Bespoke Automated Reporting Software

Bespoke Automated Reporting Software

Acuity relied on manually compiled spreadsheets for monthly client analytics reporting to around 75 clients. They faced challenges including time-consuming and error-prone processes, limited scalability, inconsistent report formatting, difficulty in tracking changes and version control and a lack of in-depth analysis and customisation. To overcome these issues, Acuity needed a bespoke automated reporting software solution. Also integration with commercial data management tools, such as analytics platforms or reporting software, to also streamline the process, reduce errors, enable scalability, provide consistent and possibly personalised reports, and enhance data analysis capabilities.

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Bespoke Automated Reporting Software

Acuity Research and Practice

Acuity provides specialist research and consultancy services to the social housing sector. Since 1998 they have helped housing providers evaluate, challenge, and improve performance through tailored perception, transactional and deep-dive surveys, profiling and insight. With a benchmarking base of over 150 members, Acuity combines robust data, sector-specific expertise and flexible delivery to support continuous improvement, regulatory compliance and better outcomes for residents.

Project Introduction

Acuity relied on manually compiled spreadsheets for monthly client analytics reporting to around 75 clients. They faced challenges including time-consuming and error-prone processes, limited scalability, inconsistent report formatting, difficulty in tracking changes and version control and a lack of in-depth analysis and customisation. To overcome these issues, Acuity needed a bespoke automated reporting software solution. Also integration with commercial data management tools, such as analytics platforms or reporting software, to also streamline the process, reduce errors, enable scalability, provide consistent and possibly personalised reports, and enhance data analysis capabilities.
Bespoke Automated Reporting Software
Project Challenge

Implementing automated reporting software for the manual spreadsheet compilation process presented a challenge due to the complexity of existing processes, data compatibility and the integration issues. The prevailing infrastructure requirements, staff training and adaptation, cost considerations and the need to ensure security and data privacy was also a concern. Overcoming these challenges in a way that allowed the early delivery of a working solution to collect feedback and reduce risk required thorough planning, collaboration, and a phased approach to implementation. In considering the organisation's specific requirements and goals a team was mobilised and a discovery process completed.

Our Solution

The project team moved to develop an automated reporting software pipeline with extraction, aggregation and publishing stages, enabling regular compilation, improvements in functionality and visualisation of the tables containing the research data. Opportunities to streamline distribution to clients was also possible with this approach. The solution integrated data from multiple sources, performed data cleansing and validation, generated customisable spreadsheets and pivot tables based on client preferences. The solution involved versioning and audit trail plus a feedback loop for continuous improvement. The implementation involved collaboration between the housing research company, developers, and clients, with comprehensive testing, documentation, training, and support throughout to ensure successful adoption.

Positive Customer Outcome

By automating the process of compiling these complex reports containing housing data, Acuity benefited significantly in several ways. Firstly, the solution saved valuable time and resources by eliminating manual spreadsheet compilation, reducing human errors and streamlining the overall reporting process. Secondly, the automated solution ensured data accuracy and integrity through data cleansing and validation, providing reliable insights to the client and their stakeholders. Thirdly, the customisable nature of the solution allowed clients to receive tailored reports based on their specific preferences and needs, enhancing their user experience and enabling better decision-making. Additionally, the speed of production enabled a better feedback loop supported transparency, accountability and continuous improvement, ensuring Acuity's reporting processes remained efficient and effective over time. Overall, the automated reporting software solution delivered enhanced efficiency, accuracy, customisation, and collaboration, ultimately enabling Acurity to provide more valuable insights to their clients and stakeholders in the social housing sector.

Project Skills
APIs Azure Business Analysis Business Intelligence Cloud Infrastructure Data Analytics .NET Microsoft Excel Automation RDBMS SQL SQL Server UX Design IT Service Management