BI Solution Boosts Operational Efficiency and Reduces Costs at Volvo Car Corporation

When Volvo Car Corporation split off from Ford in 2010, it needed to develop its own stand-alone IT environment in some areas. At the same time, the company wanted to improve its business intelligence (BI) capabilities and operational efficiency. So Volvo decided to prototype a Microsoft data management solution that simplifies its IT environment, provides graphical self-service reporting capabilities, and improves collaboration.

Solution
To address these challenges, Volvo is deploying a pilot solution based on SQL Server 2012 Business Intelligence data management software and related BI technologies, including Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 and Microsoft Office 2010. One of the big reasons for choosing Microsoft is that Microsoft products are designed to work well together. “We strive to keep down the number of technologies, and since Microsoft ensures the interoperability of those applications, we don’t have to worry about that,” the IT architect says.

Volvo also is implementing the new Power View feature in SQL Server 2012 Reporting Services. Power View is a self-service reporting tool that helps data consumers visually explore their data themselves and answer ad-hoc questions with ease. Its drag-and-drop data-querying and graphical data displays can be used by both nontechnical and experienced users.

The new system includes a SharePoint portal where people can access and use the tools and information they need and collaborate with fellow employees.

The prototype is being implemented first in the Research & Development Department, where several hundred employees will eventually use it. Volvo expects that it will gradually implement the new system for up to 5,000 users, dramatically increasing the number of Volvo employees who will be able to make data-driven decisions.

Benefits

• Simpler IT and reduced costs
• Better business intelligence
• Richer collaboration