Data & Analytics Case Study
Construction Firm Streamlines Inventory Data Management with Cloud Analytics
Client
This client is a leader in specialty deep foundation, ground improvement, and earth retention solutions. The company pioneered the drilled shaft foundation industry in the United States and has maintained a strong commitment to innovation and excellence throughout its history
Project Scope and Objectives
Inventory difficult to manage without a unified system
The client recently acquired the rights to open an auto parts store. The company plans to use the store’s automotive management system for all inventory management spanning both store specific inventory as well as non-store specific inventory sold and/or used by the client. However, the users of this management system can only search by a part number. Additionally, not all of the client’s employees will have access to system. These limitations require the company to seek a solution outside of management system to enrich the inventory data and provide easy access to the inventory data across the enterprise. Their requirements are as follows:
Smartbridge helped the client meet all of their requirements by implementing cloud analytics with Microsoft Fabric. By transforming data from their core system, the company quickly embraced advanced technologies like OneLake, Dataflow Gen2, Lake House, Data Pipelines, PySpark, and Power BI. These tools facilitated efficient data loading, ingestion, transformation, storage, and visualization.
The Smartbridge Solution
Inventory data management with cloud analytics and storage solution
Smartbridge integrated their data from core sources, including the new management system, master data services, and financial data services, through Azure Data Factory Pipelines. Leveraging Microsoft Fabric’s Apache Spark capabilities, the data flow was optimized into Bronze, Silver, and Gold lakehouses within Azure Data Lake. This approach not only ensured efficient data processing and transformation but also laid the foundation for advanced analytics and business intelligence in Power BI.
The data from the Lake House and Data Warehouse was then used in Power App for updating their master data management using Power Automate workflow processes. The comprehensive storage solution employed Azure Data Lake, eliminating data silos, while OneLake provided a unified storage system for all developers.
Business Drivers
Various challenges lead to the need for a Smartbridge solution
Enhanced Data Processing Efficiency
By integrating data from core sources through Azure Data Factory Pipelines and optimizing data flow into Bronze, Silver, and Gold lakehouses, the client received significantly improved data processing and transformation efficiency. This streamlined approach reduces processing times and increases overall productivity.
Improved Decision-Making
The foundation for advanced analytics and business intelligence in Power BI enabled the client to gain deeper insights into their operations. This data-driven decision-making capability allows for more informed and strategic business decisions, enhancing operational effectiveness.
Elimination of Data Silos
The comprehensive storage solution using Azure Data Lake and OneLake provides a unified storage system, eliminating data silos. This integration facilitates seamless data access and collaboration across departments, improving organizational coherence and efficiency.
Increased Agility and Innovation
The adoption of cutting-edge technologies like Apache Spark, Data Pipelines, and Power Automate workflow processes demonstrates the company’s agility in embracing new tools. This adaptability positions them as leaders in innovation within the industry, allowing them to stay ahead of competitors.
Cost Savings
Efficient data processing and storage solutions reduce operational costs. The optimization of data workflows and the elimination of redundant processes contributes to significant cost savings, improving the company’s bottom line.
Scalability and Future-Readiness
The scalable architecture of Azure Data Lake and the unified storage system of OneLake ensures that the client’s data infrastructure can grow with the company. This future-ready approach positions them to handle increasing data volumes and evolving business needs.
Enhanced Customer Satisfaction
Improved data analytics and business intelligence capabilities allow the business to better understand and meet customer needs. This customer-centric approach leads to higher satisfaction rates and strengthened client relationships.
Expansion Plans
Implementing cloud analytics opens up a new world of possibilities
Enhanced Data Analytics Capabilities
The client aims to further enhance their data analytics capabilities by integrating more advanced machine learning and AI tools. This will enable predictive analytics and more sophisticated data modeling, driving deeper insights and more proactive decision-making.
Industry-Specific Solutions
The company plans to develop industry-specific analytics solutions tailored to the unique needs of different sectors they serve. By customizing their data analytics approach, the business can offer more targeted and effective solutions to clients in construction, infrastructure, and other industries.
Increased Automation
Expanding the use of automation tools like Power Automate, the client intends to streamline more of their business processes. This will reduce manual intervention, increase efficiency, and allow employees to focus on higher-value tasks.
Customer-Centric Innovations
The company plans to use the insights gained from their enhanced data analytics to drive customer-centric innovations. This includes developing new services and solutions that better meet the evolving needs of their clients, thereby improving customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Sustainability Initiatives
Leveraging their data analytics capabilities, the client plans to implement more sustainable practices in their operations. This includes optimizing resource usage, reducing waste, and developing eco-friendly solutions for their projects.
Training and Development
To support their expansion plans, the company will invest in training and development programs for their employees. This will ensure that their workforce is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge to effectively utilize advanced data analytics tools and technologies.
These expansion plans are designed to build on the success of Smartbridge’s work with the client, driving continued growth, innovation, and excellence in the dynamic landscape of cloud analytics.
If you’re looking for a cloud analytics solution to help you reach your goals, Smartbridge would be happy to help! Contact us to book a discovery call.
Keep Reading: Azure Implementation for a National Construction Company
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