Xactly Objectives 2017-02 New Features
This article describes the new features available in Xactly Objectives 2017-02, which include:
- Configurable Plan Workflow
- Plan Evaluation Approval
- Discretionary Objectives
Configurable Plan Workflow
Xactly Objectives 2017-02 introduces several improvements to the creation and assignment of plans in Objectives. These changes help provide a much more consistent experience for managers and employees while streamlining the administration of plans.
Specifically, when creating or editing plan templates (in the Plan Design > Plans area), administrators can now configure the workflow for a plan template prior to assigning the plan to teams or individuals. In particular administrators can now assign an owner to each step in the flow.
The following screen show the screen for defining the plan workflow:
Define Plan Flow Screen
This configurable workflow replaces the Set Plan Status step in the plan template assignment process that appeared in earlier editions of Xactly Objectives.
In addition to the configurable workflow, administrators can now also assign “empty” plans (with zero objectives). Using this capability, administrators can create and assign all plans; managers will no longer have to click “Create” or receive notifications to create plans.
Xactly Objectives 2017-02 also makes it easier for administrators to copy existing plan templates.
Plan Evaluation Approval
Related to the new configurable plan workflow feature described above, Xactly Objectives 2017-02 adds an optional Plan Evaluation Approval step to the plan workflow.
Plan Evaluation Approval Step
After this new option is configured, higher-level managers can approve measurements prior to the plan being set to completed status. Administrators can now also add a notification (in the Plan Design > Notifications area) to have Objectives send a reminder a specific number of days in advance of the due date for approving plan evaluations.
Discretionary Objectives
Xactly Objectives 2017-02 adds the ability to allocate discretionary bonuses from a pool of money. With this feature, a new type of objective, known as a discretionary objective, can be added to plan templates. All plans that contain the same discretionary objective comprise a single pool and each person assigned to that pool can be allocated a discretionary bonus.
Create Discretionary Objective Screen
Note: Discretionary bonuses are derived from the calculated pool amount.
After the administrator starts the allocation process, the lowest-level managers can then allocate to their direct teams. The allocation process moves up the hierarchy until the pool allocation is finalized.