Navigating the Data Landscape: A Shift to Apache Superset
February 12, 2025, 6:06 pm
In the world of business intelligence (BI), change is the only constant. Companies are always on the lookout for tools that can streamline processes, enhance user experience, and ultimately drive better decision-making. Recently, M2, a company in the BI analytics sector, made a significant leap by migrating from Cognos Analytics to Apache Superset. This transition not only modernized their reporting capabilities but also significantly increased user engagement.
The journey began when Cognos Analytics exited the Russian market, leaving M2 in a lurch. The team needed a new BI solution, and they were determined to make the right choice. They had a unique opportunity to evaluate their options carefully, as their existing system was still operational, albeit without updates or support. This breathing room allowed them to explore various BI tools without the pressure of an immediate switch.
The selection process was thorough. M2 examined several proprietary solutions, including Yandex DataLens and Visiology. While these options offered robust support and regular updates, they also came with limitations. The team wanted to avoid vendor lock-in and the constraints that often accompany proprietary software. They sought a solution that would allow for customization and independence.
After weighing the pros and cons, M2 decided to go with an open-source solution: Apache Superset. This choice was driven by several factors. Superset boasts a wide array of visualization options—over 40 types of charts and support for plugins. It also has a vibrant community that ensures regular updates and improvements. Security was another critical factor; Superset offers row-level security, allowing for granular access control.
However, the transition was not without its challenges. Upon implementing Superset, M2 encountered three major hurdles. First, the default welcome page was not user-friendly. Users found it difficult to navigate through the various dashboards, leading to frustration. The homepage displayed sections like “Recently Viewed Dashboards” and “Saved Queries,” but it lacked a clear structure.
Second, the visibility restrictions based on user roles created confusion. Users could only see the reports they had access to, which led to duplicated efforts. Teams were often unaware of existing dashboards that could meet their needs, resulting in unnecessary report creation.
Third, there was a disconnect between the documentation and the dashboards. Users struggled to find relevant information on how to use the dashboards effectively. This lack of clarity slowed down decision-making processes and decreased overall satisfaction with the tool.
To tackle these issues, M2 took a proactive approach. They developed a custom welcome page that organized dashboards logically by business units. This new interface became a centralized hub for users, allowing them to see all available dashboards, even those they could not access. This transparency fostered a sense of ownership and encouraged users to request access to the reports they needed.
Additionally, the team integrated links to documentation directly on the welcome page. Users could easily navigate to Confluence to find detailed descriptions of each dashboard. This connection between documentation and dashboards significantly reduced the time spent searching for information.
The implementation of a feedback form on the welcome page was another crucial step. This form allowed users to provide insights and suggestions, creating a feedback loop that the team could use to make continuous improvements.
The results of these changes were remarkable. M2 saw a dramatic increase in Monthly Active Users (MAU), more than doubling the number of employees engaging with the BI tool. The streamlined onboarding process meant new users could quickly acclimate to the system without requiring extensive training. The time spent on administrative tasks and user support plummeted, freeing up analysts to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Moreover, the elimination of duplicate reports became a significant win. Users could now see the full landscape of available analytics, which enhanced data reuse across departments. This shift not only improved efficiency but also fostered a culture of collaboration.
The metrics spoke volumes. The average number of dashboards used per user increased, reflecting higher engagement levels. The adoption rate also climbed, indicating that employees were not just using the tool but were actively involved in leveraging its capabilities.
In conclusion, M2's migration to Apache Superset illustrates the power of thoughtful implementation and user-centric design. By addressing initial challenges head-on and prioritizing user experience, they transformed a potentially disruptive transition into a success story. Their experience serves as a roadmap for other organizations considering similar shifts in their BI strategies.
As the data landscape continues to evolve, companies must remain agile, embracing tools that not only meet their current needs but also anticipate future demands. The journey to effective BI is ongoing, but with the right approach, organizations can navigate it successfully, turning data into actionable insights.
The journey began when Cognos Analytics exited the Russian market, leaving M2 in a lurch. The team needed a new BI solution, and they were determined to make the right choice. They had a unique opportunity to evaluate their options carefully, as their existing system was still operational, albeit without updates or support. This breathing room allowed them to explore various BI tools without the pressure of an immediate switch.
The selection process was thorough. M2 examined several proprietary solutions, including Yandex DataLens and Visiology. While these options offered robust support and regular updates, they also came with limitations. The team wanted to avoid vendor lock-in and the constraints that often accompany proprietary software. They sought a solution that would allow for customization and independence.
After weighing the pros and cons, M2 decided to go with an open-source solution: Apache Superset. This choice was driven by several factors. Superset boasts a wide array of visualization options—over 40 types of charts and support for plugins. It also has a vibrant community that ensures regular updates and improvements. Security was another critical factor; Superset offers row-level security, allowing for granular access control.
However, the transition was not without its challenges. Upon implementing Superset, M2 encountered three major hurdles. First, the default welcome page was not user-friendly. Users found it difficult to navigate through the various dashboards, leading to frustration. The homepage displayed sections like “Recently Viewed Dashboards” and “Saved Queries,” but it lacked a clear structure.
Second, the visibility restrictions based on user roles created confusion. Users could only see the reports they had access to, which led to duplicated efforts. Teams were often unaware of existing dashboards that could meet their needs, resulting in unnecessary report creation.
Third, there was a disconnect between the documentation and the dashboards. Users struggled to find relevant information on how to use the dashboards effectively. This lack of clarity slowed down decision-making processes and decreased overall satisfaction with the tool.
To tackle these issues, M2 took a proactive approach. They developed a custom welcome page that organized dashboards logically by business units. This new interface became a centralized hub for users, allowing them to see all available dashboards, even those they could not access. This transparency fostered a sense of ownership and encouraged users to request access to the reports they needed.
Additionally, the team integrated links to documentation directly on the welcome page. Users could easily navigate to Confluence to find detailed descriptions of each dashboard. This connection between documentation and dashboards significantly reduced the time spent searching for information.
The implementation of a feedback form on the welcome page was another crucial step. This form allowed users to provide insights and suggestions, creating a feedback loop that the team could use to make continuous improvements.
The results of these changes were remarkable. M2 saw a dramatic increase in Monthly Active Users (MAU), more than doubling the number of employees engaging with the BI tool. The streamlined onboarding process meant new users could quickly acclimate to the system without requiring extensive training. The time spent on administrative tasks and user support plummeted, freeing up analysts to focus on more strategic initiatives.
Moreover, the elimination of duplicate reports became a significant win. Users could now see the full landscape of available analytics, which enhanced data reuse across departments. This shift not only improved efficiency but also fostered a culture of collaboration.
The metrics spoke volumes. The average number of dashboards used per user increased, reflecting higher engagement levels. The adoption rate also climbed, indicating that employees were not just using the tool but were actively involved in leveraging its capabilities.
In conclusion, M2's migration to Apache Superset illustrates the power of thoughtful implementation and user-centric design. By addressing initial challenges head-on and prioritizing user experience, they transformed a potentially disruptive transition into a success story. Their experience serves as a roadmap for other organizations considering similar shifts in their BI strategies.
As the data landscape continues to evolve, companies must remain agile, embracing tools that not only meet their current needs but also anticipate future demands. The journey to effective BI is ongoing, but with the right approach, organizations can navigate it successfully, turning data into actionable insights.