Combining Multiple Data Sources for Easy Viewing and Searching
Case study 3
Custom dashboard to track workers’ compensation costs for medium size staffing firm
Client profile
Staffing firm specializing in Light Industrial work.
West Coast company with 30 employees and $35 million in Sales.
Years as a Blackland client: 3
Problem:
A staffing firm needed a way to track workers’ compensation premiums compared to claims and sales. The data came from multiple sources and required extensive time and manual effort compile it together.
Solution delivered:
Blackland met with the client to understand the insights that they wanted from the raw numbers, as well as their current calculations, process and output. We then worked together to outline their “dream case” scenario in terms of reporting and search capabilities. After digging deep into the data sources and information requirements, we presented screen mockups for a new database that would help streamline the effort required to centralize reporting. We also developed a plan on how the data could be imported and cleaned more efficiently. Since the information came from three different sources, the client currently had to map the data for comparison. The new process was much easier to use, based on a single page of instructions for the weekly import. It applied a batch process that automatically imported the data and sent an email notification when the job was complete. Users could then view and search the gathered information with a collection of easy to use dashboard. The final step in project implementation was helping the client load and scrub the data for use in their new, improved dashboard system.
Client benefit:
While the initial reason for the database was to track workers’ compensation, it also had to store weekly sales information. This provided a much broader application for the system to generate management reports linked to the client’s other key performance indicators, all easily sortable by location and manager. The system has become even more useful over time as the client has discovered new opportunities to take advantage of the more-comprehensive reporting capabilities.