Quadrus' expertise with multidimensional databases was very beneficial. We were pleasantly surprised that the solution delivered was actually what was promised - something that doesn't happen nearly enough in the industry. Quadrus members did whatever it took to get the job done and I would definitely recommend them to other organizations in need of BI solutions.
- Dan Bainbridge
Team Leader,
Data Warehousing
Shell Canada Limited
HOW WE DO IT - Case Studies
Shell Canada Ltd.
Objective:
To implement a new multi-dimensional database
Solution:
Quadrus worked closely with Shell to provide a targeted, well-functioning Business Intelligence (BI) solution that gives fast and powerful data analytics capabilities to key decision-makers Shell Canada Limited is one of the largest integrated petroleum companies in Canada. By 2000, a large number of Shell Canada's retail sites had been redeveloped, including the expansion of the "Select" convenience stores network. Select is designed to offer maximum "one-stop" convenience for Shell customers, and includes a comfortable café offering.
Shell's existing data warehouse contained a rich breadth of data. However, Shell wanted the ability to conduct more complex analyses of data and faster performance. The organization understood the benefits of having a multi-dimensional data warehouse that could provide instant access to timely, analyzed data and reports such as same-site analysis or sales-mix analysis. Quadrus was engaged to perform a study of various multi-dimensional databases and put forward a recommendation for analysis software. Quadrus then conducted a proof of concept whereby the recommended software was purchased, installed, and configured. Existing data was loaded and functionality tested to ensure this was indeed the best possible solution for Shell's needs.
Multi-dimensional databases were new to Shell and rather than invest significant time to learn from scratch, it made more sense to bring in someone with this specific knowledge. However, Shell also understood the need for its internal people to understand this new technology—and effective knowledge transfer was made a priority for all parties involved.
Quadrus worked closely with Shell to provide a targeted, well-functioning BI solution that delivers analytics to key decision makers within the organization. The solution performs robustly and is scalable, reliable, and designed to be flexible and easy to maintain. The solution also embodies a comprehensive set of best practices on how to build a proper BI solution.
This new multi-dimensional data warehouse provides Shell with powerful analytics to make more fully informed business decisions and the ability to perform highly granular, customer-level analyses. Business decision-makers can analyze data at a moment's notice while using a familiar interface—without having to understand the technologies that drive the system. By leveraging the information collected in its rich database, the solution allows Shell to gain a deeper understanding of customer behavior which can help them to better fulfill their customers' needs. Shell is pleased with the results of this project and looks forward to the new insights it will provide into its stores, its customers and the products they buy.