Transforming a Global Retailer’s Data Estate with ANS
Background
A well-established global retailer with an extensive international presence recognised that data had become central to shaping customer experiences, operations and long-term competitiveness. As their business expanded across regions and channels, the volume, complexity and importance of their data estate grew rapidly.
Challenge
The retailer recognised that its existing data strategy was no longer fit to support its long-term ambitions. They were heavily reliant on proprietary systems, which limited agility, increased cost, and reduced control over how data was accessed across the organisation. To continue competing globally, they needed to reduce risk and strengthen resilience to ensure the security and availability of all corporate data.
Their vision was to move towards a unified, open and scalable data platform that could unlock advanced analytics and AI capabilities. By enabling more flexible data access and real time insight, the retailer aimed to respond faster to market trends whilst improving customer experiences and operating more efficiently.
Solution
Makutu, part of ANS, helped the retailer modernise how they manage and use their data by moving them to Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Fabric. This created a single, scalable platform that replaced older proprietary systems and gave teams easier access to the information they rely on. The new setup supports real time insight and the use of AI, which helps the retailer respond more quickly to changing customer needs. Azure’s security features were applied throughout the environment to strengthen protection and maintain compliance across all regions.
Outcome
The retailer now operates on a platform that is easier to scale and more cost effective to run. They have faster access to insight, which supports better forecasting and more confident decision making. Security is stronger and easier to manage, which helps protect customer trust. Overall, the retailer is in a much stronger position to innovate and grow in a highly competitive market.
