
Transforming Infor Syteline Reporting using Power BI – Case Study
About the Client:
Infor SyteLine Power BI Case Study – the client, a leading OEM manufacturer specialized in underground pipe production, operates across a complex landscape of manufacturing process of heavy cast machining, painting and assembly. Their extensive operations encompass multiple software systems, including:
- Infor SyteLine 8.30, 9.00
- Homegrown Shipping and Finance Applications
- Import and Export Document Software
- Machine Data Collection Systems
- QMS Software for Quality Data and QC Reporting
- Homegrown Database for Plant Operations
- Departmental Spreadsheets for Reporting
Despite generating a wealth of valuable data from their plant and warehouse (receiving and shipping), a significant portion of this information remained underutilized. A gap analysis revealed that 50% and 62.3% of plant and warehouse data was untapped, especially in manufacturing operations. Addressing this challenge presented an opportunity to enhance efficiency, quality and profitability significantly.
Infor SyteLine Power BI Support Requirements:
The client identified three major requirements for their data reporting system in Phase I:
1. Seamless Data Integration:
Integration of data from Infor CSI, other databases and Excel for unified reporting.
2. End-to-end Data Collation:
Eliminating duplicate data entries and creating a single source of truth.
3. Standardized Reporting:
Establishing consistency in reporting across departments.
Additionally, they required system setups that aligned with their specific business processes in Japan, including Conference Room Pilots (CRP) and user training.
Project Details of Infor SyteLine Case Study:
Service:
Data Integration and Reporting System Development
Tools and Technologies Used:
Infor CSI, Homegrown Applications, Office 365, Power BI, Power Query, Power Automate, Outlook, SQL, VB.Net
Client Location:
Texas, USA
Challenges Faced:

Ineffective Infor CSI Integration
Manual processes involving multiple users were required to:
- Combine data from various sources, including machines and production logs.
- Collect data from shipping systems, inventory systems, and spreadsheets.
- These activities were time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to delays in decision-making.

Inconsistent or Missing Data Collection
Crucial data was fragmented across disparate databases and spreadsheets, making it:
- Difficult for users to locate the necessary information.
- Challenging for supervisors and managers to identify trends or issues.
- Outdated or incomplete data further hindered operational efficiency.

Lack of Report Accessibility Control and Standardization
Without a unified reporting system:
- Data presentation and interpretation were inconsistent across departments.
- Teams used varying metrics and formats, complicating performance comparisons and trend analysis.
- Misaligned goals and difficulties in tracking overall progress were common.
Solutions Provided for Infor CSI SyteLine Support:

Centralized Data Integration with Infor CSI and Power BI
- Integrated data from Infor SyteLine, homegrown applications, machine data (XML), and spreadsheets into Power BI.
- Power BI served as the central hub for all data sources, ensuring seamless connectivity and efficient data management.

Enhanced Data Visibility Through Automation
- Developed a robust Power BI data model to transform raw data into:
- Clear visualizations.
- Interactive dashboards with drill-down capabilities.
- Personalized reports tailored to specific requirements.
- Automated scheduled reporting through Power BI to ensure timely data delivery.

Standardized Reporting with Access Control
- Created a consistent data model with standardized metrics across departments.
- Developed unified dashboards to:
- Simplify tracking of company progress.
- Enable performance comparisons across business areas.
- Implemented robust access controls to ensure data security and integrity.
Results:
The project delivered transformative outcomes:
Integrated Systems:
Seven applications and spreadsheets were successfully integrated into Power BI, creating a unified reporting environment.
Automation Achieved:
72% of data collection processes were automated in Power BI during Phase I, significantly reducing manual effort and errors.
Comprehensive Dashboards:
Delivered tailored dashboards for:
- Management for strategic insights.
- Department Managers and Supervisors for operational oversight.
- Users for on-demand data access and issue tracking.
Connect with Fidel for Infor CSI Services:
Connect with Fidel for Infor SyetLine Power BI Services at sales@fidelsoftech.com.