Loading the Data In & Structuring the Data Model

Data Cleansing & Data Wrangling

1. We apply EDA(exploratory data analysis) and then, make sure that every single data source is correctly loaded and transformed within Power Query, assuring that the relevant data will be part of the final model (including our self updating calendar table).

2. We perform data validation and cleaning by checking for but not limited to:

   • Null values.

   • Invalid data types.

   • Incorrect regional settings.

   • Incorrect date formats.

   • Outdated data, etc.

3. We check for column quality by considering the valid, errors and empty cells of each field of every table to double check the validity of our cleansing process.

1. Applying the star-type relational model, we configure the relationships between our multiple dimension tables and our fact table (sales).

2. We create active and inactive relationships that will be used for creating our measures.

3. Generating a specific measures table allows us to better organize our DAX based calculations.

4. In this case, given the fact that we receive and compile data from multiple countries and regional settings vary, we make sure to standardize date data before proceeding to create our custom measures.

Data Visualization

Main Overview

Stores View

BudgetView

Stores Drill-through

There are instances where adding more details to a page can make it cluttered and less effective. Thus, one of the main techniques that we can use to avoid this issue, is called Drill through. This allows us to add all the layers of detail that we need without inserting more information within the same tab, but instead, we can create a specific page for that.

• Electronics is the department that has mostly driven growth for Akers Plus with an increase of 1.3 Millions (48.6%) when comparing October 2023 with our latest sales month October 2024.

• 84% of our gross profit comes from standard products. Whereas only 16% is driven by our latest line of innovative products.

• Even though our volume of sales is far superior is the NA market, the EU market has proven to be the more profitable one so far, with countries like France, Austria and Italy leading the pack (all of them have a gross margin equal or above 15%).

• Akers & Finn has surpassed the 200K mark of orders globally!

• Current YTD Sales for the Music and office supllies departments are 52% and 17% below budget , so they need attention immediately.

💡Insights & Questions ⁉️

Next steps

What did we find?

• Even though most departments have had a solid year, we have found that our pricing vs. the competition may be affecting sales for specific products. Thus, creating a new marketing strategy to refine the company's value proposition by adjusting the price and launching new promotions may help boost sales of these products.

• Given that our innovative line of products is relatively new, and within our current budget can we apply all/any of the following to boost sales for innovative products:

  • Use ads and strategic partnerships to promote these products, making sure we are targeting the right audience.

  • Offer introductory discounts, limited time offers  and bundles as well as loyalty incentives.

• To minimize the impact of the under performing departments, we should apply the following:

  • Aggressive pricing strategies to drive sales up and create a sense of urgency.

  • Short term commissions and bonuses for our sales team to increases purchases of these products.

  • By using marketing blitz, Akers & Finn should  use ads and email campaigns to highlight the exclusiveness of the remaining inventory further boosting purchases.