Scaling Smarter: A Data Warehouse Modernization Case Study

Facing scalability roadblocks from outdated databases, a supply chain SaaS provider needed a modern data migration strategy. Sparq delivered an AWS/Snowflake migration that slashed ETL times by 98%, eliminated costly hardware, and created a future-ready data ecosystem - unlocking real-time insights and scalable growth.

AWSSnowflakeRedgate FlywayMicroStrategyFivetranAirflowOctopusData & AnalyticsCase Study
Sparq
Insights from Sparq
march 24, 2025 — 2 minute read

Key Outcomes

98% faster processing

Weekend ETL jobs slashed from 48 hours to ~1 hour

50% faster nightly processing

Reduced batch processing times by half

Services/solutions

Data & Analytics

Technology

  • AWS
  • Snowflake
  • Redgate Flyway
  • MicroStrategy
  • Fivetran
  • Airflow
  • Octopus

Challenge: Legacy Infrastructure Stalled Growth

A supply chain SaaS company’s on-prem SQL Server warehouses couldn’t handle new customers or products. Weekend ETL jobs stretched to 48 hours, delaying insights and hindering innovation. Adding hardware wasn’t an option - they needed an experienced partner to design a data migration strategy that would scale performance and speed.

Solution: Cloud-First Data Migration Strategy

Sparq modernized our client’s infrastructure through an AWS/Snowflake migration, including:

  • Cloud Migration & Modernization: Lift-and-shift of three data marts into Snowflake on AWS, plus BI Mart creation for accessibility and efficiency.
  • Optimized Data Processing: Converted 30+ SQL procedures to Snowflake JavaScript, enabled real-time updates, and leveraged Fivetran CDC for seamless replication.
  • Automation & Performance: Implemented CI/CD pipelines (Octopus, Flyway) and Airflow for scheduling, logging, and alerting.
  • Seamless Reporting: Reconfigured MicroStrategy to work with Snowflake and legacy BI marts, optimizing queries for faster insights.

Results: Faster Processing, Lower Costs, Scalable Growth

  • 98% Faster ETL: Weekend jobs reduced from 48 hours to ~1 hour.
  • 50% Faster Nightly Processing: Batch times cut in half.
  • Cost Savings: Eliminated on-prem hardware and maintenance.
  • Future-Ready Scalability: Snowflake’s pay-as-you-go model optimized compute and storage, unlocking real-time insights and long-term agility.

Services/solutions

Data & Analytics
Sparq

Sparq is an AI-accelerated product engineering firm that drives business results for clients in industries including transportation & logistics and financial services.