Forecasting at WSI was a difficult task to say the least. Collecting data via FRX reports generated from Great Plains then manually updating spreadsheets used to build and communicate forecasts caused costly inefficiencies. And it wasn’t easy to draw data for these reports. The spreadsheets were difficult to read, requiring hours of manual manipulation. Exacerbating the problem was the fact that Regional Controllers, under difficult circumstances, were left to do their own reporting, often resulting in multiple and conflicting versions of the truth.

CIO, Ron Veltman knew that the process was too cumbersome and that the company would benefit from a systems update. He realized that key data users would be more productive if they could spend more time analyzing the data and less time manipulating it. The company needed improved reporting accuracy and data visibility.

The challenge was to implement an upgrade in a way that would not adversely affect end users. Despite conflicting and inaccurate reports, field users were comfortable with the current process. With operations as disperse as Florida and Eastern & Western Canada and  a network of 34 collection operations, 22 transfer stations, 13 recycling facilities and 6 landfills, Veltman knew he could not afford to disrupt day-to-day operations.

With CIO Veltman’s guidance, WSI decided to consolidate all of their finance data, much like a data warehouse, without actually building a data warehouse. WSI chose SAP Business Planning and Consolidation (BPC), to create a common database and reporting environment for all their disparate finance data sources.

Project success would clearly depend on partnering with an experienced service provider with proven expertise in delivering flexible processes and comprehensive Business Performance Management solutions. After reviewing several options, WSI selected Global Analytics (GA) based on GA’s experience spanning back to the early days of Outlooksoft, their proven OnePoint implementation methodology and their many references—from SAP resources and satisfied customers—who provided testimonials to GA’s professionalism, competence and financial acumen.

GA’s goal was to implement the SAP system in a way that would satisfy WSI’s requirements, gain end-user acceptance, and meet the project budget and schedule. As the project was rolled out, additional benefits were realized. For instance, GA was able to streamline the confusing business and currency conversion logic into a simple process, reducing the extract and load of data from an average of 45 minutes to 10 minutes. This enabled data refreshes to occur three times as often, providing critical up-to-date information to WSI users during month end close.

Today, focused performance insights enable WSI management to make recommendations on programs based on comparative variables such as volume and costs. Before using BPC, the operational information and financials were in separate systems. Now, WSI decision makers at all levels can quickly compare operational and financial data to improve business performance. For example, changes can be made to routes and drivers’ schedules based on mileage, gas prices and labor costs that fluctuate weekly, if not daily, effecting profit margins. Insight into special programs, such as the profitability of picking up Christmas trees, allows WSI’s line level managers to make recommendations to implement or abandon such programs based on volume versus costs. In the past, this deep-dive analysis was not readily available at the levels of business that needed the information the most.   With BPC, managers can immediately see key performance indicators associated with their management decisions. In this way, executive management can better control company-wide strategic drivers.

Finally, the implementation of BPC by Global Analytics has reduced reporting time: external reporting is now delivered in as little as two days following the close instead of ten; internal reporting, including Budget and Forecast matched with operational data, is now delivered within days instead of weeks.

“SAP BPC and Global Analytics have truly delivered on their BPM promise of improvement, transparency and speed by which data is transformed into action.”   --- Ron Veltman, CIO, Waste Services Inc.

To learn more about the BPM promise of improvement, transparency and speed by which data is transformed into action click here.