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Seaco's Implementation of MicroStrategy Mobile for Enhanced Business Intelligence
Technology Category
- Analytics & Modeling - Predictive Analytics
- Application Infrastructure & Middleware - Data Visualization
- Functional Applications - Remote Monitoring & Control Systems
Applicable Industries
- Marine & Shipping
Applicable Functions
- Business Operation
- Sales & Marketing
Use Cases
- Fleet Management
- Predictive Maintenance
- Remote Asset Management
Services
- Software Design & Engineering Services
- System Integration
- Training
The Challenge
Seaco’s existing information and reporting system, based on SAP Business Warehouse, contained a vast quantity of data. However, extracting the statistical overviews and general trends that the executive team needed was time-consuming and required specialist knowledge of the SAP system. It was also difficult to present these figures in an easy-to-understand format. The company wanted a system that could present general trends and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in a simple, graphical form. It needed to be quick and easy to use and instantly available, including if the executive team was logging on outside the network. This would allow them to pick up headline messages about the company’s performance at the airport or on the way to a meeting, making best use of their iPads.
About The Customer
Seaco is one of the world’s largest marine container leasing companies, with a fleet of around one million TEU (Twenty Foot Equivalent Units). The company provides container equipment to customers from more than 300 depots worldwide. Headquartered in Barbados, Seaco has major offices in Singapore, London, Hamburg, and Miami, as well as sales offices in Shanghai, Seoul, Mumbai, Moscow, Hainan, San Francisco, Livorno, and Paris. Operating through depots in over 120 cities across 40 countries, Seaco faces the daily challenge of coordinating containers on a global basis.
The Solution
Seaco started the project in 2011, exploring several different options including SAP BusinessObjects, Roambi, MicroStrategy, and using its own in-house resources. After an exhaustive investigation, Seaco chose MicroStrategy for its graphical approach and its leadership in dashboarding and mobile information delivery, particularly to iPads. The company also valued the strong working relationship with MicroStrategy's team. Seaco knew it would need the support and advice of a consultancy during and after the implementation, so MicroStrategy recommended Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics specialist VPT. Together, the companies implemented MicroStrategy Mobile, which plugged straight into the SAP system, allowing executives to use their iPads to directly access vital company information. The solution went live on time and on budget in early 2012. The solution presents a mix of graphical trends and maps, showing KPIs over several timescales and providing a visual record of container inventory and movements. Red circles show where containers coming back from lease outnumber those going out, and green circles indicate more movements out onto lease.
Operational Impact
Quantitative Benefit
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