SuccessFactors is requiring companies who currently use SuccessFactors to upgrade to the v12 user interface by the 1508 Quarterly Release. Even though the Performance Management v12 Acceleration is not mandatory for this release, it eventually will be; therefore, it is prudent for SuccessFactors administrators to begin planning for this upgrade now.
With Performance Management v12 Acceleration, there is a new functionality introduced called: Pods.
Pods is feature that essentially involves square-shaped portlets, located on top of the performance management form, which offer performance information in a graphical and user-friendly way to help managers complete performance management forms quickly and accurately.
Setting them up and managing them is a very straight forward process as well. In order to obtain the desired results, it is important to fully understand the authorizations around the Performance Management form’s General Settings.
Pods is an important functionality for SuccessFactors Administrators as it can help drive value by solving potential issues with the performance process. For example, by using pods, managers who are doing the reviews get the ability to see employees’ overall score while doing the review; another key feature is the ability to show managers where employees stand as compared to their peer team members.