Data-Driven Insights at the touch of a button for Structured Sales Consulting
Data-Driven Insights at the touch of a button for Structured Sales Consulting
The Challenge
Before transitioning to Power BI, SSC’s client relied on disparate systems and manual reporting, using Excel spreadsheets and ERP systems to pull together, manage and analyse sales performance and revenue data. This presented a number of challenges, including data silos, lack of real-time insights, complexity and prone to errors with limited flexibility and manual effort.
This slowed the consultation process and created significant inefficiencies for the client, including slow data processing, difficulties extracting actionable insights, and a lack of transparency or accountability for the sales team.
“Some of my clients lack visibility on what’s actually happening within their client bases, sometimes even unaware when a major client has ceased trade.”
The Solution
The solution involved implementing a standardised framework using Power BI that seamlessly integrated into SSC’s process. This provided them with a dashboard that not only delivered key sales insights to improve their consultation with their client but also provided a framework they could use for all their clients, ongoing.
Kirsty’s Approach:
Initial Consultation | Understanding Requirements:
Kirsty began by conducting a thorough discussion with SSC to understand the specific needs and challenges of the dashboard and what they wanted to see to deliver their services to their client effectively. This included clarifying the desired features, key metrics, and reporting requirements.
Initial Consultation | Data Assessment
Kirsty reviewed the data sources provided by SSC to assess what data was already available, how the data from different systems could be joined to form a complete picture and then reviewed the quality of the data (is it right), and whether it would provide all the information they needed.
Design and Development | Data Integration
SSC’s client's existing system lacked a native integration with Power BI, and given the scale of their business, building a direct integration wasn't cost-effective. Instead, Kirsty implemented a solution that involved running regular automated extracts to Excel or CSV files, which Power BI would then pick up. This approach maximised automation while being mindful of the client’s budget, ensuring they didn’t overspend on unnecessary technology.
Design and Development | Dashboard Creation
She designed an intuitive Power BI dashboard tailored to SSC’s specifications then uniquely designed for the end clients’ needs. The design featured a clear, bifurcated layout: one section for sales metrics and revenue management and another for operational insights. Kirsty’s solutions are not a ‘one-size fits all’ model and this is of benefit to the end client as they get a bespoke solution that fits their business requirements.
Implementation and Testing | Deployment
Kirsty implemented the dashboard and conducted rigorous testing to ensure that it met the functional requirements and provided accurate data visualisations. She also provided videos for the finance team of SSC’s client to ensure they understood the process for effective use.
Outcomes for Structured Sales Consulting
The collaboration with Kirsty enabled SSC to offer a cost-effective and streamlined solution to their client and provided a framework that they could offer to other clients. This transformation improved the efficiency of data management and enhanced the overall quality of insights available to the client in near real-time. The successful deployment of the dashboard significantly boosted client satisfaction and reinforced SSC’s reputation as a consultant capable of delivering high-impact, data-driven solutions.
Kirsty’s contribution was pivotal in this success. Her dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to going above and beyond ensured that the PowerBI dashboard was precisely aligned with both SSC’s and their client’s needs. Her relentless pursuit of perfection demonstrated her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results.
“Kirsty is amazing to work with. You give her a problem and she won’t stop until she has found the solution. Her passion for what she does and her relentless drive to produce a successful outcome are a credit to her. And not only that – she is very fun to work with, making what could be a dry and boring process actually really enjoyable! I look forward to our next project together.”