H&H Group Case Study: Navigating GDPR & PIPL with a Dual Data Center HR Strategy
Achieving Global HR Compliance is the ultimate balancing act for modern multinational enterprises. For H&H Group, a global leader in Premium Nutrition & Wellness (home to powerhouse brands like Swisse and Biostime), international expansion is part of their DNA.
However, rapid growth across 17 diverse markets—from Asia to Europe and North America—brought a critical challenge.
How do you manage a workforce across borders while maintaining strict Global HR Compliance? How do you balance operational efficiency with the rigid data sovereignty laws of different nations?
To solve this, H&H Group partnered with GaiaWorks. By implementing SAP SuccessFactors with an innovative Dual Data Center architecture, we helped them transform a compliance headache into a strategic advantage.
The Challenge: Navigating Global HR Compliance Complexity
Before the transformation, H&H Group faced a “perfect storm” of operational hurdles:
Data Sovereignty Risks: Strict regulations like the EU’s GDPR and China’s PIPL severely restricted cross-border data flow. A “one-size-fits-all” global system was no longer viable without significant compliance risks.
Legacy Limitations: Existing HR systems were fragmented and limited to basic organizational structures, lacking the depth needed for modern talent management, payroll, and performance.
Operational Inefficiency: Manual processes across continents led to a poor user experience and limited strategic visibility into their global workforce.
The Solution: A “Dual-Core” Strategy for Global HR Compliance
As a top-tier SAP SuccessFactors partner, GaiaWorks designed and executed a cutting-edge Dual Data Center (Dual DC) strategy. This architecture allowed H&H Group to respect local laws while maintaining global oversight.
The Architecture Breakdown
China Data Center (CN DC): Dedicated to hosting Employee Central for Mainland China operations, ensuring strict adherence to PIPL data localization requirements.
Germany Data Center (DEU DC): Hosts Onboarding and Employee Central for all other international markets (Hong Kong, Singapore, Europe, Americas, ANZ), ensuring full GDPR compliance.
GaiaWorks’ Implementation Expertise
Connecting these two worlds required precision. GaiaWorks developed sophisticated, customized data bridges. These bridges enable the secure transfer of necessary non-sensitive workflow data between the two centers. Our agile team successfully navigated the complexities of multiple time zones, diverse regulatory landscapes, and cultural nuances to deliver a seamless launch.
The Impact: A Robust Foundation for Future Growth
Six months post-launch, the value of this digital transformation is clear. H&H Group has set a new benchmark for Global HR Compliance.
1. Mitigating Compliance Risks
The Dual DC architecture provides peace of mind. By physically and logically separating data based on sovereignty requirements, H&H Group has established a new standard for Global HR Compliance, navigating complex global regulations with confidence.
2. Unlocking Operational Efficiency
Automation has replaced manual spreadsheets. The streamlined processes across borders have drastically reduced administrative overhead, allowing the HR team to focus on strategy rather than transactions. Furthermore, decision-makers have faster access to workforce analytics.
3. Elevating Employee Experience
Compliance does not have to be clunky. With a modern, unified SAP SuccessFactors interface, employees and managers across all 17 markets now enjoy a consistent experience. They have empowered self-service capabilities, regardless of which data center hosts their profile.
Looking Ahead
This project has transformed H&H Group’s HR function from an administrative support role into a strategic enabler of global growth. With a compliant and scalable digital backbone built by GaiaWorks, H&H Group is now poised to expand into new markets with agility and confidence.
At GaiaWorks, we don’t just implement software; we solve complex workforce challenges.
Are you facing similar challenges with Global HR Compliance and workforce management? Contact GaiaWorks today to see how we can tailor a solution for your enterprise.