Streamlining Report Migration with Automation: A Client Success Story

With a high dependence on data and analytics, organizations often face tight deadlines and resource constraints when adapting to significant system changes. One of our recent projects perfectly illustrated this challenge: a client needed to migrate their reporting infrastructure from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Databricks within an incredibly short timeframe. With limited resources and an overwhelming workload, they turned to us for a solution. This blog post shares how we used automation to not only meet their deadline but also save thousands of hours of effort, demonstrating the power of innovation and collaboration in overcoming complex challenges.

The Challenge: Tight Timelines and Limited Resources

A client recently approached us with an urgent project: their primary system was transitioning from an on-premises SQL Server to Azure Databricks. This change required updating several downstream applications, including a significant number of Power BI reports.

Due to the complexity of the reports, the client estimated that updating the data sources and validating the reports with the new Azure Databricks backend would take approximately 3,500 human hours. With two full-time resources, this effort would span nearly ten months. However, the client’s timeline was significantly shorter—just three months.

Compounding the challenge, the client only had one full-time resource available. To meet the deadline, they calculated they would need an additional six full-time resources.

Exploring Solutions: Thinking Beyond More Hands

Initially, the client sought additional personnel to manage the workload. However, all our consultants were fully engaged with other clients, leaving us to explore alternative approaches.

We decided to focus on automation as a way to reduce the time and resources needed for the project. Our goal was to streamline the data source conversion process, enabling the client’s single resource to concentrate on validating the reports.

The Solution: Automating Data Source Conversion

After researching potential solutions, we developed a process using PowerShell to automate the conversion of data sources and the redeployment of modified reports. This automated approach significantly reduced the manual effort required for the task.

With automation in place, we estimated the total time needed for the project would drop from 3,500 hours to less than 500 hours. The majority of this time would now be spent on validating the reports, rather than on manual data source updates.

The Outcome: Saving Time and Meeting Deadlines

The automated solution enabled the client to meet their tight deadline without requiring additional full-time resources. By reducing the workload by 3,000 hours, we saved the equivalent of one and a half full-time employees worth of effort.

Key Takeaways

1. Automation as a Force Multiplier: Leveraging automation tools like PowerShell can dramatically reduce manual workloads, especially for repetitive tasks like data source updates.
2. Creative Problem-Solving: When resources are constrained, exploring innovative approaches can yield effective solutions.
3. Collaboration with Clients: Understanding the client’s specific challenges and needs is essential to delivering tailored, impactful solutions.

This project highlights how thoughtful application of technology and a problem-solving mindset can turn a daunting challenge into a resounding success.