Solution overview
Industry
Pharmaceutical
Solution
Qlik to Power BI Migration
Location
Client
A global pharmaceutical manufacturer with
operations in over 115 countries produces and distributes post-patent, branded medicines across both hospital and consumer markets.
Requirement
The client’s existing business intelligence environment, built on Qlik Sense, was no longer fit for purpose.
Client Overview
A global pharmaceutical manufacturer with operations in over 115 countries produces and distributes post-patent, branded medicines across both hospital and consumer markets.
In South Africa, they manage the movement of stock from depots to healthcare facilities across multiple provinces – a critical process that relies heavily on accurate, real-time reporting.
the challenge
The client’s existing business intelligence environment, built on Qlik Sense, was no longer fit for purpose. Key challenges included:
- *High Qlik licence costs, creating financial pressure.
- *Incompatible QVD files that could only be read within the Qlik ecosystem.
- *Mixed data maturity levels across the user base, requiring significant support.
- *Limited integration with the organisation’s Microsoft Azure data platforms.
Beyond the technical constraints, the business needed to improve visibility of stock movement between depots and facilities in Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal – an operational priority with direct impact on service delivery.
THE SOLUTION
Following a successful Cloud Readiness Assessment, the client engaged Decision Inc. to lead the platform migration. The objective was to modernise the BI environment and reduce licensing costs by transitioning to Power BI.
Key components of the solution included:
- * Migration of the QVD data layer into SQL databases to enable Power BI compatibility.
- * Replication of all business logic and transformation processes using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
- * Development of a robust data model that integrated multiple sources and supported new reporting requirements.
- * Delivery of a Power BI application that provided visibility into order fulfilment and other key supply chain metrics.
A proof of concept was delivered at the outset, replicating a complex Qlik model in Power BI. This helped build internal confidence and drive adoption. The delivery approach wascollaborative – with the client’s team handling SQL developmentand Decision Inc. focusing on Power BI design and implementation.
THE implementation
The project followed a structured and phased approach:
- *Requirements analysis and data mapping
- *Evaluation of existing data structures and table design
- *SSIS package development for data ingestion
- *BI model development and dashboard design
Several data quality issues had to be addressed duringimplementation. These included missing order numbers, inconsistent product codes, and varying formats in historical files. Solutions were introduced such as:
- *Using invoice numbers as proxies where order numbers were missing
- *Applying transformation logic to standardise codes
- *Creating a merge process for differently formatted data files
The outcome
By modernising the platform and aligning it with the client’s existing cloud architecture, the project not only reduced costs but also improved agility, scalability, and long-term sustainability of business reporting.
Reduced BI licence costs through the shift to Power BI
Seamless integration with Microsoft Azure, supporting the client’s broader data strategy
Improved user adoption and self-service capability, thanks to Power BI’s Excel-like interface
Access to native Python and R for embedded advanced analytics without additional tools or fees
About Decision Inc.
Decision Inc. is a global leader in information-driven transformation with a core focus on data, digital and performance intelligence.
Our expertise in technology and industry specialisations have enabled us to help companies around the world make better decisions faster.
Our emphasis on local excellence and global scale enables us to bring clients best of breed technology solutions that enable significant improvement whilst leveraging our Global Research and Innovation teams to accelerate the time to insight. Our local consulting teams are experts in the implementation, support, and execution of these solutions and work with our clients to deliver real results and improvement.