Got a question? Ask Simen.
Welcome to Simen Says, where our go-to expert Simen tackles everything from quick fixes to the tricky stuff. Whether you’re trying to figure out something in Cornerstone OnDemand, Saba Cloud, or EdCast, or have a general question, Simen’s got the shortcuts and tips you need.
Browse the categories or search for what you need. It’s quick and easy. Got a tricky question? Pass it to Simen! Your question might pop up on this page to help others too. 🚀

Octily

Featured Question
We use both CSOD and another HR system like SAP SuccessFactors or Workday. Can we integrate them and show tasks from both systems in the CSOD Welcome page?
Simen Says:
Yes, this is possible. The setup depends on how integrated and dynamic you want the experience to be. Here’s how it works.
✅ 1. Use CSOD’s Built-In Options (Simple Setup)
The CSOD Welcome Page offers some native flexibility:
- Add HTML widgets with links to other systems
- Embed external content using iframes, if supported by the source system
- Display CSOD-native tasks like Learning Assignments or Onboarding Checklists
📌 This approach is quick but limited. You cannot display real-time tasks from other systems or create a unified task list.
🔧 2. Build a Custom Integration (More Seamless Experience)
For a dynamic and personalized experience, a custom integration is the way to go. This involves:
- Using CSOD APIs to pull assigned tasks for each user
- Using APIs from your other system, such as SuccessFactors OData APIs or Workday’s reporting APIs
- Creating a custom widget that:
- Authenticates the user via SSO or tokens
- Pulls tasks from both systems
- Displays a combined task view with filters, urgency flags, and links to complete tasks
This widget can be embedded directly into the CSOD Welcome Page.
🧠 Example from a Global Client
One client uses SuccessFactors for HR workflows and CSOD for compliance training. They built a dashboard that appears in the CSOD Welcome Page. It shows:
- Tasks from both platforms
- Indicators for urgent tasks
- Direct links to complete items in the right system
📌 The result is one central place for everything users need to do.
🧩 Quick Comparison
Feature | CSOD Native | Custom Integration |
---|---|---|
Show CSOD Tasks | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Show SuccessFactors or Workday Tasks | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Unified Task View | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Real-Time Task Data | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Custom UX and Filters | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full Control |
Development Required | ❌ Minimal | ✅ Yes |
Simen – Your Go-To Expert for All Questions
General
Who is Simen, and why should I trust his answers?
Simen is more than just the guy behind the tips. He’s a project manager with over seven years of experience, leading full customization projects and knowing the platform inside and out. With hands-on experience helping teams shape their HR strategy and optimize their setup, he doesn’t just share smart tricks. He makes things happen. If he’s giving you a tip, you can trust it’s something that actually works.
How do I submit a question to Simen?
Simply use the “Ask Simen” feature on this page. He’ll review your question and provide a helpful response as soon as possible.
Simen is more than just the guy behind the tips. He’s a project manager with over seven years of experience, leading full customization projects and knowing the platform inside and out. With hands-on experience helping teams shape their HR strategy and optimize their setup, he doesn’t just share smart tricks. He makes things happen. If he’s giving you a tip, you can trust it’s something that actually works.
Simply use the “Ask Simen” feature on this page. He’ll review your question and provide a helpful response as soon as possible.
Cornerstone OnDemand
Can we add images, such as logos or banners, to custom forms in Cornerstone (CSOD)?
Simen Says:
Currently, Cornerstone’s custom forms do not natively support image uploads. However, there are workarounds:
Option 1: Using the Rich Text Field
- The Rich Text field in the form builder allows you to embed images using HTML.
- To do this, ensure your images are hosted online and accessible via a URL.
- You can then insert the appropriate HTML code within the Rich Text field to display the image in your form.
Option 2: Using the CSOD Custom Page Builder
- If you’re unfamiliar with HTML or prefer not to host images externally, you can use the Custom Page Builder (
/admin/ManageCustomPages.aspx
). - Create a new page and upload your image using the Image Manager.
- Switch to the HTML tab to copy the generated HTML code.
- Paste this code into the Rich Text field in your custom form to display the image.
📌 These methods provide a way to include images in forms. For more advanced customizations that align with your brand and enhance the user experience, feel free to reach out.
Can I assign training to multiple users at once?
Simen Says:
Yes! With the Learning Assignment Tool (LAT) in Cornerstone OnDemand, you can assign training to individuals, groups, or entire departments in just a few clicks. It is a quick and easy way to make sure the right people get the right training without the manual work. You can also set due dates, track progress, and automate recurring assignments to keep learning on track.
How to Assign Training Using the Learning Assignment Tool:
1. Open the Learning Assignment Tool
Go to Admin > Tools > Learning > Learning Assignment Tool and click Create New Assignment.
2. Pick the Training
Search for the course, curriculum, or certification you want to assign.
3. Choose Who Gets It
Assign training to:
- Individuals by selecting specific users.
- Groups using organizational units (OUs) like department, location, or job role.
- Rules-Based Assignments to set criteria so new hires or specific roles get training automatically.
4. Set Up the Rules
- Add due dates with a fixed date or based on hire date.
- Enable recurring assignments to automate reassignments.
- Turn on auto-enrollment so new users meeting the criteria get the training automatically.
- Choose retraining options if users need to repeat the course regularly.
5. Review and Assign
Check your setup, then hit Submit. Users will be notified and find the training in their Transcript.
6. Track and Manage
- Use Reports and the Learning Assignment Summary to monitor progress.
- Make adjustments or reassign training as needed.
It is a simple and automated way to keep your team’s learning on track. Fast, flexible, and hassle-free.
How can I add an external link to the CSOD navigation menu?
Simen Says:
Cornerstone’s navigation does not natively support external links, but you can add one with a quick workaround.
Step 1: Create a Custom Page
- Go to Admin > Tools > Core Functions > Core Preferences > Custom Pages.
- Create a new Custom Page. It will act as a placeholder for your external link.
- Add a simple link reference using HTML, such as:
<a href=”https://octily.com/” target=”_blank”>Octily Homepage</a> - Save the page
Step 2: Add It to the Navigation Menu
- Navigate to Admin > Tools > Core Functions > Core Preferences > Navigation Tabs and Links.
- Add the newly created Custom Page to your navigation structure.
- Save your changes. The external link will now be accessible from the CSOD menu.
This method keeps your navigation clean while allowing users to access external resources directly.
Got a more complex setup in mind? Let’s talk.
What are the limitations of CSOD’s reporting, and how can we get more customized insights?
Simen Says:
Cornerstone’s Reporting 2.0 is a solid tool, but when it comes to deep insights and customization, there are a few key limitations worth knowing:
1. Limited Cross-Module Reporting
Reports are often tied to a single module (like Learning, Performance, or Recruiting), which makes it difficult to connect data across the platform.
📌 Want to see how training impacts performance reviews? You’ll likely need to export reports and merge the data manually.
2. Basic Visualization Options
While CSOD provides standard tables and charts, it lacks more advanced or interactive visualizations.
📌 Things like heatmaps, real-time dashboards, or multi-variable scatter plots aren’t natively supported and would require external tools for more dynamic reporting.
3. Custom Metrics and Filters Can Be Limited
Creating highly tailored metrics or applying complex filters across multiple data sets isn’t always straightforward.
📌 You might find yourself constrained when trying to slice data in new ways or build KPIs that span multiple business areas.
These limitations don’t mean you’re stuck with basic reports. With the right setup, it’s possible to unlock more flexible, connected, and insightful reporting.
Need help making it happen? Let’s talk.
Simen Says:
Currently, Cornerstone’s custom forms do not natively support image uploads. However, there are workarounds:
Option 1: Using the Rich Text Field
- The Rich Text field in the form builder allows you to embed images using HTML.
- To do this, ensure your images are hosted online and accessible via a URL.
- You can then insert the appropriate HTML code within the Rich Text field to display the image in your form.
Option 2: Using the CSOD Custom Page Builder
- If you’re unfamiliar with HTML or prefer not to host images externally, you can use the Custom Page Builder (
/admin/ManageCustomPages.aspx
). - Create a new page and upload your image using the Image Manager.
- Switch to the HTML tab to copy the generated HTML code.
- Paste this code into the Rich Text field in your custom form to display the image.
These methods provide a way to include images in forms. For more advanced customizations that align with your brand and enhance the user experience, feel free to reach out.
Yes! With the Learning Assignment Tool (LAT) in Cornerstone OnDemand, you can assign training to individuals, groups, or entire departments in just a few clicks. It is a quick and easy way to make sure the right people get the right training without the manual work. You can also set due dates, track progress, and automate recurring assignments to keep learning on track.
How to Assign Training Using the Learning Assignment Tool:
Open the Learning Assignment Tool
- Go to Admin > Tools > Learning > Learning Assignment Tool and click Create New Assignment.
Pick the Training
- Search for the course, curriculum, or certification you want to assign.
Choose Who Gets It
- Assign training to:
- Individuals by selecting specific users.
- Groups using organizational units (OUs) like department, location, or job role.
- Rules-Based Assignments to set criteria so new hires or specific roles get training automatically.
- Assign training to:
Set Up the Rules
- Add due dates with a fixed date or based on hire date.
- Enable recurring assignments to automate reassignments.
- Turn on auto-enrollment so new users meeting the criteria get the training automatically.
- Choose retraining options if users need to repeat the course regularly.
Review and Assign
- Check your setup, then hit Submit. Users will be notified and find the training in their Transcript.
Track and Manage
- Use Reports and the Learning Assignment Summary to monitor progress.
- Make adjustments or reassign training as needed.
It is a simple and automated way to keep your team’s learning on track. Fast, flexible, and hassle-free.
Simen Says:
Cornerstone’s navigation does not natively support external links, but you can add one with a quick workaround.
👍 Step 1: Create a Custom Page
- Go to Admin > Tools > Core Functions > Core Preferences > Custom Pages.
- Create a new Custom Page. It will act as a placeholder for your external link.
- Add a simple link reference using HTML, such as:
<a href=”https://octily.com/” target=”_blank”>Octily Homepage</a> - Save the page.
👍 Step 2: Add It to the Navigation Menu
- Navigate to Admin > Tools > Core Functions > Core Preferences > Navigation Tabs and Links.
- Add the newly created Custom Page to your navigation structure.
- Save your changes. The external link will now be accessible from the CSOD menu.
This method keeps your navigation clean while allowing users to access external resources directly.
Got a more complex setup in mind? Let’s talk.
Simen Says:
Cornerstone’s Reporting 2.0 is a solid tool, but when it comes to deep insights and customization, there are a few key limitations worth knowing:
1. Limited Cross-Module Reporting
Reports are often tied to a single module (like Learning, Performance, or Recruiting), which makes it difficult to connect data across the platform.
📌 Want to see how training impacts performance reviews? You’ll likely need to export reports and merge the data manually.
2. Basic Visualization Options
While CSOD provides standard tables and charts, it lacks more advanced or interactive visualizations.
📌 Things like heatmaps, real-time dashboards, or multi-variable scatter plots aren’t natively supported and would require external tools for more dynamic reporting.
A Look at Cornerstone’s Built-In Dashboards
3. Custom Metrics and Filters Can Be Limited
Creating highly tailored metrics or applying complex filters across multiple data sets isn’t always straightforward.
📌 You might find yourself constrained when trying to slice data in new ways or build KPIs that span multiple business areas.
These limitations don’t mean you’re stuck with basic reports. With the right setup, it’s possible to unlock more flexible, connected, and insightful reporting.
Need help making it happen? Let’s talk.
Saba Cloud
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EdCast
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Simen’s Tips Are Just the Warm-Up! 🚀
A smart trick here, a quick fix there, but what if you really want to get the most out of your HR platform? If you’re looking to elevate your HR strategy and make your setup work better for your team, Simen can help. He leads full customization projects that go beyond the basics and bring your ideas to life.
Get in Touch
Have an idea, a question, or just want to explore what’s possible? Whether it’s about customization, making your setup work better, or something else on your mind. We’re happy to chat.
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