Implementing SAP SuccessFactors Talent Intelligence Hub at AyushVeda Wellness: A Pharma Industry Case Study

Implementing SAP SuccessFactors Talent Intelligence Hub at AyushVeda Wellness: A Pharma Industry Case Study

 

Case Study Background

AyushVeda Wellness Limited, headquartered in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, has emerged as India's leading Ayurvedic pharmaceutical and wellness company with an extensive global footprint across 100+ countries. Founded in 1942 as a small Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing unit, AyushVeda has grown into a global enterprise with 12,000+ employees worldwide, specializing in traditional Ayurvedic medicines, herbal supplements, naturopathy products, and holistic wellness solutions.
Dr. Vaidya Mohan Sharma, CEO of AyushVeda Wellness, recently unveiled "Vision Wellness 2035" – an ambitious strategic roadmap focusing on global leadership in natural healthcare through a blend of ancient wisdom and modern science. "The world is witnessing a paradigm shift toward holistic wellness," emphasizes Dr. Sharma. "Our ancient Ayurvedic knowledge, when combined with modern research and delivery systems, can transform global healthcare. However, this vision can only be realized if we have the right talent with the right skills at the right time."
Dr. Lakshmi Agarwal, CHRO at AyushVeda, has identified several critical talent management challenges:
  • Severe shortage of qualified Ayurvedic practitioners and researchers with both traditional knowledge and modern scientific skills
  • High attrition rates (27% annually) among R&D specialists and master formulators
  • Limited visibility into workforce capabilities across global operations
  • Inconsistent skill standards between traditional Ayurvedic roles and modern corporate functions
  • Difficulty in developing career pathways that honor both Ayurvedic expertise and business acumen
  • Challenges in preserving traditional knowledge while fostering innovation
"Our talent management approach must reflect the same holistic philosophy that guides our products," explains Dr. Agarwal. "Currently, our systems treat employees as either 'Ayurvedic experts' or 'corporate professionals,' without recognizing the integration needed between these domains. The Ministry of Ayush's focus on skill development highlights the urgent need for standardized capabilities in our sector."
To address these challenges, AyushVeda has decided to implement SAP SuccessFactors Talent Intelligence Hub as the cornerstone of its talent transformation journey, aligning with both the company's growth strategy and the broader national focus on Ayurvedic skill development.

Implementation Challenge

As the implementation consultant engaged to support this strategic initiative, you must address the following questions that incorporate both technical and organizational considerations specific to the Ayurvedic pharmaceutical and wellness sector.

Case Study Questions

  1. Skills Ontology Development
    1. AyushVeda needs a comprehensive skills framework that bridges traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern pharmaceutical expertise. How would you design a skills ontology within the Talent Intelligence Hub that captures both ancient Ayurvedic principles (like Tridosha theory, Panchakarma techniques) and contemporary skills (like GMP compliance, clinical research methodology)? Include specific categories and hierarchical relationships you would establish.
  1. Data Migration and Integration Strategy
    1. AyushVeda currently maintains a fragmented skill tracking system with traditional knowledge documented in Sanskrit texts and modern competencies in HR databases. What approach would you recommend for migrating this diverse data into the Job Profile Builder (JPB) as a prerequisite for enabling the Talent Intelligence Hub? Detail specific strategies for standardizing ancient Ayurvedic practices into measurable competencies.
  1. Growth Portfolio Implementation for Vaidya-Scientists
    1. Dr. Agarwal wishes to develop "Vaidya-scientists" who combine traditional knowledge with evidence-based approaches. How would you configure the Growth Portfolio feature to empower employees to track and prioritize their development across both traditional and modern domains? Explain how the system would recommend skills that balance Ayurvedic expertise with scientific research capabilities.
  1. Learning Integration for Traditional Knowledge Preservation
    1. AyushVeda maintains a gurukul-style Vaidya training program alongside modern corporate learning systems. How would you integrate the Talent Intelligence Hub with SAP SuccessFactors Learning to create personalized development journeys that respect traditional knowledge transfer methods while introducing modern learning approaches? Include considerations for capturing tacit knowledge from master practitioners.
  1. Competency Framework for Holistic Wellness Practitioners
    1. How would you evolve AyushVeda's competency framework using TIH to reflect both traditional Ayurvedic competencies and emerging skills in integrative medicine, sustainable sourcing, and global wellness trends? Detail how you would establish proficiency levels that acknowledge both formal qualifications and traditional expertise.
  1. Opportunity Marketplace for Cross-Functional Development
    1. AyushVeda wants to facilitate knowledge exchange between traditional Ayurvedic practitioners and modern corporate teams. How would you design and implement the Opportunity Marketplace to create developmental assignments that foster cross-pollination between the company's traditional and modern domains? Explain how employees could discover opportunities that enhance their holistic development.
  1. AI-Driven Talent Insights for Knowledge Preservation
    1. With many master practitioners approaching retirement age, AyushVeda risks losing irreplaceable traditional knowledge. How would you leverage the AI capabilities within TIH to identify critical knowledge transfer needs and facilitate succession planning for specialized roles like master formulators and Nadi experts? Include specific use cases for predictive analytics.
  1. Change Management for Traditional Practitioners
    1. Many senior Ayurvedic practitioners at AyushVeda follow traditional work approaches and may resist technology-driven talent management. Design a comprehensive change management strategy that respects traditional values while demonstrating the benefits of the Talent Intelligence Hub. Include specific engagement approaches for different stakeholder groups.
  1. Strategic Workforce Planning for " Vision Wellness 2035"
    1. Dr. Sharma's vision includes establishing 50 new Ayurvedic research centers globally by 2030. How would you utilize the Talent Intelligence Hub to support strategic workforce planning for this expansion? Explain how predictive analytics could inform both talent acquisition and development strategies for specialized Ayurvedic roles across diverse global markets.
  1. Ethical Considerations in AI-Driven Skill Recommendations
    1. Traditional Ayurvedic knowledge involves spiritual and philosophical dimensions that may not easily translate into an AI-driven skill framework. How would you address the ethical considerations of applying machine learning to traditional knowledge systems? Include specific guidelines for ensuring that AI recommendations respect the holistic nature of Ayurvedic practice.

Implementation Context

When developing your responses, consider these additional factors:
  • AyushVeda competes globally with both traditional herbal product companies and modern pharmaceutical giants
  • The company maintains a dual culture blending traditional Ayurvedic values with contemporary corporate practices
  • Recent government initiatives like "Skill India" and the "Champion Services Sector Scheme" provide potential resources for talent development
  • The company sources rare herbs and ingredients from over 1,000 farming communities, requiring specialized supply chain talent
  • Employee engagement surveys indicate that career development opportunities are a top concern across all employee groups
Your implementation approach should balance technical excellence with organizational change requirements, ensuring that the Talent Intelligence Hub delivers both immediate improvements and sustainable long-term value in addressing the critical talent challenges facing AyushVeda Wellness Limited.

Evaluation Criteria

Students will be evaluated on:
  • Understanding of SAP SuccessFactors Talent Intelligence Hub capabilities
  • Ability to align technical implementation with Ayurvedic pharmaceutical business needs
  • Practical approaches to data migration and system integration that respect traditional knowledge
  • Creative solutions to user adoption challenges among diverse employee groups
  • Appreciation of Ayurvedic industry context and specialized talent requirements
  • Integration of AI and advanced analytics to drive strategic talent decisions while preserving traditional wisdom