Overview

This case study examines the partnership between Klik Analytics and a prominent food distribution company. When they approached us, they were manually managing massive numbers of spreadsheets and emailing them to various stakeholders for analysis. This brought about an inability to gain valuable insights and so much of the value was lost.  With Klik Analytics, they went on a journey from intensely manual spreadsheet-based data management to a cutting-edge data analytics solution. This study demonstrates the collaborative efforts, strategies, and outcomes that underscore the value of analytics in shaping business success.

Introduction

The food distribution industry operates at the intersection of supply, demand, and logistics. As consumer preferences shifted and global supply chains expanded, our client found that the pain points related to their outdated data processing were also growing. There were limitations in assessing company-wide profitability, losses, and efficiencies. A more efficient way to manage their data became critical, particularly in light of the need to meet both federal and state compliance and reporting as well as the variable requirements of their many clients across multiple states and locations.

This case study unravels the journey of our client, a food distribution company, that faced operational challenges due to outdated data practices. By leveraging advanced data analytics, the company not only overcame these hurdles but also elevated its operational excellence.

Client Profile

Our client is a distinguished food distribution company known for its high-quality products and commitment to freshness. Firmly rooted in its commitment to sourcing from local farms that uphold ethical and sustainable practices, our client maintains a profound connection between its offerings and the communities it serves. Additionally, our client prioritizes customer satisfaction and health, and over the years, has fostered a devoted consumer base that values their use of natural ingredients and unadulterated flavors.

Our client boasts an extensive network encompassing suppliers, warehouses, and delivery services. Their diverse clientele includes grocery stores, schools, restaurants, and cafeterias, and their product range spans perishable and non-perishable items. However, despite its market standing, the company grappled with legacy data management practices that impeded agility and insight generation.

The Challenge

Recognizing the urgency to modernize in a rapidly evolving industry, the food distribution company acknowledged the limitations of its spreadsheet-based system. Their reliance on manual spreadsheet-based systems hindered rapid decision-making and limited the scope of strategic insights. The appointment of a new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) underscored the need for data analytics to drive growth. They sought a transformative solution to reshape their data practices and reached out to Klik Analytics after hearing some of the work they had done internally.

Additionally, there was a shift in the mindset of leadership who were convinced there was a better, more viable solution while fear of change, data loss, and misaligned or inaccurate reporting loomed in the distance.

The Solution

Collaborating with Klik Analytics, the company undertook an ambitious journey to reshape data practices. Klik Analytics engaged with the CTO and Systems Administrator to comprehensively evaluate the company’s needs through a series of Initial meetings.  In collaboration, we identified the most pressing issues facing the top leaders in the company and discussed the metrics needed to assess those areas. A proof of concept was developed, automating extraction and reporting through existing team members. The approach involved:

  • Advanced Analytics Tools: Klik Analytics introduced analytics tools, including data visualizations, interactive data dashboards, and customized gauges that effectively moved the company from passive data management to active, real-time analytics.
  • Data Integration: Klik Analytics collaborated closely with the company’s IT team to integrate data into a cohesive, centralized data repository that eliminated redundancies and discrepancies while allowing data visualizations to highlight areas of success and areas needing more attention. Because data was both integrated and automated, data use became more efficient and helped leadership hone in on strategic decision-making.

Outcomes 

The collaboration yielded substantial positive outcomes:

  • Operational Efficiency: The shift from manual spreadsheets to automated analytics tools drastically improved efficiency in working with the data. Real-time insights enabled optimized inventory management, streamlined delivery routes, and waste reduction.
  • Informed Decision-Making: Armed with accurate, up-to-the-minute data, decision-makers were empowered to devise and implement strategic initiatives.
  • Mitigated Risks: Predictive analytics fortified the company against supply chain disruption and improved routing.
  • Scalability and Adaptability: The data solution implemented showcased its scalability by seamlessly adapting to evolving business requirements. As challenges emerged, the system expanded and adapted to new requirements.

As the new data systems were embraced, more use cases emerged. Klik Analytics automated a labor-intensive federal report, saving two staff members a week’s worth of work time. Responding to CFO requests, the team also designed data visualizations and automated dashboards to provide visibility into financial, distribution, and sales data. Moving forward, they will be looking at overtime reporting, visualizations related to logistics, additional financial reporting, and the creation of sales team dashboards.

Conclusion

Klik Analytics propelled the food distribution company from outdated data management to a cutting-edge analytics ecosystem, allowing better use of resources, and a shifted focus away from intensive management of data and processes to corporate strategies and objectives at the core of their business. The goal of updating data management has created a cultural shift, with data-driven insights at the core of the work, permeating every facet of decision-making, leading to broader implementation across sales optimization, supply chain efficiency, customer relations, federal reporting, and operational performance monitoring. This commitment to data-driven decisions highlights the company’s dedication to progress, positioning them for continued growth and industry leadership. The case study exemplifies how a marriage between technology and strategy can not only overcome challenges but also lay the foundation for sustained growth and leadership in a dynamic industry.