SoftwareOne case study

Modernizing Dahlsens's data with Azure Databricks

Dahlsens, a leading supplier in the building industry, partnered with SoftwareOne (formerly Crayon) to modernize its data platform using Azure Databricks. Collaborating with Adaptiv, SoftwareOne developed a Proof of Concept (PoC) to streamline data ingestion, cleansing, and modeling from Dahlsens’ Frameworks ERP. This project established a scalable foundation for advanced analytics, enabling more efficient data management and reporting. The PoC provided key insights into future data-driven opportunities for Dahlsens.

Challenges

Limited data refresh frequency (weekly stock counts)
Legacy architecture with limited data pipeline automation
Siloed data from operational systems (e.g., Progress DB)
Limited in-house experience with Databricks and Delta architecture
Need for reusable, governed analytics layers (bronze, silver, gold)
Lack of scalable analytics infrastructure.

Project Summary

Scoping/ requirement gathering
Deployed Azure Databricks in Dahlsens’ Dev environment
Integrated Databricks with Azure Data Lake and Data Factory
Ingested data from Progress DB using JDBC and Delta Live Tables
Established DevOps repo for versioning and code management
Completed PoC review and handover.

Business benefits

Reduced time-to-insight with automated data pipelines
Centralized, scalable data architecture aligned to business needs
Reusable Delta architecture supports long-term analytics goals
Enhanced reporting capabilities in Power BI
Improved collaboration through structured DevOps practices.

Client: Dahlsens
Industry: Retail
Platform: Azure Cloud
Services: Cloud Services
Country: Australia

Unlocking the full potential of data

Dahlsens, a leading supplier in the building industry, faced challenges with its existing data management processes.

Stock counts were only updated monthly, leading to outdated insights and inefficiencies in inventory planning. Additionally, data was siloed within the Frameworks ERP (Progress database), making integration and analysis complex and time-consuming. Manual data processing efforts further slowed decision-making and increased the risk of errors.

Without a scalable analytics infrastructure, Dahlsens struggled to leverage data for strategic forecasting and operational efficiencies. Recognizing the need for a modern solution, it partnered with SoftwareOne to transform its data capabilities.

“We wanted to have daily insights into our stock levels as well as remove human error from our processes,” said Fahd Khan, Head of Enterprise Technology and Security. “It was important for us to have a partner that could understand our challenges and come up with a viable solution.”

A proof of concept for a modern data platform

SoftwareOne’s commitment to being on the customer’s side always goes beyond distribution. That’s why, when Dahlsens needed a more scalable and accurate way to manage and use their data, SoftwareOne proposed a tailored proof of concept (PoC) to demonstrate what was possible. The goal was simple: show how daily, reliable insights could improve stock management and decision-making across the business.

Working closely with Dahlsens’s IT team, SoftwareOne helped define the scope and value of the project, focusing on a vertical slice of the Frameworks ERP system. SoftwareOne’s partner Adaptiv then led the delivery, deploying Azure Databricks within Dahlsens’ development environment and setting up essential components like ADLS Gen2, Azure Data Factory, and access connectors.

Shifting from monthly to daily stock updates has given us much more accurate and timely inventory insights, it’s improved our operations and created a foundation for things like predictive forecasting.

Fahd Khan

Head of Enterprise Technology and Security

To simplify and speed up data management, Adaptiv designed automated pipelines using Delta Live Tables, streamlining data ingestion, cleansing, and versioning through a medallion architecture. A custom reporting schema was also developed, with one fact table and several dimensions to help make data analysis easier and more insightful for the Dahlsens team.

To ensure sustainability, all Datafactory code was documented and stored in a central repository, and a handover was completed, equipping Dahlsens to manage and grow the platform independently moving forward.

Transforming insights and driving efficiency

The Proof of Concept delivered significant benefits for Dahlsens, changing how they manage and leverage data, and transforming their daily operations and decision-making.

The streamlined data processes have reduced the need for manual intervention, leading to financial savings and greater overall efficiency. With improved data visibility, Dahlsens can now make more informed, data-driven decisions that drive business growth. By establishing a scalable and modern data platform, Dahlsens is now well-equipped for ongoing innovation and long-term success.

Could you benefit from a similar service?

Get in touch with our experts now.

Let's talk

Could you benefit from a similar service?

Get in touch with our experts now.

Dahlsens's trusted advisor for digital transformation

SoftwareOne is a leading partner in cloud and data transformation, providing businesses with the expertise needed to modernize and optimize their IT environments. With a deep understanding of Microsoft Azure and modern data platforms, SoftwareOne delivers tailored solutions that drive measurable business impact.

SoftwareOne’s collaborative and customer-first approach ensures seamless execution, from scoping and deployment to automation and advanced analytics. By working closely with Dahlsens’ IT team, SoftwareOne not only delivered a successful PoC but also provided the knowledge and tools needed to continue innovating.

A seamless partnership for data transformation

"SoftwareOne made this project seamless, delivering incredible insights that transformed our inventory management. With Peter’s support, we now have a clear data roadmap and a trusted partner for future innovation," says Khan.

Why SoftwareOne

SoftwareOne is a trusted advisor in data and cloud transformation, helping businesses unlock the full potential of their technology investments. With deep expertise across Microsoft Azure and modern data platforms, SoftwareOne empowers organizations to optimize operations, drive efficiencies, and gain actionable insights.

SoftwareOne’s hands-on approach ensures seamless execution, from scoping and deployment to automation and analytics. The company collaborates closely with customers, understanding their unique challenges and delivering tailored solutions that provide measurable business value.

SoftwareOne’s customer-first mindset means it goes beyond implementing technology and ensures it drives real impact and helps its customers optimize to innovate. SoftwareOne’s team is comprised of experts who provide ongoing guidance, helping businesses scale and innovate with confidence.

For Dahlsens, this meant shifting stock count updates from weekly to daily, unlocking more accurate and timely inventory insights. The improvement enhanced day-to-day efficiency and created a foundation for predictive forecasting and automated stock ordering, helping the business reduce waste and better manage inventory.

With SoftwareOne experts guiding the engagement, the project ran smoothly from start to finish. Dahlsens saw first-hand the value of having SoftwareOne as a strategic partner and trusted advisor – one that’s always on the customer’s side, focused on outcomes, and ready to support future innovation and growth.