How a Global Manufacturer Modernized Analytics and Achieved AI Readiness With 20+ Semantic Models

A global manufacturer was operating on legacy Azure Synapse SQL databases that were at capacity, resulting in performance instability and increasing technical debt. These constraints slowed development cycles and limited the team’s ability to deliver trusted, timely data to more than 950 business users across the organization.  

To modernize its analytics foundation, the manufacturer needed to migrate 350+ Azure Synapse SQL-based stored procedures and views to Databricks, while also transitioning 20+ Power BI semantic models to source from the migrated objects. This transformation had to be executed with rigorous validation and minimal disruption to maintain continuity of enterprise reporting and operations.

Aimpoint Digital partnered with the client to design a scalable, enterprise-ready architecture within their Databricks platform. The goal was not only to migrate legacy assets, but to establish a high-performing data platform capable of supporting enterprise analytics, AI, operational reporting, and application development.

To minimize risk and ensure business continuity, the migration was executed in carefully sequenced phases. High-value, stable models were prioritized first, delivering incremental proof of value while maintaining uninterrupted access to end users. This phased strategy reduced operational disruption and built organizational confidence in the new platform.

Aimpoint leveraged SQLift to accelerate the conversion and validation of all SQL objects. As each phase completed, velocity increased as Aimpoint customized SQLift and migration outputs to the client’s specific needs, including the development of custom reusable ETL functions to reduce overhead, optimization of data model structure, and refresh orchestration to reduce model size, and a refactoring of development environments to allow the client team to more quickly ship data across multiple enterprise domains.

Equally important was enabling  the client’s team to be fully self-sufficient on the new platform. Through customized trainings, comprehensive documentation, and hands-on platform enablement, the Aimpoint team ensured the client was fully self-sufficient on the new platform before the engagement concluded. The partnership equipped the client team to independently scale their analytical capabilities through new development and drive ongoing business value.