How a global industrial company modernized data management and analytics

Summary

A global industrial company needed to modernize its data management and analytics capabilities within its Food, Health, and Nutrition (FHN) Division. Facing outdated ERP systems and a lack of standardized data governance, the organization partnered with Marlabs to implement a robust framework for data quality and governance, modernize ERP systems, and enhance data visualization. By deploying their proprietary Modern Analytics Platform (MAP) framework, Marlabs helped the client achieve improved data governance, better insights through dashboards, and increased technical proficiency across the organization.

Challenge

The client’s FHN Division faced a range of interrelated data challenges that limited operational efficiency and insight generation. The division operated across 11 companies, relying on over 140 disparate source systems including ERPs, CRMs, and other operational platforms. These systems were outdated and lacked integration, resulting in poor data quality and inconsistent reporting.

Moreover, the organization needed a foundational framework for data quality and governance, which would allow them to standardize processes across business units. To address these issues, the company also required modern dashboards and a strong training program to ensure that users—especially “Super Users” of Power BI—could manage data effectively and make data-driven decisions.

Solution

Marlabs deployed its Modern Analytics Platform (MAP) framework using a structured, phased approach. The implementation leveraged a hybrid onshore-offshore delivery model and focused on targeted workstreams across four key phases.

Assessment & planning

The engagement began with a thorough assessment of existing data management practices and ERP systems. Marlabs identified critical gaps and developed a detailed action plan tailored to the client’s diverse ecosystem. This phase ensured alignment between business goals and the technical approach, forming a solid foundation for subsequent activities.

Key deliverables included a data governance framework design and a comprehensive data quality assessment. These efforts set the stage for standardized practices and prepared the organization for a successful modernization journey.

Implementation & modernization

In the second phase, Marlabs focused on upgrading ERP systems and integrating them into a unified data ecosystem. This step addressed the fragmentation caused by legacy systems and inconsistent data practices.

The team executed modernization initiatives across analytical systems while establishing strong data governance mechanisms. Data engineering and integration workstreams ensured that clean, consistent, and accessible data could support decision-making at every level of the organization.

Data visualization & reporting

To enable actionable insights, Marlabs developed dashboards and reporting tools tailored to five primary business domains. These dashboards consolidated information from multiple systems, offering intuitive visualizations and real-time performance tracking.

By modernizing the organization’s data visualization capabilities, this phase facilitated clearer communication of metrics, supported strategic decisions, and improved transparency across business units.

Training & support

Recognizing that tools alone cannot drive change, Marlabs conducted extensive training programs targeting key user groups. Data owners, stewards, and custodians received focused training on governance principles and practices.

In parallel, technical training was provided for Super Users of Power BI and the Alation data catalog. Ongoing support ensured that teams could continue to manage data assets effectively and utilize the new tools to their full potential.

Results

The comprehensive approach led to major improvements across the organization’s data management and analytics landscape. Data quality and governance were significantly enhanced across all operating companies. Modernized ERP systems improved operational efficiency, while dashboards delivered greater visibility into key metrics. The training programs built internal capacity, empowering employees to take ownership of data governance and analytics.

Impact

• Improved data quality and governance across all domains
• Modernized ERP systems for better integration and usability
• Enhanced data visualization through comprehensive dashboards
• Empowered staff with training on tools and data governance practices
• Established a scalable foundation for future data initiatives