As Low code app development is gaining momentum in the app development world, here I share a great example of how we were able to support a client to quickly develop an app leveraging the use of Power BI and Azure, with the focus being on their specific business needs.
Client Background
Client X was using Excel spreadsheets to generate static reports, every month end a team of data analysts will run reports using a mixture of excel calculations and manual calculations. Data used to run the reports was stored in different places, which inherently introduced data inconsistencies, as some of the data was not captured on time, missed out or captured incorrectly, hence skewing the monthly reports data.
In addition to the monthly reports, they also ran reports on ad hoc basis as and when they were requested by users, which consumed a lot of the Data Analysts time and at times resulted in delays in generating the reports.
The report consumers had no control over the reports, any changes to how the data was analysed and running of reports outside the monthly schedule, they had to submit a request to the Data Analysts.
Client X approached risual to support them transform how they store data and generate reports. The goal of the digital transformation was to increase the quality of data and produce interactive reports.
Solution
In supporting the client, risual Business Analysts and Data Consultant teams organised initial conversations with Client X stakeholders to get a better picture of their processes as they were and capture requirements.
Following a thorough business analysis by risual, we recommended client would benefit from leveraging the use of Power BI and Azure Synapse.
By Implementing Azure Synapse this acted a single source of truth and have all their data in a single data warehouse. It’s based on ingestion pipelines where logic is applied through ETL pipelines.
Azure Synapse is using a Modern Data Warehouse architecture that contains a dedicated SQL pool that stores solution data once processed. Then Power BI reports query the dedicated SQL pool for reporting.
Power BI was used to create highly interactive reports with user friendly visuals.
For more information on Power BI here is a link to the Microsoft documentation.
Benefits
– Using a single data warehouse means the data will be up to date as it is set to refresh daily.
– Significantly reduced data issues as quality are improved.
– Reports are dynamic and up to date, with interactive visuals.
– End users are empowered to carry out further analysis by drilling down into the data. Eliminating the need to submit requests to the Data Analyst to run multiple reports.
– Data Analysts are freed to use their time more effectively on tasks that are more complex.
Conclusion
This project saw both risual consultants and clients’ stakeholders actively engaging throughout the process from fact finding to implementation. Ensuring what was built meets clients’ expectations and ultimately generate business value. Power BI is a fantastic reporting tool that can easily access data from numerous sources, outside the Microsoft suite.
What Next?
For more information on how we can help your organization
Contact us on 0300 303 2044.
