Case Study: Overhauling B.I. and Streamlining Workflow for Enhanced Efficiency

Client Overview:

With 135 years of innovation in transportation commerce, American Seating continues to lead the industry in valuable and durable solutions that are on every road and rail across North America. They are committed not only to the quality of their product but proudly boast that domestic content makes up over 90% of their product, with manufacturing production in West Michigan.

American Seating was facing critical issues with their existing Business Intelligence (BI) infrastructure. Outdated and malfunctioning SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) reports coupled with unstable Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) processes were hindering their daily operations and impacting both internal reporting/analysis and client-facing documents.

Challenges:

• Outdated SSRS Reports
  • Over 100 SSRS reports were outdated and inefficient, negatively impacting internal processes and client interactions.
  • Reports often failed to execute correctly, leading to disruptions in daily tasks.
  • Aging technology rendered the existing reports obsolete, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul.
• ETL Process Instabilities:
  • ETL processes responsible for data flow into the client’s data warehouse were prone to failures.
  • Manual interventions were required to address issues ranging from simple execution problems to intricate step-by-step analysis.

Our Solution:

• BI Transformation
  • Report Recreation: We systematically converted each of the 100+ SSRS reports, addressing both functionality and aesthetics.
  • Dataset Transformation: Converted existing datasets into stored procedures or views for open platform utilization.
  • Visual Enhancement: Improved the visual appeal and functionality of reports for a more user-friendly experience.

• ETL Process Optimization
  • Issue Resolution: Refined a support and ticket-based system for prompt issue resolution.Change Requests: Addressed change requests by modifying existing code or creating new custom code for screen design, SQL/Queries, and programs.
  • Data Integrity: Ensured robust ETL processes for seamless data flow into the data warehouse, optimizing data integrity.
• Full-Stack Web Development and IT Support:
  • Efficient Project Management: Leveraged tools like JIRA for seamless IT support and issue resolution.Database Management: We used our expertise in database management and SSIS systems to optimize workflow and data integrity.
  • DevOps and ERP Expertise: Adept handling of DevOps pipelines and ERP web interfaces for streamlined operations and enhanced business processes.

Results:

• Revitalized BI Infrastructure:
  • Converted SSRS reports to Telerik which enhanced functionality and aesthetics and resulted in improved user satisfaction.
  • Conversion of datasets facilitated open platform utilization.
• Stabilized ETL Processes:
  • We eliminated instances of ETL process failures through systematic issue resolution and proactive interventions.
  • Improved data integrity and workflow optimization in the client’s data warehouse.
• Efficient Workflow and IT Support:
  • Streamlined operations through efficient project management and IT support.
  • Comprehensive expertise in full-stack web development, database management, and DevOps pipelines ensured a holistic approach to IT solutions.

Conclusion:

Our strategic intervention not only addressed the immediate issues faced by American Seating but also set the foundation for a robust and efficient BI and workflow system. The successful transition from outdated SSRS reports to a newer BI tool, coupled with the optimization of ETL processes, showcases our commitment to delivering comprehensive and top-tier IT solutions tailored to our client’s needs.