Balmer Bucher Dienst

About The Client:

‍Our client, Balmer Bücherdienst AG, based in Einsiedeln, Switzerland, is a prominent book distributor for Swiss retailers. They supply domestic and international publishers’ products and provide a web shop for ordering. Their comprehensive services cater to publishers and booksellers, emphasizing reliable logistics and customer service.

The Challenge:

‍The objective was to replace the existing customized web store with a new Shopware platform and to introduce a reporting tool for publishers. This tool was to provide publishers with real-time access to their individual order and inventory data, empowering them with actionable insights. The solution leveraged Microsoft Power BI, ensuring a user-friendly and interactive dashboard experience for around 50 publishers and publisher groups.

The Solution:

‍We developed a new Shopware-based web store and a comprehensive reporting tool using Microsoft Power BI, integrated with Balmer BD’s ERP system. The solution featured automated data exports to a secure server, with data accessible through publishers’ Microsoft 365 accounts.
‍
- Platform Integration: The updated system connected seamlessly with the existing ERP through automated data exports to a secure server. Reports, derived from this data, were intended to be accessible to publishers via their Microsoft 365 accounts.
‍
- Reporting Tool: Microsoft Power BI was selected for its ease of use and interactive features. It would enable publishers to access personalized KPIs and view real-time data while maintaining data security at the individual level. Reports were to be customized and distributed through the client’s Microsoft 365 infrastructure.

- License Management: The approach was to employ free Power BI licenses for viewing reports, thereby reducing costs. Publishers would have individual access through the customer’s Microsoft 365 setup. However, this aspect remained under discussion throughout the project as the client couldn't finalize the decision by the end.

Features/Functionality:
- Interactive Dashboards: Publishers would gain access to dynamic, real-time dashboards that present 29 key performance indicators in individual reports.

- Individual and Group Reporting:The solution was designed to provide both individual access for each publisher and consolidated group reports, tailored to the customer's specific needs.

- Row Level Security: The report was designed with data-level security, ensuring that publishers and groups could only access and view their specific data.

- Customisable Reports:Reports can be customized by either the client or our team to address specific requirements, with the capability to incorporate interactive graphics and visualizations.

- Scalable Solution:The system should be scalable, allowing for additional publishers or expanded reporting needs in the future.

‍

The Impact:

‍Integrating business intelligence (BI) tools in library management brings significant improvements across various functions, transforming libraries into responsive, data-driven institutions. With BI, libraries can optimize resource allocation, identify trends in book circulation, and tailor services to patron preferences through personalized recommendations. BI enables efficient financial planning by analyzing spending patterns, supporting budgeting and grant applications. Additionally, it enhances program evaluation, allowing libraries to assess and adjust community offerings based on data. Real-time dashboards and automated reporting streamline operations, while predictive analytics help forecast future demands. Overall, BI empowers libraries to better serve patrons, optimize resources, and build stronger stakeholder relationships.