A Path Toward Modern Analytics

Crate&Barrel, known for stylish home furnishings, has come a long way since its founding in 1962. The company is part of the global Otto Group and has expanded steadily. 

However, as it grew, managing data became more challenging. To keep up, it moved from SAP BusinessObjects—software they’d relied on since 2003—to MicroStrategy. 

Problems with Legacy Systems

This wasn’t just about getting new software but finding a tool that delivered faster insights, better data access, and more user control. Anupam Singh, Crate&Barrel’s Senior Director of Enterprise Business Intelligence, shared that their old system made it tough for employees to quickly get the needed information, creating obstacles. It was clear they needed a change. 

“BusinessObjects was primarily designed to support basic operational reporting. We were limited in how easily our organization could consume insights and the flexibility to quickly do self-service—so we knew we had to upgrade.”
― Anupam Singh, Senior Director, Enterprise Business Intelligence, Crate&Barrel

Why They Chose MicroStrategy

Crate&Barrel needed a solution that could provide advanced data visuals, fast access to information, and ease of use. MicroStrategy was the right fit. It made it simple for teams to turn complex data into clear visuals, helping them make decisions quickly.

Partnering with MicroStrategy was a no-brainer. MicroStrategy’s proven methodology for moving complex legacy systems to their modern technology stack was the obvious choice. When evaluating new tools, MicroStrategy was able to bring a wealth of experience and customer stories to demonstrate they have immense experience converting BusinessObjects customers. 

Solving the Real Problem

Adopting new technology requires more than software—it requires a solid plan and a dedicated team. Crate&Barrel’s leadership brought in subject matter experts early on to train other users and ensure a smooth transition.

Laura Ross, Senior Manager of Analytics and Insights, stressed the importance of listening to users. By addressing their frustrations with the old system, they ensured the new platform solved real problems. For example, they made it easier for users to work with different currencies, saving time and reducing hassle.

All in ONE

One of MicroStrategy’s standout features was allowing users to create detailed reports and visualizations within one platform. This saved time since they no longer needed multiple tools to get the job done. 

“We’ve made it easier for our business partners to access the data they need. For example, we’ve combined data that in BusinessObjects was held in different universes … into one self-service application.”
― Laura Ross, Senior Manager, Analytics & Insights Crate&Barrel

Plus, MicroStrategy’s centralized setup and native data fabric made it easy to reuse objects, reducing development time and the need for manual maintenance. 

Moving Data to the Cloud

Crate&Barrel moved their data warehouse to Google Cloud as part of their transformation. This shift allowed them to process data faster and access real-time insights, making it easier to respond quickly to market changes.

Harjeet Kaur, Manager of Data Architecture, shared that using Google BigQuery helped them manage their data more efficiently. The cloud setup gave them the flexibility to handle large data sets, speeding up user access. This move to a cloud-based approach laid a strong foundation for the company’s future growth.

Giving Power to the Users with Self-Service Tools

A big part of Crate&Barrel’s success was giving users more control. With MicroStrategy, they built a self-service platform that let employees pull the data they needed without waiting on the business intelligence team. This reduced delays and made the whole process smoother, giving users more freedom.

“To convert our reports, we worked with our business partners to determine what we really needed to convert and what we could consolidate. It was a great exercise—they were really open to simplifying our reporting.”  
― Laura Ross, Senior Manager Analytics & Insights, Crate&Barrel

The self-service reports used simple prompts to guide users through selecting the correct data, whether sales numbers or product performance metrics. Laura noted that training was vital in helping users feel comfortable with the new system. Crate&Barrel sped up decision-making throughout the company by giving them the skills to explore data independently.

The Results

Switching to MicroStrategy brought many improvements for Crate&Barrel. They reduced their number of reports from an overwhelming 35,000 to under 400, and their data architecture by about half, making data management simpler and more efficient for everyone involved. 

Now, teams rely on real-time visuals during meetings, allowing them to spot trends quickly and make informed decisions. With more access to data, Crate&Barrel’s employees can focus more on problem-solving and less on gathering information. 

4 Insights on How to Modernize Your Reporting

Based on their experience with moving data analytics from SAP BusinessObjects ti MicroStrategy, Crate&Barrel’s team shared some helpful tips for other companies looking to modernize their analytics: 

1. Know What You Need

It’s essential to pick a platform that fits your specific needs. For Crate&Barrel, MicroStrategy offered speed, ease of use, and flexibility. 

2. Rationalize What to Move

Assess the data landscape in your BOBJ universe to understand what you have to keep and can consolidate to optimize your move.  

3. Get Users Involved Early

Including critical people from different departments early made a big difference. Their feedback ensured the new system met the company's all needs. 

4. Take Your Time with the Change

Adopting a new system can take time. Running the old and new systems in parallel for a brief period allowed users to adjust without disruptions. 

Looking Ahead to a Brighter Data Future

Crate&Barrel’s switch from SAP BusinessObjects to MicroStrategy shows how embracing new technology can transform a business. Focusing on user needs and making the most of cloud-based analytics made their data more accessible and valuable.

“Our users started seeing benefits quickly—they had better self-service and performance improved a lot. By helping our users understand the benefits, they saw the differences between BusinessObjects and MicroStrategy for themselves.”
― Arijit Kar Manager, Business Intelligence Architecture, Crate&Barrel

Their journey reminds us that updating your data tools isn’t just about new software—it’s about building a system that makes it easier for everyone to find insights and make better decisions. For companies considering a similar transformation, Crate&Barrel’s story offers a guide to turning data into a powerful tool for growth.