30% Digitization Achieved Through HR Transformation for a Leading Semiconductor Manufacturer

Industry: Manufacturing | Services: Digital Operations

Client Overview

A leading semiconductor manufacturing and automation equipment company operating across multiple global sites sought to harmonize fragmented HR operations. With diverse regional practices and multiple payroll providers, the organization required a standardized, technology-driven HR service delivery model to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance employee experience.

The Challenge

Fragmented HR Ecosystem with Limited Standardization

The client’s HR operations were distributed across 15 sites with inconsistent processes, manual interventions, and underutilized ERP capabilities. The lack of documentation and standardized governance impacted efficiency, scalability, and employee satisfaction.

Key Challenges

• Reliance on outdated manual processes
• No standardized procedures across 15 sites
• Knowledge retained with client SMEs and limited documentation
• Underutilization of Workday HRIS capabilities
• Multiple regional payroll providers creating complexity
• Need to reduce cost to serve while improving service quality

Sutherland Solution

Building a Standardized & Digitally Optimized HR Model

To transform fragmented HR operations, Sutherland implemented a standardized and digitally optimized service model combining ERP optimization, automation, and right-shoring to improve efficiency, strengthen governance, and deliver a consistent global employee experience.

1. Fix, Lift-and-Shift & Process Excellence Approach
   Implemented a structured transformation roadmap combining stabilization (Fix), transition (Lift-and-Shift), and continuous improvement (Process Excellence) to harmonize fragmented HR processes.
2. Workday COE & ERP Optimization
   Leveraged Sutherland’s Workday Center of Excellence to optimize system configuration, streamline workflows, improve integrations, and maximize ERP utilization for enhanced operational performance.
3. Digital Transformation through Automation
   Introduced HR Chatbot, RPA, and Agentic AI solutions to digitize key processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance helpdesk responsiveness.
4. Right-Shoring & Cost Optimization
   Deployed a strategic right-shoring model with 25 FTEs across Chennai, Bulgaria, and China to optimize operational costs while maintaining service quality.
5. SLA Framework & Governance Model
   Designed and implemented a structured SLA framework to enhance performance visibility, accountability, and operational excellence across all HR functions.

The Outcome

Standardized, Digitized & Future-Ready HR Operations

The transformation enabled a shift from fragmented and manual HR processes to a standardized, digitally optimized operating model. By leveraging Workday expertise, automation technologies, and structured governance, the organization achieved 30% digitization and significantly improved employee experience. Process harmonization across multiple sites enhanced payroll accuracy, reporting efficiency, and system utilization. With improved analytics, automation, and governance, the client now operates a scalable, cost-effective, and performance-driven HR ecosystem.