Power BI at SKAN AG – Stabilization, Rebuild, and Competency Development

Challenge: Historically Grown BI Landscape

Headquartered in Allschwil, SKAN AG is a global leader in isolators and aseptic process solutions for the biopharmaceutical industry. Power BI is used for reporting in finance, production, service, and sales.

The BI landscape was functional but historically grown, with multiple separate data models and limited standardization. Knowledge was concentrated with a single person, so their departure created an urgent need for stabilization and sustainable BI structures.

Solution Approach: Stabilization and Structured Rebuild

Informatec first stabilized ongoing operations, took over open tickets, and prioritized urgent requirements. At the same time, the BI architecture was analyzed, weaknesses identified, and a clear separation of data extraction, transformation, and delivery established.

The SAP data ETL process was implemented using Xtract IS and SQL Server Integration Services following a Medallion Architecture: raw data (Bronze) is ingested, then standardized and enriched (Silver), and finally modeled for analytical use (Gold). Data is updated daily to ensure quality and performance.

Results: Stable, Scalable, User-Friendly

Thanks to Informatec, SKAN AG achieved:

• Stabilization of BI operations and reduced operational risk
• Consistent, reusable, and maintainable data models
• Structured ETL pipeline for cross-department reporting
• Reliable self-service reporting for all departments

Departments can create reports independently while BI responsibility remains within the company.

“Informatec was exceptionally flexible: When our previous BI lead left, they immediately stepped in, secured operations, and simultaneously provided competent guidance. We are not just working with a service provider here, but a reliable partner,” emphasizes Michael Palmer, Head Business Application Management, SKAN AG.

Outlook

Next steps include migrating additional reports to the new architecture, expanding self-service BI competencies, standardizing visualizations (e.g., using Zebra BI), and optimizing the permissions concept. Informatec remains a strategic partner, providing targeted support in training, technical decisions, and sustainable BI development.

More information here