New insights from data analysis.

Schiphol wants more insights from data of historical projects. Together with colleagues Dylan Buter and Abdula Rassa, I, Johan van Eck, performed descriptive analyses on behalf of ConQuaestor. The resulting insights form the basis for a predictive model, in which the duration and costs of current and upcoming projects are estimated based on a number of variables. The project is challenging because Schiphol is in the process of transitioning to a new ERP system (Oracle Cloud), which means that longer-standing problems (including the easy acquisition of data) are being pushed forward. In addition, it took a relatively long time to obtain the necessary applications (R and RStudio) and data. By taking on small analytics projects and showing the added value of them to the finance department and business department, progress in the Data Project can still be made. This eliminates the need to wait for a new system. In the meantime, we have also set up a Center of Excellence (CoE) Data & Finance team, in which we will set up several projects similar to the Data Project in the near future. The next case to be set up will also have to add value to the finance department. It seems that management's focus is increasingly on analytics. Schiphol's finance strategy for 2025 consists of three pillars: 'Be a Navigator,' 'Ensure Compliance,' and 'Create Insight.' For the last pillar in particular, analytics are important. From the CoE Data & Finance, we are left with the task of being able to bring the entire finance department into these developments through small showcases. The goal is to create more value from data for the finance department, but also for the rest of the organization. Ultimately, this will yield multiple benefits, of which better decision support is a good example.

Business Analytics & Finance

Schiphol is the first assignment done by ConQuaestor employees at the intersection of business analytics and finance. We believe in analytics becoming an important pillar for the future as organizations become more and more data driven. Organizations are constantly changing and now very fast. New, especially digital, technologies are making that possible. The finance function has to change with it and will look very different in a few years from now. ConQuaestor offers support to make this happen.

Improve your performance with insight created from data.

Johan van Eck, Finance Specialist ConQuaestor