S1E2 - How CitySprint Deliver, Not Only Parcels, but Data and BI - A conversation with Joe Wright

Data Matas

CitySprint is one of the largest same-day courier providers in the UK, with a strong presence in London. They operate a UK-wide network and offer same-day logistics services. The company relies on a fleet of couriers who use various modes of transport, including bikes, to quickly deliver parcels. CitySprint's goal is to move away from investigating data challenges and focus on building trust in the accuracy of their data. They are working on modernizing their infrastructure and implementing a new data management system to improve data quality and reporting. The BI team at CitySprint plays a crucial role in analyzing data and providing performance stats to different teams within the company. The team is also responsible for bridging gaps in the existing systems and ensuring the data remains current and relevant. The project aims to streamline the BI stack, create a single version of the truth, and enable faster reporting in smaller time windows. The challenge lies in managing the people side of the project and helping the team adapt to the new ways of working. In this conversation, Aaron and Joe discuss the legacy technology stack at CitySprint, including BI visualization tools, ETL tools, and the transition to Snowflake and Power BI. They also touch on the potential of AI in the business and the importance of embracing change. Joe emphasizes the need for data managers to straddle the technical and business perspectives and build strong stakeholder relationships.

Takeaways

• CitySprint is a leading same-day courier provider in the UK, with a strong presence in London.
• The company is focused on improving data quality and reporting by modernizing their infrastructure and implementing a new data management system.
• The BI team at CitySprint plays a crucial role in analyzing data and providing performance stats to different teams within the company.
• Managing the people side of the project and helping the team adapt to the new ways of working is a key challenge. CitySprint had a legacy technology stack that included BI visualization tools and multiple ETL tools before transitioning to Snowflake and Power BI.
• AI is a buzzword in the business world, and CitySprint is exploring its potential in areas such as customer sentiment analysis.
• Embracing change is crucial for success in the data field, and building strong stakeholder relationships is essential for effective communication and collaboration.
• Data managers need to straddle the technical and business perspectives to bridge the gap between technical experts and business managers.
• The ability to adapt and embrace change is key in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Titles

• The Role of the BI Team at CitySprint
• Improving Data Quality and Reporting at CitySprint Exploring the Potential of AI in Business
• The Importance of Adaptability in the Data Field

Sound Bites

• "CitySprint has a fleet of couriers who use everything from large vans to bikes to quickly deliver parcels all across the UK."
• "The measure of success is moving away from investigating challenges and issues within the data."
• "CitySprint has a fleet of couriers who use bikes to quickly deliver parcels in London."
• "What are the kinds of technologies that CitySprint had as legacy?"
• "We had to rewrite the whole process for getting the data out of the business systems into Snowflake"
• "AI is buzzword everywhere, isn't it?"

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to CitySprint

03:14
Data and Analytics at CitySprint

05:03
Modernizing Management Systems

16:29
Exploring AI at CitySprint

32:36
The Importance of Data Quality and Trust

34:11
Innovative Reporting and Test-Driven Development for Data Quality

35:36
Shifting Mindset and Processes for Data Quality

38:56
Building Relationships with Stakeholders in Data Management

43:16
The Role of People Management in Data Management

44:07
Designing KPIs: Balancing Behavior and Culture