Power BI For Banking: How We Transformed Data And Improved Analytics

For our client from banking industry, we provided comprehensive services to modernize and optimize Microsoft Power BI reporting for key business areas: sales, contact center and marketing. O

Our work was not limited to modernizing the reporting layer, but also included improving data quality and increasing the maintainability of the solution. As part of the project, we developed recommendations for the system architecture and prepared appropriate data structures for reporting, which allowed us to increase the efficiency and consistency of business analysis.

Key challenges faced by the client:

• Lack of a single source of truth – data used in reports was scattered across multiple input files, often containing repetitive or duplicate information.
• Inconsistent visual layer – reports across business units and within the same departments were designed to different standards, making them difficult to read and interpret.
• Poor data quality – frequent changes in input file structures affected the way information was presented in reports, causing errors and inconsistencies.
• Too many reports – many reports contained the same information because they were created independently by different developers at different times, leading to duplication of effort and difficulty in maintaining consistency.

To address the above challenges, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of both data sources and existing reports across all three business units. As a result, we took the following actions:

• created target data structures that allowed us to create a single, centralized source of truth – combined with the use of Shared Semantic Models in Power BI, we ensured that the same data is used in different reports, eliminating the risk of inconsistencies and duplication of information.
• designed a consistent report layout in line with visualization best practices and data storytelling principles, and aligned it with the client’s visual identity.
• prioritized data quality – working with business audiences, we conducted a thorough review of the data presented and the correctness of calculations to ensure the highest quality of results delivered.
• reduced the number of reports – by using Shared Semantic Models and aggregating reports where possible, we simplified access to information, allowing users to find key data faster and easier.

The upgrade significantly improved the functionality and consistency of Power BI reporting, enabling users to take full advantage of its capabilities.

• Streamlined contact center reporting: we were able to consolidate six separate reports that contained repetitive information into one main, comprehensive report. This gave users easier access to key data in one place and eliminated the problem of inconsistent information between different reports.
• Modern visual layer: the application of visualization best practices and the use of the latest Power BI functionalities, such as Field Parameters and advanced visualization formatting options, increased the transparency of reports and improved their reception by end users.
• Consistent reporting: by implementing consistent visualization standards and data architecture, reports became part of a single, consistent analytical ecosystem, making them easier to interpret and increasing user confidence in the data presented.

By implementing this project, our client was able to significantly streamline reporting processes, increase the efficiency of data analysis, and improve the quality of business decisions. Our approach, based on Power BI best practices and close collaboration with the business and technical teams, has delivered lasting benefits that are contributing to the company’s continued growth.