Creating an Automated Foundation for Reporting

Since AB In-Bev was already using Power BI, choosing Azure Synapse to support their data platform made the most sense, as Synapse seamlessly integrates with Power BI and the rest of the Microsoft ecosystem.

The Command Center team used Azure SQL sandbox methodology - a method that allows the BI team to use the performance of SQL Sandbox for data transformations & calculations and use Power BI only for the visualization. 

When building out the interim Azure SQL Sandbox solution, the first step was consolidating the data. To prevent the increase in manual work, a high priority was given to automate the movement of Excel files. Users across the organization upload their Excel files to a SharePoint drive. To ensure files were standardized before being used, an automated process via Logic apps, VBA validates the file format, file size, upload time, and more. Once all these features are validated, the file is posted to a new, restricted-access SharePoint folder. This ensures that data can't be moved or removed without proper access. 

Figure 1 – High-level overview of AB InBev’s data flow

Once data is properly processed in the SharePoint folders, it’s temporarily moved into Azure Blob Storage’s high performance file system automatically using Azure Logic Apps. From there, Azure Synapse pipelines trigger stored procedures using dedicated SQL pools. This helps offset some of the loading time and improve Power BI performance. A SQL script is then run to create a final table of data and subsequently notify admins via e-mail that the table is ready. Based on a successful notification trigger, Power Automate will automatically refresh Power BI on the node and an automated email will be sent out to the SME to approve release of the Dashboard.

By using Azure Synapse pipelines, AB InBev’s Command Center team was able to automate what before was a very time-consuming part of their ETL pipeline and reduce refresh times by 91%. Synapse effortlessly works with tools like Logic Apps, Power Automate and Power BI to easily bring together all their data sources and ensure the data which users rely on is high-quality and accessible. 

Bringing Real-Time Insights to All Corners of AB InBev

With this new data platform and pilot, the team was able to take this solution forward for all complex reporting while they waited for long term data migration to be completed. For AB InBev, Power BI fit their organizational needs by handling different data sources, providing increased efficiency, and reducing operational costs. 

One of AB-InBev’s most used dashboards is the Rate & Mix dashboard. The Rate & Mix dashboard tracks the mix of Brand, SKU, Variant and Price. Volume metrics highlight how many products were sold and the Rate highlights the price at which product was sold and whether the product was discounted or not. With this product, the Commercial, FP&A and Revenue Management teams can use these metrics to understand how products are performing in the markets. The products has multiple tabs that enable deep dives and further analysis. 

Figure 2 – The Rate Mix Waterfall View provides a general overview of which Mix is driving maximum results and which ones are not performing well

The ease of use with Power BI visuals has empowered individuals across AB InBev to easily access insights to aid decision making and help react to the market quicker.  

Building an Insight-Driven Future

Adoption of Power BI across AB InBev involved gradual growth lead by a top-down approach. While many individuals were hesitant to learn a new tool, advocacy from leadership and seeing the effectiveness of Power BI convinced users of the value of Power BI and how it could improve their daily workflow. With the influx of Power BI users, AB InBev built a Power BI Center of Excellence to build products enabling insights across the AB InBev ecosystem.

AB InBev is looking to bring together all their data into one data lake within the next 3-5 years. By consolidating their data pipeline, they plan to fully automate their data flow and improve performance even more. AB InBev is constantly growing and as a result, the organization is always pushing to build a single source of the truth and bring disparate data sources and tools together. Unifying all their data into one data lake will set AB InBev up for easy data integration. 

With an automated back end supported by Azure Synapse and Data visualization supported by Power BI, AB InBev has the powerful, competitive edge that empowers users to focus on decision making and react to the market even quicker.

Disclaimer –This post represents the personal views and opinions of the team members involved, based on their experience, and does not necessarily represent the view and opinion of AB InBev.  No Warranties, Promises and/or representations of any kind, expressed or implied, are given as to the nature, standard, accuracy or otherwise of the information provided in this article nor to the suitability or otherwise of the information to your particular circumstances. AB InBev is not liable for any loss or damage of whatever nature (direct, indirect, consequential or other) whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, which may arise from your use of the information in this article, which is provided as is and without any warranties.