Data Connects
With future-proof solutions
As a technology partner
Elis (formerly Berendsen) is part of one of Europe’s leading textile service providers, the publicly listed Davis Service Group Plc. With over 100 years of experience, Elis has a wealth of (management) information. But how do you optimize the utilization of this information? And where can that lead? After years of experience as a top player in the market, Elis made the decision in 2004 to embrace the future with a tailor-made Business Intelligence solution.
Until 2004, Elis operated without a Business Intelligence system. ‘What we mainly struggled with was the time-consuming reporting to our parent organization, which occurred every month and still does,’ says Michiel Lutz, Business Intelligence Manager. The reports are built using information from various source systems, which created a need for more functional, fast reports and various analysis capabilities. Additionally, the number of source systems and users increased, resulting in even more information becoming available.
“We realized that we possessed a true treasure trove of information. The data was already in our possession; we just needed to transform it into usable information. It was time for a smart, efficient, and reliable solution: Business Intelligence.”
In 2004 engaged Elis its first BI supplier. Soon it became apparent that Elis’ needs exceeded the capabilities of its current BI supplier, prompting a search for a new BI partner. With a preference for a reliable and fast no-nonsense partner, In Summa was found in 2009. In Summa has been working on customized BI solutions since 1998, based on Microsoft technology. Since then, it has been a swift and intensive process. Setting up and implementing a Business Intelligence solution is a process that should not be underestimated. Close collaboration between the architects and consultants of In Summa and the project leaders of Elis is necessary and has certainly been a key success factor during this process.
Michiel Lutz: “A pivotal moment in this process was when In Summa managed to provide a proof of concept within a few weeks. We were able to present concrete facts to senior management, demonstrating where we wanted to go with BI and how BI could provide fantastic support at the management level. This way, the investment was quickly approved, and the entire senior management was behind the BI solution.”
The total implementation process took approximately six months, but the results became visible almost immediately. Furthermore, In Summa proved to offer more than what Elis initially sought. In collaboration with Elis, In Summa developed a BI solution for Time-Driven Activity Based Costing (TDABC), ensuring fact-based cost allocation. Costs are allocated to customers based on the activities performed for them. This provides Elis with detailed insight into profitability at the customer level and the utilization of production capacity, creating entirely new perspectives. Based on the figures obtained through TDABC, new agreements can be made with unprofitable customers.
Thanks to close collaboration with Elis, In Summa has successfully designed and implemented a fitting Enterprise Data Warehouse.
Concrete results that have already been achieved include:
• Increased efficiency;
• Faster decision-making based on factual information;
• Significantly enhanced management insight;
• Instantly confirming or dispelling gut feelings;
• Instantly confirming or dispelling gut feelings;
• Detecting and eliminating errors (e.g., in billing);
• Making predictions about how new customers will behave.
According to Elis, they have already gained a competitive advantage with the BI solution.
“The continuity and health of the company are greatly influenced positively by this solution,” says Michiel Lutz.
We prioritize developing future-proof solutions and aim to be seen as a partner in your endeavors. Even after your solution is developed, we believe it’s crucial to stay in touch. We’re curious to know if it meets your expectations, happy to answer your questions, and keep you informed about relevant new developments. This way, we not only provide the best service, but we also continue to improve ourselves.
We have been doing this since 1998 with a tremendous passion for data and technology and a real results-oriented, no-nonsense mentality. In an open, transparent working environment, we like to give our specialists the space to get the best out of themselves. The love of the profession, freedom and synergy between our young potentials and professionals result in a close-knit team feeling.
