Unlocking the Power of Azure Data & Power BI for iiPay

Unlocking the Power of Azure Data & Power BI for iiPay

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Business Challenge
3. Partnering with Altus
4. The Solution Delivery Approach
5. The Technical Architecture
6. Creating Visuals for the Solution
7. Business Benefits
8. Next Steps

1. Introduction

2. The Business Challenge

• The Current State of iipay's Insight Reporting Solution
• Limitations of the Current System
• The Need for Dynamic Visualizations and Drill-Down Capabilities

3. Partnering with Altus

• Altus Consulting's Data and Analytics Expertise
• Vendor-Agnostic Approach
• Choosing the Right Data Platform and Visualization Tool

4. The Solution Delivery Approach

• Discovery Phase: Understanding Requirements and Selecting Tools
• Solution Delivery: Implementation and Training
• Iterative Development of Dashboards

5. The Technical Architecture

• Data Sources: Payroll System and Currency Conversion Service
• Data Integration: Extract, Load, and Transform with Azure Data Factory
• Data Warehouse: Storing Data Using Dimensional Modeling
• Reporting and Analytics: Power BI Embedded and Power BI Service Integration

6. Creating Visuals for the Solution

• Best Practices for Data Visualization
• Iterative Development and Feedback Loop
• Interactivity and Customization Options

7. Business Benefits

• Instant Access to Data and Analytics for Clients
• Savings in Time and Effort for Clients' Reporting Needs
• Improved Data Quality and Spotting of Anomalies
• Positive Feedback from Clients

8. Next Steps

• Rollout of the Reporting Solution to More Clients
• Exploring Integration with Other Systems
• Adding Value and Enhancements to the Solution

Article:

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the successful collaboration between iipay, a global payroll provider, and Altus Consulting, a data and analytics consultancy. We will Delve into the business challenge faced by iipay, the solution delivery approach taken by Altus, and the technical architecture of the solution. Additionally, we will discuss the benefits derived from the solution, as well as the next steps for iipay in their data Journey.

The Business Challenge

The previous reporting solution used by iipay had limitations in terms of dynamic visualizations and drill-down capabilities. The reports were created by software developers, making it difficult for business analysts to make changes. Moreover, the solution only served the web app and did not allow for internal reporting. Thus, iipay sought a reporting solution that would enable them and their clients to uncover insights, make Timely decisions, and understand payroll spend globally. They also desired a solution that could be easily scaled as their business expanded.

Partnering with Altus

iipay chose to partner with Altus Consulting due to their deep expertise in data and analytics and their vendor-agnostic approach. Altus helped iipay select the right data platform and visualization tool that aligned with their requirements. The collaboration began with a discovery phase, where workshops were conducted to understand the current state and Gather requirements. Altus then delivered the solution, which involved implementing the chosen tools and providing training.

The Solution Delivery Approach

The solution delivery approach consisted of two main engagements: the discovery phase and the solution implementation. The discovery phase aimed to understand the current state of iipay's data and analytics solution, gather requirements, and recommend a future state. The solution implementation involved building the solution Based on the requirements and creating initial dashboards. The process followed an iterative approach, incorporating feedback from stakeholders to refine the solution.

The Technical Architecture

The technical architecture of the solution involved several layers and technologies. The data sources included the payroll system and a currency conversion service. Data integration was accomplished using Azure Data Factory, with the data stored in an Azure SQL database. The data warehouse was designed using dimensional modeling best practices, allowing for easy interpretation and analysis. The reporting and analytics layer relied on Power BI Embedded for embedding visuals within the web app. Consumers of the solution accessed the dashboards both internally and externally.

Creating Visuals for the Solution

The creation of visuals for the solution followed an iterative approach. Stakeholders were actively involved in workshops, providing feedback and preferences for visualizations. Altus utilized Power BI Desktop to Create the visuals and incorporated best practices for data visualization. Power BI themes were used to standardize the look and feel of the visuals. Interactivity and drill-down functionality were implemented within the dashboards.

Business Benefits

The solution provided iipay's clients with instant access to a wide range of data analytics, enabling them to make informed decisions and spot trends. The solution also saved clients time and effort by allowing them to extract data from the reports for their own reporting needs. Additionally, the solution drove data quality improvements and received positive feedback from clients.

Next Steps

As part of the next steps, iipay plans to Roll out the reporting solution to more clients in small batches. They will Continue to Collect feedback and spend time with each client to ensure they are comfortable with the solution. iipay also aims to explore integrating other systems into the solution and add more value to meet their clients' evolving needs.

FAQ:

Q: What were the limitations of iipay's previous reporting solution? A: The previous reporting solution lacked dynamic visualizations, drill-down capabilities, and flexibility for business analysts to make changes. It also did not support internal reporting and required software developers to make report modifications.

Q: How did Altus Consulting assist iipay in selecting the right data platform and visualization tool? A: Altus Consulting, being vendor-agnostic, helped iipay evaluate different options and choose Azure as the data platform and Power BI as the visualization tool. Altus considered iipay's requirements, scalability needs, and industry recognition to make the recommendations.

Q: What benefits did iipay derive from the solution? A: The solution provided iipay's clients with instant access to data analytics, improved data quality, and the ability to extract data for their reporting needs. It also resulted in positive feedback from clients and empowered iipay to spot trends, assess risks, and make timely decisions.

Q: What are iipay's next steps in their data journey? A: iipay plans to roll out the reporting solution to more clients in batches. They will continue to collect feedback, explore integration with other systems, and enhance the solution to add more value for their clients.

Highlights:

• iipay, a global payroll provider, partnered with Altus Consulting to improve their reporting solution.
• The previous solution lacked dynamic visualizations, drill-down capabilities, and flexibility.
• Altus Consulting offered vendor-agnostic expertise in selecting the right data platform and visualization tool.
• The solution involved a discovery phase, solution implementation, and iterative development of dashboards.
• Benefits included instant data access, improved data quality, and positive feedback from clients.
• Next steps for iipay include rolling out the solution to more clients and exploring integration with other systems.