Cegeka implements a future-proof data platform with Microsoft Fabric at Ferm

When Ferm needed to change the data source for its personnel data, it became clear that this would have significant implications. Cegeka advised taking the opportunity to transition from an Azure data platform to Microsoft Fabric, ensuring a future-proof solution while preventing additional work down the line. The rollout was seamless, making Ferm one of the early adopters of Microsoft Fabric. 

Previously known as KVLV (Katholiek Vormingswerk voor Landelijke Vrouwen) and before that as the Boerinnenbond, Ferm is a Flemish women’s organization with a strong community of 60,000 members. Primarily run by volunteers, the non-profit is engaged in various social and societal initiatives. Over time, evolving member needs led to the creation of separate organizations, resulting in distinct legal entities for maternity care, childcare, domestic assistance, and home care. 

To enhance operational efficiency across these four organizations, Ferm centralized key services such as building management, marketing, finance, human resources, and ICT. “Within the ICT department, we essentially serve four major internal customers,” explains Noël Thoelen, ICT Manager at Ferm. To further improve efficiency and data-driven decision-making, Ferm selected Microsoft Power BI as its business intelligence platform. 

Greater impact than expected 

Although each organization within Ferm operated independently with its own data models, they all relied on a shared data platform. This meant that data issues in one organization could have repercussions across the others. “We reached the platform’s limitations,” says Thoelen. “When we decided to transition our workforce data from an in-house solution to Acerta Connect, we quickly asked ourselves: should we migrate our Azure environment to Fabric at the same time?” 

Since all ERP systems at Ferm were driven by personnel data, this shift had significant consequences. When Cegeka conducted an impact analysis at Ferm’s request in September 2023, the results were striking - 80% of dashboards and reports would be affected. “The impact was much bigger than we expected,” Thoelen recalls. 

The decision to move to Fabric 

Ferm’s ICT team consulted with Cegeka’s BI experts. “Our main question was: if we need to make so many adjustments anyway, wouldn’t it be smarter to switch to Fabric right away? The migration would have to happen sooner or later,” Thoelen explains. Cegeka confirmed that transitioning immediately would prevent unnecessary rework down the line. “Normally, we’re not early adopters of new technology,” Thoelen admits, “but this time, it was the right move.” 

“Normally, we’re not early adopters of new technology, but this case, it was the right decision.”

 

- Noël Thoelen, ICT-manager at Ferm

When implementing Fabric, Cegeka addressed past challenges to create a more resilient data platform. Each organization has its own data transformation process, ensuring that an error in one specific load does not impact the others. “We took a phased approach, rolling out the implementation step by step for each organization,” says Thoelen. “We started with home care, allowing us to assess the impact of the migration and identify potential bottlenecks. We then applied those learnings to the next organization. In the end, the rollout went smoothly, without major issues.”

Most changes happened behind the scenes, meaning end users experienced minimal disruption. “Reports and dashboards remained largely the same,” Thoelen explains. “But we now have a future-proof platform that will support us for years to come. And most importantly, data issues in one organization no longer affect the others. Users can feel the difference—they’re now working on a far more reliable platform.”

Beyond a 9-to-5 mentality 

Fabric was not only new for Ferm but also for Cegeka. “They were very transparent about this and acknowledged that it was a learning process for them as well. That’s why they didn’t charge us for the preliminary research hours,” says Thoelen. “But whenever they encountered a challenge, they assured us they would find a solution—and they did. We saw firsthand that Cegeka’s Data Consultants have deep technical expertise and a strong relationship with Microsoft.”

Cegeka’s team maintained close collaboration with Ferm, holding daily stand-ups to ensure alignment and biweekly reports to Ferm’s management. Thoelen also highlights the dedication of Cegeka’s consultants. “They don’t work with a rigid 9-to-5 mindset; they are always available when we need them.”

Throughout the rollout, an IT-employee from Ferm worked alongside Cegeka, building the necessary expertise to manage adjustments and maintenance internally. “But we always have Cegeka as a reliable fallback,” Thoelen adds. “That’s our policy within ICT—if we only have one person in-house for a certain technology, we make sure to have a trusted partner as backup.”

“We noticed that Cegeka's Data Consultants have deep technical expertise and a strong relationship with Microsoft.”

 

- Noël Thoelen, ICT-manager at Ferm