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Facing scalability roadblocks from outdated databases, a supply chain SaaS provider needed a modern data migration strategy.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.
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
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
Sparq is an AI-native digital engineering services firm that helps businesses modernize critical technology, connect fragmented data and intelligence, and put AI into production. We work alongside operators, architects, engineering leaders, and business leaders to improve the systems and workflows businesses depend on, with measurable impact on margin, throughput, capacity, and decision speed. Sparq combines senior engineering expertise, AI-enabled delivery, and production-tested accelerators to move complex initiatives from problem to production faster and with less risk.
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