vision for modern HR.

Outstanding Human Capital Management that makes all the difference? With us it is possible! At HCM ADVICE we are more than just consultants – we are enthusiasts, who unite over 25 years of consulting experience with a passion for the digital transformation of HR processes. Our expertise comprises modern SAP solutions in the Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors and SAP Concur, as well as classic SAP HCM solutions. We support, digitalize, and automate. Furthermore, we develop innovative SIMPLERIX apps, to make your SAP products even more effective.

Our international customers appreciate not only our broad technical know-how but also, in particular, the competent and friendly advice. Quality, speed, and reliability are our number one priority at HCM ADVICE. We support our customers nearly round the clock and in many countries.

The following are crucial points for the growing success of our company HCM ADVICE in daily use:

We love what we do, and you will quickly see the difference!

We think beyond the boundaries of the project framework!

You can rely on us to provide you with prompt support and quickly find the best solution for you.

On-Premise? Cloud? Hybrid? We have the know-how to help you.

 

Furthermore, we offer our customers the know-how and information transfer in the depth that you desire.

This is what our customers say about the cooperation with us:

The cooperation with you is SUPER, everything always works perfectly, thank you so much for that 😊

Christina Burkhardt, Personalsachbearbeiterin

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

The most important thing about the cooperation with you is that, up until now, you have not only resolved everything (tickets, incidents, questions, etc.), but are also reliable, very friendly and polite. We really couldn’t ask for more of our cooperation.

Boyan Hadjistoyanov; Application Management, IT

Repower AG

automatically translated

I would like to thank you for your support, patience, and helpfulness. No matter how specific the customer’s requirement is, you manage to implement the most complex tasks. Hats off to you!

Michaela Pöschl, CMC

MP Unternehmensberatung e.U.

automatically translated

Thank you for the efficient work and very good cooperation! 😊 You are the best!!!

Elisabeth Fragner, Head of HR Projects, HR-IT & IM

Engel Austria GmbH

I would like to particularly thank you for your very efficient work in supporting us. I found you very efficient, quick, professional and kind.

Elise Waringo, Human Resources

Dnata

A great big "merci" for your quick and successful support!

Sven Kuch, Modulverantwortung SAP HCM

Securiton AG

automatically translated

Thank you for the support that is so valuable to me, the competent solutions and the great cooperation.

Andreas Baumann, Finance

Müller Martini AG

automatically translated

Thank you so much for your, as always, excellent support. We can always rely on you!

Martin Elis, Löhne & Systeme

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

Thank you very much for the great cooperation. We can always count on prompt and competent help.

Karin Schwager, HR Specialist

Sulzer

automatically translated

The cooperation with you is SUPER, everything always works perfectly, thank you so much for that 😊

Christina Burkhardt, Personalsachbearbeiterin

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

The most important thing about the cooperation with you is that, up until now, you have not only resolved everything (tickets, incidents, questions, etc.), but are also reliable, very friendly and polite. We really couldn’t ask for more of our cooperation.

Boyan Hadjistoyanov; Application Management, IT

Repower AG

automatically translated

I would like to thank you for your support, patience, and helpfulness. No matter how specific the customer’s requirement is, you manage to implement the most complex tasks. Hats off to you!

Michaela Pöschl, CMC

MP Unternehmensberatung e.U.

automatically translated

Thank you for the efficient work and very good cooperation! 😊 You are the best!!!

Elisabeth Fragner, Head of HR Projects, HR-IT & IM

Engel Austria GmbH

I would like to particularly thank you for your very efficient work in supporting us. I found you very efficient, quick, professional and kind.

Elise Waringo, Human Resources

Dnata

A great big "merci" for your quick and successful support!

Sven Kuch, Modulverantwortung SAP HCM

Securiton AG

automatically translated

Thank you for the support that is so valuable to me, the competent solutions and the great cooperation.

Andreas Baumann, Finance

Müller Martini AG

automatically translated

Thank you so much for your, as always, excellent support. We can always rely on you!

Martin Elis, Löhne & Systeme

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

Thank you very much for the great cooperation. We can always count on prompt and competent help.

Karin Schwager, HR Specialist

Sulzer

automatically translated

The cooperation with you is SUPER, everything always works perfectly, thank you so much for that 😊

Christina Burkhardt, Personalsachbearbeiterin

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

The most important thing about the cooperation with you is that, up until now, you have not only resolved everything (tickets, incidents, questions, etc.), but are also reliable, very friendly and polite. We really couldn’t ask for more of our cooperation.

Boyan Hadjistoyanov; Application Management, IT

Repower AG

automatically translated

I would like to thank you for your support, patience, and helpfulness. No matter how specific the customer’s requirement is, you manage to implement the most complex tasks. Hats off to you!

Michaela Pöschl, CMC

MP Unternehmensberatung e.U.

automatically translated

Thank you for the efficient work and very good cooperation! 😊 You are the best!!!

Elisabeth Fragner, Head of HR Projects, HR-IT & IM

Engel Austria GmbH

I would like to particularly thank you for your very efficient work in supporting us. I found you very efficient, quick, professional and kind.

Elise Waringo, Human Resources

Dnata

A great big "merci" for your quick and successful support!

Sven Kuch, Modulverantwortung SAP HCM

Securiton AG

automatically translated

Thank you for the support that is so valuable to me, the competent solutions and the great cooperation.

Andreas Baumann, Finance

Müller Martini AG

automatically translated

Thank you so much for your, as always, excellent support. We can always rely on you!

Martin Elis, Löhne & Systeme

Energie Wasser Bern

automatically translated

Thank you very much for the great cooperation. We can always count on prompt and competent help.

Karin Schwager, HR Specialist

Sulzer

automatically translated

You can find more reviews from our customers and a selection of our references and success stories here.

Our Values

EXTRA MILE
Our goal is to exceed your expectations! That’s why we take time to listen to your wishes and needs, analyze them carefully and work with you to develop the perfect concept for your digital future. We think in terms of solutions, because your success is our success.

PASSIONATE
Exceptional attention to detail and high-quality standards are what distinguish us. Your satisfaction is our motivation to evolve and constantly seek new solutions. That is why we work patiently and consistently to continuously perfect our services.

TRUSTWORTHY
Open and honest communication at all levels is a matter of course for us. We see it as the foundation for any solid relationship and convey this to every new team member through our actions. Therefore, you can rely on it: We don’t promise anything we can’t deliver.

FRIENDLY
We are firmly convinced that friendly, collegial teamwork, conversations at eye level and respect make the big difference! Therefore, we live these values every day internally and externally. This enables us to master the challenges together in a constructive and friendly manner.

Team

Our team consists of consultants with international experience, a high degree of social competence, multi-lingual knowledge and an excellent educational background in Computer Science and/or Economy.

We provide our customers with consulting services in multiple languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Slovak, Slovenian, Hungarian, Serbo-Croatian, Romanian, Polish, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Turkish, Russian, Indian-Malayalam, Chinese-Mandarin and Cantonese. We provide diverse expertise not only for manufacturing, commercial and service enterprises from various industries, but also for different departments of public administration.

Our project managers and consultants are committed to the fulfillment of customers’ requirements with prompt, high quality solutions in compliance with our project management methodology. Our managers supervise the implementation of projects and systematically instruct the personal development of our employees into highly accomplished consultants.

Together, a group of people can make better decisions than an individual.1) Bearing this in mind, we have developed a strong culture of teamwork which enables us to efficiently provide the best solutions for our customers. An additional advantage of this is that several consultants are well-informed about a single customer’s requirements, ensuring that there is a contact person available for the customer at any time.

1)See for instance “The Wisdom of crowds. Why the Many are smarter than the few.” James Surowiecki, 2004.

CEO and Partner

Mag. Michael Berthold, CEO and Founder
Michael Berthold is the founder and visionary of HCM ADVICE. His many years of experience in SAP HCM consulting, as a personnel manager, and his years in classic corporate consulting, as an interim manager and corporate finance advisor characterize his wealth of experience.

Dipl.-Ing. Rejo Alappat, Partner
Rejo Alappat is a partner at HCM ADVICE and the driving force behind the development of the SIMPLERIX apps. As the first employee, he has helped to build up the company from day one and has more than 15 years of consulting experience in international SAP SuccessFactors and SAP HCM projects.

Christian Ess, MSc., Partner
Christian Ess is a partner at HCM ADVICE, as well as the manager of the Munich office. He combines his deep understanding for business processes with sound IT expertise. He looks back on over 15 years of international consulting experience in the area of SAP HCM and SAP SuccessFactors.

Sustainability

Sustainability is not just a trend for us but has been an integral part of our corporate culture since our foundation in 2009. Responsible action characterizes our daily activities – both on an individual and business level. Here you can find an overview of our measures for a future worth living:

Renewable Energy

At our European locations, we use electricity from 100% renewable energy sources.

1 / 11

Sustainable Travel

If possible, we travel for business trips by train and provide 1st class tickets for this. We only provide economy class tickets for air travel.

2 / 11

Regional & Organic

When purchasing food and consumer goods, we pay attention to regionality and organic quality.

3 / 11

Sustainable Giveaways

We pay attention to the high quality of our giveaways, so that they can be used for as long as possible. To achieve this, we rely on premium brands from the DACH region, for example, Lindt, Knirps, FaberCastell, zotter, etc. We avoid low-cost promotional items.

4 / 11

Simple Waste Separation

Every office has its own waste separation bins, with detailed information on correct disposal.

5 / 11

Awareness

Awareness of environmentally friendly behavior is created at regular intervals, for example with training on correct waste separation.

6 / 11

Digital Communication

We rely on digital communication channels and avoid business trips whenever possible.

7 / 11

Save Energy

We make sure that electrical appliances are not left in standby mode. Instead, they are disconnected from the power supply overnight, or when not in use for long periods, using switchable power strips.

8 / 11

Good Public Transport Connections

Our offices are easily reachable by public transport.

9 / 11

Lighting

Work stations are lit with energy-efficient LED lamps.

10 / 11

Tap Water Instead of Plastic Bottles

We do not purchase packaged drinks, in order to reduce waste from plastic bottles.

11 / 11

News

SAP Joule meets Microsoft 365 Copilot

Read…

16.

Oct.

SAP NOW AI Tour Vienna 2025

Read…

29.

Sep.

SAP Joule: Your copilot for SAP SuccessFactors

Read…

19.

Sep.

A weekend to remember!

Read…

11.

Sep.

Success story video with Getzner Werkstoffe

Read…

07.

Aug.

Family & Friends Get-together

Read…

15.

May.

SAP Quality Award

Read…

13.

May.

Manaslu Expedition

Read…

18.

Oct.

SAP HCM for SAP S/4HANA (H4S4)

Read…

08.

Feb.

16.

Oct.

SAP Joule meets Microsoft 365 Copilot

Intelligent Cooperation without System Boundaries

The integration of SAP Joule and Microsoft 365 Copilot brings together what belongs together: Two powerful AI assistants connect to form a consistent, intelligent working environment. In future, employees can call information and processes from SAP SuccessFactors, S/4HANA or Concur directly in Microsoft Teams, Outlook or Word, without toggling between applications.

This integration is no longer a vision of the future. Users can already access SAP Joule via Microsoft Copilot and call SAP data directly in Microsoft 365. The enhanced variant – Microsoft Copilot in SAP Joule – is currently in the early adopter phase and is being rolled out more widely from the third quarter of 2025 onwards.

The bidirectional integration of SAP Joule and Microsoft Copilot means that routine tasks such as vacation requests, expense approvals or employee queries can be carried out directly in Microsoft 365. Joule supplies the relevant SAP data, while Copilot provides the familiar Microsoft interface. Conversely, users will also be able to access Copilot functions within SAP Joule, for example, to create e-mails or documents with AI support.

More Productivity in Recruiting
The potential of integration is particularly impressive in the HR area. In SuccessFactors Recruiting, Joule provides support in reviewing applications, recognizing relevant skills, and proposing suitable interview questions. The interviews themselves can be prepared, conducted, and evaluated, directly in Microsoft Teams, and the results are automatically returned to SAP SuccessFactors.

Joule therefore becomes a digital colleague in your everyday working life. In Microsoft Teams just a quick command such as “How many vacations days do I have left?“ or “Change my telephone numner in SAP SuccessFactors“ is enough and Joule carries out the desired action directly in the SAP system. Fast, secure, and without leaving your work station.

Outlook: AIs that really cooperate
SAP and Microsoft are continuously developing the integration further with one clear goal: A completely connected, AI-supported work environment that unburdens employees and makes companies more productive.
Companies that already use SAP SuccessFactors today, can use the integration of SAP Joule and Microsoft 365 Copilot to modernize their HR processes, automate workflows, and enhance the user experience in the long-term.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Dipl.-Ing. Joachim Kaiser
Managing Consultant
T: +43 1 236 4312
joachim.kaiser@hcm-advice.com

29.

Sep.

SAP NOW AI Tour Vienna 2025

One day, one event, countless enriching encounters, conversations, and glimpses into the future!

Being part of the SAP NOW AI Tour Vienna was a great pleasure. We were thrilled to share our expertise in Human Capital Management, digital transformation, and AI with so many inspiring people.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth!

19.

Sep.

SAP Joule: Your copilot for SAP SuccessFactors

Conversational AI that makes HR processes easier, faster, and smarter.

With SAP Joule, working with SAP SuccessFactors becomes as easy as having a conversation. The powerful AI understands natural language, provides precise answers, and completes tasks within seconds, from vacation requests to team performance analyses to creating job postings.

Find out more on our website or contact us without obligation!

11.

Sep.

A weekend to remember!

Company Alignment in St. Wolfgang

Our Company Alignment in St. Wolfgang was more than just another team event. It was a celebration of what makes our culture so unique: community, collaboration, and striving for excellence.

And that’s exactly what we experienced this weekend: From focused workshops to waterskiing, sailing, stand-up paddling, and hiking. Every shared challenge showed us that our culture is not just words, it’s something one can genuinely feel.

We return from this weekend with stronger bonds, renewed energy, and the reminder that our team is something we can truly be proud of.

07.

Aug.

Success story video with Getzner Werkstoffe

Recruit more efficiently with SAP SuccessFactors and SIMPLERIX quick*apply

How to achieve a streamlined, digital recruiting process that inspires applicants and unburdens managers?

Getzner Werkstoffe demonstrates how it’s done: The implementation of SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting and the SIMPLERIX quick*apply App simplified the overall application process considerably – Excel and e-mail make way for a central, transparent system with a clear structure and faster communication.

The results speak for themselves:

  • Around 20% less effort in everyday recruiting tasks
  • Applications in under one minute – without creating an account or entering a password
  • More applications and a significantly better candidate experience

In the video, Getzner Werkstoffe reports on how the implementation went, and why HCM ADVICE was the ideal choice of implementation partner. Watch the full success story now.

Thank you to Getzner Werkstoffe for the excellent cooperation!

15.

May.

Family & Friends Get-together

Behind every strong team are even stronger supporters.

Last Friday, we opened our doors once again to celebrate not only our new office in Vienna and our 15th anniversary, but especially the people who are there for us every day: our families and friends. This exclusive get-together was our way of saying “thank you” – for their constant support, their patience, and for always having our backs.

From our CEO’s inspiring speech on how our unique company culture forms the foundation of our success and the interactive introductions of our various departments, to the fun quiz with a prize wheel and our digital team games – it was an afternoon full of connection, curiosity, and joy.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us – you made this day truly special and unforgettable.

13.

May.

SAP Quality Award

Award for Belimo in the category SAP Business Transformation | Cloud!

Congratulations to our customer Belimo for winning the SAP Quality Award 2025 in the category SAP Business Transformation | Cloud! We are proud to have been part of this award-winning project as an implementation partner.

With the global rollout of SAP SuccessFactors, Belimo replaced numerous local systems and built a unified, scalable HR platform. The result: a fully digital and transparent HR lifecycle that provides employees with the best possible support at every stage of their journey.

We would like to thank Belimo for their trust and excellent cooperation.

18.

Oct.

Manaslu Expedition

He did it!

We are proud and impressed by our CEO Michael Berthold, who has successfully reached the summit of Manaslu (8163m)! This remarkable achievement reflects the values that drive us at HCM ADVICE: Trust in oneself and the team, passion for what we do, the pursuit of excellence, the determination to always go the extra mile, and the power of friendliness, which fosters strong relationships and teamwork.

Whether on the mountain or in the office, these values push us forward every day and help us reach new heights together. We congratulate our CEO on this extraordinary accomplishment!

Want to rewatch the full expedition? Check out all the highlights and key moments in our Instagram Story Highlight “Expedition”.

08.

Feb.

SAP HCM for SAP S/4HANA (H4S4)

Many customers are faced with the decision...

The maintenance period for the SAP Business Suite 7 (ECC) and the previous SAP ERP HCM system as an On-Premise solution ends on 31.12.2027 (extended maintenance period until 31.12.2030 subject to corresponding fees). Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions in the Cloud, such as SAP SuccessFactors Suite, offer numerous advantages, such as reduced costs, greater flexibility, and an improved employee experience. But what about the customers who already use an SAP ERP Human Capital Management solution and wish to continue doing so, or who are not yet ready to completely move to the Cloud? Should they continue to invest in On-Premise solutions that have an expiration date, or should they plan long-term and switch to SAP SuccessFactors? Since the new release of SAP Human Capital Management for SAP S/4HANA (H4S4) many customers are facing decisions concerning the direction of their future investments.

What is SAP Human Capital Management for SAP S/4HANA?

SAP HCM for SAP S/4HANA is a successor solution for SAP ERP HCM and has been available since Q4 2022. Customers can choose between two variants of the new SAP HCM for SAP S/4HANA solution: On-Premise or Private Cloud Edition.

  • On-Premise
    The On-Premise Edition supports the known solutions for human resource management, such as, for example, personnel administration, organizational management, employer benefits, corporate compensation management, personnel cost planning and simulation, MSS; solutions for talent management, such as, for example, SAP Learning Solution, SAP E-Recruiting, Talent Management, and Talent Development, solutions for time accounting, such as time management, shift planning, worktime entry (CATS), and public sector, such as, for example, budget planning and management, job management, and resource planning.
    However, some of the functions are no longer part of the solution, including: in the area of human resource management: Employee Interaction Center, Shared Service Framework for HCM Integration, HCM P&F with Adobe forms, Manager’s Desktop, Workforce Viewer, cPA-CM-CP); in the area of Talent Management: Recruiting, Compensation Management (PA-CM), evaluation systems, career and successor planning, development plans, training courses, and event management.
  • Private Cloud Edition
    The Private Cloud Edition includes solutions for Personnel Management (incl. ESS/MSS), such as, for example, employee management, global task management, management of the organizational structure, job management, service management, work plan management, and absence management. Solutions for time entry (incl. ESS/MSS), such as:  Work plan management, absence ­management, time entry for employees, time accounting, personnel resource planning, as well as solutions for Wage and Salary Accounting (incl. ESS).

Talent Management incl. Learning and Recruiting is not included in the solution.

All SAP HCM functions that are not named here and were previously available in the On-Premise and Private Cloud Edition are alternatively available via SAP SuccessFactors.

Why is this such an important topic right now?

According to SAP, SAP ERP HCM Suite will only be maintained until 2027. After that, system maintenance can be extended for a maximum of three years (until 2030) for an additional charge. Furthermore, all customers who have already been using an S/4HANA Compatibility Pack (HCM) for some time should make the switch by the end of 2025, as the system will no longer be supported after that. Switching to the new On-Premise transitional solution or to the Cloud is therefore unavoidable.

Facts about SAP Human Capital Management for SAP S/4HANA

  • On price list / available since Q4 2022
  • Maintenance until at least 31.12.2040
  • Must be operated on an SAP HANA database
  • Can be operated as an integrated SAP landscape with S/4HANA or as “H4S4“ stand-alone system
  • Migration tools & services (ALE interface to SAP S/4HANA) are provided by SAP
  • Functions from SAP ERP HCM will largely be retained (see above)
  • License/contract conversion with SAP necessary

Options for your SAP HCM Landscape:

Currently, most customers are within one of the four scenarios displayed on the left. The time period beyond 01.01.2028 gives rise to a system landscape consisting of an S/4HANA system (for the ERP area), SAP HCM for S/4HANA (integrated / stand-alone) and potentially SAP SuccessFactors as an enhancement, for example for a talent hybrid or even a core hybrid approach. You must migrate to “H4S4“ between now and 31.12.2027.

If you are currently faced with making a decision on how your SAP HCM landscape should look in the future, and which solution would make the best economic sense for you, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to discuss your current situation in a joint consultation and develop a made-to-measure solution approach together with you.

We look forward to you contacting us!

Dipl.-Ing. Bernd Hareter
Managing Consultant
T: +43 1 236 4312
bernd.hareter@hcm-advice.com