Case Study
Modernizing data security, business intelligence analytics, and self-service reporting capabilities for a national grocery retailer
OUR CLIENT
Our client, a prominent national grocery retailer in the United States, operates an extensive network of supermarkets nationwide. Known for its diverse product range and commitment to customer service, the retailer serves a broad customer base through physical stores and an expanding online platform.
THE CHALLENGE
Modernizing reporting and analytics processes with Azure cloud infrastructure
The company faced a range of business and technical challenges in its reporting and data analytics processes, including:
- Limited reporting capabilities—Relying on Crystal Reports, the client faced issues with security, high costs, and restricted delivery formats, hindering self-service data reporting and real-time data migration.
- Data fragmentation and security concerns—Reports scattered across multiple sources impacted data security in the cloud and prevented cohesive analysis.
- High costs and complex maintenance—Frequent license and support renewals added substantial costs, creating a barrier to modern cloud data analytics.
THE TRANSFORMATION
Transforming analytics capabilities with Microsoft Power BI and Azure
UST implemented a cloud data migration strategy, transitioning the client’s data reporting infrastructure from Crystal Reports to Microsoft Power BI on an Azure platform. The solution featured:
- A comprehensive data migration strategy—UST managed the migration process in 11 sprints, moving the client's reports to Power BI.
- Self-service data reporting and business intelligence dashboards—Power BI’s self-service dashboards allowed the client to access real-time insights for better decision-making across departments.
- Enhanced data security and governance—With Power BI’s advanced security features, the client’s data is now protected with robust governance and security features, meeting compliance and regulatory standards essential for the retail industry.
UST’s migration strategy included Azure data services to automate data conversions through the Power BI gateway, reducing manual maintenance and enabling data transformation and cleansing capabilities.
With Microsoft Power BI, the client gained these modern data analytics capabilities:
- Self-service data reporting with real-time insights—Power BI enabled the client to create and access reports on demand, improving decision-making.
- Flexible and secure reporting—The integration supported multiple report delivery formats and unlimited user access, enhancing data security in the cloud.
- Optimized data management and cost savings—Leveraging Azure data analytics, the client reduced operational costs while increasing data accessibility and governance.
THE IMPACT
Reduced costs and enhanced maintainability
This transformation empowered the company to operate a streamlined, secure, cost-effective reporting environment, marking a significant step forward in its data warehouse modernization and digital transformation journey. The client achieved:
- A 55% reduction in reports—The client reduced the total number of reports from 240 to 107, consolidating data and improving enterprise data management.
- Automated data conversion—The Power BI gateway automation reduced costs and improved maintainability, allowing the client to fully leverage Azure’s data migration capabilities.
- Enhanced data security and format flexibility—Power BI and Azure’s security features enabled secure data migration, ensuring compliance and enabling multiple report delivery formats.
- Unlimited user access—Power BI's scalable architecture allowed seamless access for unlimited users, empowering teams across the organization to leverage data-driven insights without restrictions, thus enhancing collaboration and informed decision-making.
- Data consolidation—The integration of Power BI with Azure enabled robust data consolidation from multiple sources into a single, unified platform, simplifying data management and providing comprehensive insights to drive strategic planning and operational efficiencies.
With a fully optimized Azure data analytics and Power BI infrastructure, the client is now well-prepared to meet evolving data and reporting needs. UST’s ongoing support ensures that the client can continue to leverage Azure data services for enhanced data management and reporting, positioning them to thrive in an increasingly data-driven retail industry.
To learn more, visit cloud operations management for Azure
RESOURCES
https://www.ust.com/en/microsoft-dynamics-365
https://www.ust.com/content/dam/ust/documents/Brochure-UST-Azure-AI-Expertise-3.pdf