The team conducted research to identify gaps and needs in the financial reporting tools at a large international chemical company. They interviewed 20 people and surveyed 120 users to understand problems with the existing tools. Their recommendations focused on improving information search, addressing cost-related issues and discrepancies, and adding features to enhance the experience of sales and product line management teams. The findings provided actionable insights into issues like performance problems with certain tools, as well as training and market information needs.

1. Identify gaps and needs
in the financial reporting
tools at Chemical Co.
C U R R E N T S T A T E A N A L Y S I S

2. KEY STATS
Interviews conducted
Survey responses received
20
120

3. PROBLEM
Chemical Co. is a leading international manufacturer in the field of
chemistry. The company markets its products in more than 100
countries. Thus, the Sales and Product Line Management teams of the
firm are using complex, detailed, and numerous reports to understand,
monitor, and analyze their sales & profitability.

4. APPROACH – PHASE I
Initial research and creation of the data collection tools
To create qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, the team
conducted background research 1 by reviewing the current trends in BI
reporting systems, identifying key users of the reporting and business
analytics tools at Chemical Co., and identifying their potential needs.

5. APPROACH – PHASE II
Conduct qualitative and quantitative research
Using the research findings and qualitative data collection tool, the
team conducted survey.The findings from the research helped to
determine the further areas of the project focus and develop the in-
depth data collection tool for the following interviews.

6. APPROACH – PHASE III
Close cooperation with client and final recommendations
The team stayed in close contact with Chemical Co. for the reporting &
analytics systems. The recommendations were on information search,
costs-related issues, discrepancies, potential features that should be
added to the systems to improve the experience of Sales and PLM .

7. RESULT
The project extensively captured valuable findings and provided
actionable insights from the survey and interviews. Some of the
findings come as no surprise while others such as the performance
issue of Tableau, Freight Cost, Variable Cost, Variance issues, market
information needs, lack of training are definitely worth looking into.

8. Conduct current state analysis
L A U N C H A P R O J E C T W I T H U S
W R I T E T O U S