The protagonist of this transformation is an Italian company that is the undisputed leader in fashion retail, whose influence extends globally with a capillary network of more than 5,600 stores distributed in 56 countries.
With a business model that controls the entire supply chain, from design to distribution, the company was faced with a crucial challenge to sustain its growth: the need to evolve its data infrastructure. The goal was to implement a modern business intelligence platform from scratch while streamlining the delivery process. Existing tools, now outdated and unsupported, were no longer capable of providing the reliability and speed needed to drive strategic decisions for such a large and complex business, creating a critical disconnect between the potential of data and its effective use by the business.
To address this need, Huware developed a 9-month project, broken down into incremental releases to ensure ongoing agility and value. Our approach was based on a clear project management methodology, which included planning the entire BI program with precise success KPIs and constant communication with all key stakeholders.
The first step was to conduct a thorough functional analysis through targeted interviews with key business figures, gathering reporting requirements and identifying in detail metrics, dimensions, and visualizations relevant to the business. These requirements were then translated into detailed functional specifications. The heart of the project involved development on the Looker platform, where our team created performant data models and implemented dashboards and reports, both new and migrated from decommissioned tools, ensuring maximum accuracy through careful data squaring and verification. Finally, to maximize the adoption of the new solution, we oversaw a digital transformation plan that included the creation of a centralized Data Glossary, the preparation of manuals and supporting “tipcards,” and the implementation of a communication plan supported by a website dedicated to the project.
The introduction of the new Business Intelligence platform has generated tangible and widespread benefits throughout the company.
The most significant impact has been increased efficiency and accuracy of analysis, providing all teams with unambiguous, reliable, and more rapidly available data to support more informed strategic decisions. Technology migration has also mitigated the risks associated with using outdated and unsupported tools. By creating a common language through the Data Glossary and targeted training, unprecedented consistency in data interpretation was achieved at every level of the enterprise.
This technological and operational success had an even deeper result, solidifying the relationship of trust between IT and Business departments: it demonstrated the concrete value of technology as a strategic lever for business performance.
"Any data-driven transformation project requires a balanced mix of specific expertise, deep knowledge of the client’s industry, and a strong focus on business continuity and protection of business-critical data.
In this specific context, the project’s success is guaranteed by Huware’s remarkable listening skills and dedication, qualities that have merged with our sector expertise and an established relationship of trust with the client."Daniela Pia Del Gaudio
Senior Business Transformation Consultant, Huware