Introduction
A large multi-site retail corporation, operating across more than 2000 locations, relied on SAP ECC for managing inventory data. However, their existing reporting system faced a significant challenge: generating daily reports with extensive data stored row-wise in Excel format, totaling over 2000 columns. This cumbersome process required running over 200 BEX queries in SAP to compile the data, leading to inefficiencies and complexities in report generation. Additionally, the corporation sought to convert the row-wise data into a column-wise format without overhauling their existing BEX queries due to their complexity.
Problem Statement
The retail corporation encountered several challenges with its current reporting system:
- Cumbersome Reporting Process:
Generating daily reports with extensive row-wise data required running numerous BEX queries in SAP, consuming time and resources.
- Complexity in Data Presentation:
The row-wise format of the reports made it challenging for stakeholders to analyze and interpret the data effectively.
- Resistance to Query Redesign:
The complexity of existing BEX queries deterred the corporation from redesigning them to output data in a column-wise format, despite the need for better data presentation.
Solution
To address the challenges faced by the retail corporation, a solution leveraging Pirl’s capabilities was implemented:
- FTP Integration and Data Ingestion: Pirl’s canvas was configured with an FTP client as an input node to retrieve the row-wise Excel reports stored on the FTP server. A scheduled canvas in Pirl was set to automatically fetch the Excel files from the FTP server once a day.
- Data Transformation and Processing: The retrieved Excel data was loaded into a table within Pirl, where various nodes were used to transform the row-wise data into a column-wise format. Additionally, computations and data manipulations were performed within the data pipeline as required.
- Dashboard Creation and Report Distribution: Pirl’s capabilities were utilized to create a simple dashboard where date-wise Excel files were displayed. Users were provided with the ability to log in to the dashboard and download the desired Excel files with a single click. Furthermore, automated email notifications were set up to send the reports to specific stakeholders daily.
Results
The implementation of the Pirl solution yielded significant results and benefits:
- Streamlined Reporting Process: Automation of the report generation process reduced manual effort and improved efficiency, enabling timely delivery of reports.
- Improved Data Presentation: Conversion of row-wise data to a column-wise format enhanced data presentation and analysis capabilities, facilitating better decision-making.
- Enhanced Stakeholder Access: The creation of a user-friendly dashboard improved stakeholder access to reports, promoting collaboration and data-driven decision-making.
- Automated Report Distribution: Automated email notifications ensured timely delivery of reports to stakeholders, enhancing communication and efficiency.
Benefits
- Efficiency Gains: Automation of report generation and distribution processes resulted in time and resource savings for the corporation.
- Improved Data Insights: Conversion to column-wise data presentation enhanced data visibility and analysis, empowering stakeholders with deeper insights.
- Enhanced User Experience: The user-friendly dashboard and simplified report access improved the overall user experience for stakeholders.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The implemented solution is scalable and adaptable, capable of accommodating future growth and evolving reporting requirements.
Through the implementation of Pirl’s capabilities, the retail corporation successfully addressed its reporting challenges, achieving improved efficiency, enhanced data presentation, and better stakeholder access to critical inventory data across its vast network of locations.
