The Customer
A utilities and gas sales and distribution company
The Project
Strategic Data Analytics for Utility Modernization
Overview
The project initially involved providing analytics support for a new trading system but evolved into setting up a data analytics practice for the organization. The goal was to enable the Customer to become more data-driven and provide data analytics to various departments.
The Challenge
Before engaging with Improving, the Customer lacked a structured approach to data analytics. The company was performing ad hoc analytics without a clear process or common practices. This approach resulted in a lack of sustainability and limited the potential for impactful insights. The Customer recognized the need to establish a more structured and sustainable way to leverage data analytics to drive business decisions and improve operational efficiency.
The Solution
Improving took the lead in defining an operating model for the Customer's data analytics team. The approach involved collaborating with IT management and the business sponsor to develop a data analytics strategy and set up the necessary infrastructure.
The operating model included defining service models, implementing an intake process to prioritize high-value projects, establishing patterns and practices for sustainable development, and ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.
The Technologies & Methodologies
The core technology used for data analytics was Power BI. This powerful tool allowed the Customer to visualize and analyze data in a user-friendly manner. Additionally, the project involved discussions and collaboration with Microsoft, as the Customer was transitioning to the cloud and leveraging Azure infrastructure for data analytics. The project also followed agile methodologies, allowing for iterative development and quick delivery of value.
The Business Benefits
Improved Decision Making: By providing data and information in a more readily usable format, the Customer was able to make informed business decisions more efficiently. The structured approach allowed for faster access to insights, reducing the time it took to see value from analytics initiatives.
Elimination of Unnecessary Work: The operating model implemented by Improving included a thorough review process that helped identify redundant or unnecessary projects. This helped the Customer maximize the amount of work done and eliminate waste, resulting in cost savings and improved resource allocation.
Increased Agility: By adopting an agile approach and negotiating with the PMO, Improving enabled the Customer to deliver projects in a shorter timeframe. This increased agility allowed the organization to respond more quickly to market demands and drive innovation.
Enhanced Collaboration: The operating model facilitated better collaboration between business and IT stakeholders. Each department had a representative responsible for reviewing and validating project requests, ensuring alignment with business goals and avoiding unnecessary efforts.
Self-Service Analytics: Improving’s approach included providing tools, platforms, and training to enable departments to perform self-service analytics. This empowered business users to access and analyze data independently, reducing reliance on the data analytics team and promoting a culture of data-driven decision-making.
The Partnerships
Improving worked closely with Microsoft and another vendor to ensure a successful implementation of the operating model and the necessary technology infrastructure. Microsoft’s expertise in cloud computing and data analytics complemented Improving’s efforts, enabling the Customer to leverage the full potential of their data.
Lessons Learned
One key lesson learned from this engagement is the importance of establishing a structured approach to data analytics. While organizations may be eager to adopt new technologies and drive innovation, it is crucial to create operational systems that can be supported and trusted by the business. The operating model implemented by Improving provided the Customer with the necessary structure and governance to ensure sustained success in their data analytics practice.
Why Improving?
Through the modernization project led by Improving, the Customer was able to transform its data analytics capabilities and become a more data-driven organization. By implementing an operating model, establishing common practices, and leveraging Power BI and Azure infrastructure, the Customer gained the ability to make informed decisions, eliminate unnecessary work, and increase agility. The partnership between Improving, Microsoft, and other vendors ensured a successful implementation and set the Customer on a path towards sustained success in their data analytics journey.
Get Started
Learn more about how Improving can help you get started by contacting us today at sales@improving.com or filling out a contact form through the link below.
