Quick Overview
- 1#1: SAP SuccessFactors - Enterprise HCM suite with advanced succession planning featuring talent pools, 9-box grids, nomination workflows, and development planning.
- 2#2: Workday - Cloud HCM platform offering integrated succession management with skills ontology, succession benches, and real-time talent analytics.
- 3#3: Oracle HCM Cloud - Robust HCM solution providing succession planning tools including readiness matrices, career development, and AI-driven successor matching.
- 4#4: Cornerstone OnDemand - Talent management platform with succession modules for identifying high-potentials, creating succession slates, and tracking readiness.
- 5#5: UKG Pro - HR and payroll suite featuring succession planning with performance integration, risk assessment, and multi-level successor planning.
- 6#6: ClearCompany - Talent management software enabling succession planning through 9-box talent grids, gap analysis, and development action plans.
- 7#7: BambooHR - SMB-focused HR platform with succession tools for performance reviews, talent matrices, and employee development tracking.
- 8#8: TalentGuard - Agile workforce management system specializing in skills-based succession planning, competency matching, and career pathing.
- 9#9: OrgChart Now - Visual org charting tool with built-in succession planning for scenario modeling, backup assignments, and reporting.
- 10#10: PositionWise - Dedicated succession planning software for creating org charts, identifying successors, and managing talent pipelines.
These tools were ranked based on functionality depth (including talent pools, AI matching, and 9-box grids), technical reliability, user experience, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring they deliver strategic value across varied organizational needs.
Comparison Table
Succession planning software is vital for businesses to cultivate future leaders; this comparison table details top tools like SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Oracle HCM Cloud, Cornerstone OnDemand, and UKG Pro. It outlines key features, usability, and fit for diverse organizational sizes, enabling readers to align software with their talent development goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SAP SuccessFactors Enterprise HCM suite with advanced succession planning featuring talent pools, 9-box grids, nomination workflows, and development planning. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | Workday Cloud HCM platform offering integrated succession management with skills ontology, succession benches, and real-time talent analytics. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 3 | Oracle HCM Cloud Robust HCM solution providing succession planning tools including readiness matrices, career development, and AI-driven successor matching. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Cornerstone OnDemand Talent management platform with succession modules for identifying high-potentials, creating succession slates, and tracking readiness. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | UKG Pro HR and payroll suite featuring succession planning with performance integration, risk assessment, and multi-level successor planning. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 6 | ClearCompany Talent management software enabling succession planning through 9-box talent grids, gap analysis, and development action plans. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | BambooHR SMB-focused HR platform with succession tools for performance reviews, talent matrices, and employee development tracking. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | TalentGuard Agile workforce management system specializing in skills-based succession planning, competency matching, and career pathing. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | OrgChart Now Visual org charting tool with built-in succession planning for scenario modeling, backup assignments, and reporting. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 10 | PositionWise Dedicated succession planning software for creating org charts, identifying successors, and managing talent pipelines. | specialized | 7.9/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.4/10 |
Enterprise HCM suite with advanced succession planning featuring talent pools, 9-box grids, nomination workflows, and development planning.
Cloud HCM platform offering integrated succession management with skills ontology, succession benches, and real-time talent analytics.
Robust HCM solution providing succession planning tools including readiness matrices, career development, and AI-driven successor matching.
Talent management platform with succession modules for identifying high-potentials, creating succession slates, and tracking readiness.
HR and payroll suite featuring succession planning with performance integration, risk assessment, and multi-level successor planning.
Talent management software enabling succession planning through 9-box talent grids, gap analysis, and development action plans.
SMB-focused HR platform with succession tools for performance reviews, talent matrices, and employee development tracking.
Agile workforce management system specializing in skills-based succession planning, competency matching, and career pathing.
Visual org charting tool with built-in succession planning for scenario modeling, backup assignments, and reporting.
Dedicated succession planning software for creating org charts, identifying successors, and managing talent pipelines.
SAP SuccessFactors
enterpriseEnterprise HCM suite with advanced succession planning featuring talent pools, 9-box grids, nomination workflows, and development planning.
AI-powered Succession Match, which uses machine learning to automatically suggest and rank the best successor candidates based on skills, potential, and performance data.
SAP SuccessFactors Succession & Development is a comprehensive module within the SAP SuccessFactors HCM suite designed to identify, assess, and develop high-potential talent for key leadership roles. It enables organizations to create succession benches, nomination workflows, talent pools, and development plans while leveraging AI-driven insights for better matching of successors to positions. The tool supports robust analytics, 9-box grids, and calibration sessions to ensure data-driven succession planning across global enterprises.
Pros
- Deep integration with full HCM suite for seamless talent management
- Advanced AI capabilities like intelligent successor recommendations and risk-of-loss analytics
- Scalable for global enterprises with multilingual support and robust reporting
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface and extensive configuration options
- High implementation costs and long deployment timelines
- Pricing is premium and may not suit small to mid-sized organizations
Best For
Large multinational enterprises seeking an integrated, enterprise-grade succession planning solution within a broader HCM platform.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically starting at $10-20 per user/month for the full suite, with additional costs for implementation and add-ons.
Workday
enterpriseCloud HCM platform offering integrated succession management with skills ontology, succession benches, and real-time talent analytics.
AI-powered Skills Cloud for inferring employee skills from performance data and matching them to succession needs
Workday is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that includes robust succession planning tools to help organizations identify, assess, and develop high-potential talent for key roles. It features 9-box grids, talent pools, succession org charts, and AI-driven insights to create data-backed succession plans and mitigate leadership gaps. The solution integrates seamlessly with Workday's broader HR, payroll, and analytics modules for a unified talent management experience.
Pros
- Seamless integration with full HCM suite and real-time data analytics
- Advanced AI and skills-based matching for precise talent identification
- Scalable for global enterprises with robust reporting and compliance tools
Cons
- High implementation costs and long setup time
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing lacks transparency and is quote-based
Best For
Large enterprises needing an integrated, enterprise-grade succession planning solution within a full HCM ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing, typically $100-250 per employee per year, billed annually with minimum commitments.
Oracle HCM Cloud
enterpriseRobust HCM solution providing succession planning tools including readiness matrices, career development, and AI-driven successor matching.
AI-powered succession analytics that predict talent gaps and recommend high-potentials using machine learning.
Oracle HCM Cloud is an enterprise-grade human capital management suite with robust succession planning tools designed to identify, develop, and retain top talent for critical roles. It features talent pools, 9-box grids, succession benches, and readiness assessments integrated with performance management and learning modules. The platform leverages AI-driven insights to forecast leadership gaps and support strategic workforce planning.
Pros
- Comprehensive talent analytics and AI predictions for succession readiness
- Seamless integration with broader HCM ecosystem for holistic talent management
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-language and compliance support
Cons
- Complex configuration and lengthy implementation timelines
- Steep learning curve for non-technical users
- Premium pricing that may not suit smaller organizations
Best For
Large enterprises needing an integrated, scalable succession planning solution within a full HCM platform.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $15-25 per employee per month (varies by modules and negotiated enterprise contracts).
Cornerstone OnDemand
enterpriseTalent management platform with succession modules for identifying high-potentials, creating succession slates, and tracking readiness.
Dynamic 9-box talent grid with automated mobility paths and AI-driven successor matching
Cornerstone OnDemand is a comprehensive talent management platform with robust succession planning tools designed to identify, develop, and retain high-potential talent for critical roles. It features 9-box grids, succession benches, risk-of-loss assessments, and integrated development plans to ensure business continuity. The software integrates seamlessly with other HR modules like performance management and learning for a holistic approach to talent strategy.
Pros
- Powerful analytics and reporting for succession risk and talent gaps
- Seamless integration with broader talent management suite
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-language support
Cons
- Steep learning curve and complex setup for non-experts
- High implementation costs and long deployment times
- Pricing lacks transparency and can be prohibitive for mid-sized firms
Best For
Large enterprises seeking an integrated, enterprise-grade succession planning solution within a full talent management ecosystem.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $10-25 per user/month for core modules, with minimums and annual contracts required.
UKG Pro
enterpriseHR and payroll suite featuring succession planning with performance integration, risk assessment, and multi-level successor planning.
AI-powered succession analytics that predict readiness gaps using integrated performance and skills data
UKG Pro is a comprehensive human capital management (HCM) platform that includes robust succession planning capabilities within its talent management module, enabling organizations to identify, develop, and track high-potential successors for key roles. It leverages data from performance reviews, skills assessments, and organizational charts to create 9-box grids, talent pools, and succession readiness reports. The solution integrates seamlessly with other UKG Pro HCM features like payroll and workforce management for a unified talent strategy.
Pros
- Deep integration with full HCM suite for holistic talent visibility
- Advanced analytics and 9-box grids for data-driven succession decisions
- Scalable for global enterprises with multi-language support
Cons
- Complex interface with steep learning curve for non-HR experts
- High implementation costs and customization requirements
- Less specialized than dedicated succession tools for niche needs
Best For
Large enterprises needing an integrated HCM platform with strong succession planning as part of broader workforce management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; typically $15-25 per employee per month, quote-based with implementation fees.
ClearCompany
enterpriseTalent management software enabling succession planning through 9-box talent grids, gap analysis, and development action plans.
Interactive 9-box talent grid with drag-and-drop functionality and automated development plan generation
ClearCompany is a comprehensive talent management platform that offers dedicated succession planning tools to help organizations identify high-potential employees, build talent pipelines, and ensure leadership continuity. Key features include 9-box talent grids, succession org charts, risk assessments, and development planning integrated with performance management and recruiting modules. It enables HR teams to visualize bench strength, nominate successors, and track readiness across the organization.
Pros
- Seamless integration with recruiting, performance, and onboarding for a unified talent strategy
- Visual tools like interactive 9-box grids and succession org charts for easy talent assessment
- Robust reporting and analytics to measure succession readiness and risks
Cons
- Pricing is quote-based and can be expensive for smaller organizations
- Limited advanced customization options for complex succession workflows
- Occasional reports of slower implementation and support response times
Best For
Mid-sized to large enterprises seeking an integrated HR suite with solid succession planning capabilities.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $10-20 per user/month for the full talent management suite including succession planning.
BambooHR
enterpriseSMB-focused HR platform with succession tools for performance reviews, talent matrices, and employee development tracking.
Integrated performance and goal tracking that automatically surfaces high-potential employees for succession consideration
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR platform designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, offering core employee management tools with integrated talent features for basic succession planning. It enables tracking of employee performance, skills, and potential through performance reviews, goal tracking, and reporting, allowing HR teams to identify and develop high-potentials as successors. While it lacks advanced dedicated succession modules like 9-box grids or automated risk assessments, it leverages existing HR data for straightforward succession identification and planning.
Pros
- User-friendly interface with mobile accessibility for easy adoption
- Seamless integration of performance data into succession insights
- Cost-effective for SMBs bundling succession with full HR suite
Cons
- Lacks advanced succession tools like 9-box grids or talent pooling
- Limited scalability for large enterprises with complex org structures
- Reporting customization is basic for deep succession analytics
Best For
Small to mid-sized businesses seeking an intuitive, affordable HR platform with foundational succession planning tied to performance management.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing, typically $6-12 per employee/month for core HR features, with talent modules as add-ons.
TalentGuard
specializedAgile workforce management system specializing in skills-based succession planning, competency matching, and career pathing.
Competency Ontology Engine for dynamic skills-based successor identification and gap analysis
TalentGuard is a competency-based talent management platform that supports succession planning by mapping employee skills and potential to critical roles through assessments and talent pools. It integrates performance management, learning management, and career development to identify and groom successors for key positions. The software provides 9-box grids, succession charts, and development plans to ensure organizational continuity.
Pros
- Robust competency modeling for precise talent matching
- Seamless integration with performance and learning modules
- Customizable succession matrices and development planning tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for setup and configuration
- Pricing lacks transparency and requires custom quotes
- Interface feels dated compared to modern SaaS competitors
Best For
Mid-sized organizations with established competency frameworks needing integrated talent and succession management.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing starting around $10-20 per user/month per module; quotes required based on users and features.
OrgChart Now
specializedVisual org charting tool with built-in succession planning for scenario modeling, backup assignments, and reporting.
Interactive Succession Planner with embedded 9-box talent grids and automated risk flagging directly in org charts
OrgChart Now is a robust organizational charting platform that supports succession planning by enabling users to visualize hierarchies, assess talent risks, and identify successors through interactive charts. It integrates with major HRIS systems for automated data import, allowing HR teams to create 9-box grids, succession benches, and gap analyses. The tool emphasizes visual mapping of leadership pipelines to facilitate proactive talent management and contingency planning.
Pros
- Seamless integration with HRIS like Workday and BambooHR for real-time data syncing
- Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for building and editing succession scenarios
- Visual tools like 9-box grids and risk matrices tailored for succession planning
Cons
- Lacks deep AI-driven predictive analytics found in top talent suites
- Pricing scales quickly with organization size, potentially costly for enterprises
- Limited mobile app functionality for on-the-go succession reviews
Best For
Mid-sized HR teams in dynamic organizations needing visual succession mapping without complex setups.
Pricing
Starts at $995/year for basic plans; enterprise tiers from $5-15 per employee/month based on size and features.
PositionWise
specializedDedicated succession planning software for creating org charts, identifying successors, and managing talent pipelines.
Position-centric succession planning that models future roles and structures independently of current employees
PositionWise is a workforce planning and succession management platform that provides interactive organizational charts, talent assessments, and scenario modeling to identify and prepare successors for key positions. It enables HR teams to visualize org structures, map skills gaps, and track employee readiness through nine-box grids and development plans. The tool emphasizes position-centric planning, focusing on future roles rather than current incumbents, with strong integrations to HRIS systems like Workday and SAP.
Pros
- Intuitive visual org charts for quick succession gap analysis
- Seamless integrations with major HRIS platforms
- Flexible scenario planning for future workforce modeling
Cons
- Limited advanced AI-driven talent predictions compared to top competitors
- Pricing is opaque and enterprise-focused, less ideal for SMBs
- Reporting customization requires technical expertise
Best For
Mid-sized to large organizations needing visual, position-focused succession planning tools integrated with existing HR systems.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing via quote; typically $5,000–$50,000+ annually based on user count, modules, and organization size.
Conclusion
The top succession planning tools stand out for their unique strengths, with SAP SuccessFactors leading as the top choice, boasting robust enterprise features like talent pools and 9-box grids. Workday and Oracle HCM Cloud follow closely, offering integrated analytics and AI-driven matching, making them excellent alternatives for varied organizational needs. Together, they underscore the critical role of effective succession planning in talent management.
Start strengthening your organization’s future by exploring SAP SuccessFactors—its advanced tools can help identify, develop, and retain top talent, ensuring long-term resilience.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison