Stahl is building a data-driven future with McCoy
How do you transition from manual reporting in Excel to reliable, daily management information?
Many organizations struggle with fragmented data, error-prone processes, and figures that vary by department. Stahl, a producer of coatings and chemical solutions, is no exception.
For years, Excel was leading in their reporting method. Without a central data structure, there was a lack of overview, control, and confidence in the outcomes. Together with McCoy, Stahl chose a new approach: one source of truth, automated insights, and room for real analysis. The result? A cultural shift towards data-driven work.
An ambitious goal as a starting point for change
Stahl had one clear goal: eliminate manual work and move towards reliable data. Information needed to be accurate, centrally available, and easy to use. Not only to report faster, but especially to analyze better and make well-founded decisions.
Simon Dentith, IT Business Partner Reporting & Analytics at Stahl, explains:
"Our reports were fragmented, manually constructed, and dependent on a single employee. There was no 'single source of truth,' which led to errors."
Stahl had a clear need: accurate, centralized data that is quickly and easily accessible to the right people in the organization. Additionally, the solution needed to be future-proof and fit within the existing SAP/Microsoft environment.
The approach: a solid foundation as the basis for data and reports
This challenge perfectly matches McCoy's combined expertise in SAP, Microsoft, and Managed Services. We combine in-depth knowledge of SAP processes with strong data and analytics solutions within the Microsoft platform. This enabled us to achieve a scalable and future-proof solution.
Together with Stahl, we first established a strong data foundation within the SAP landscape. Then, our reporting specialists developed targeted Power BI dashboards for finance, sales, production, and procurement. This made insights accessible, reliable, and tailored to the needs of each department.
"The consultants at McCoy possess extensive technical knowledge, but they also understand how to establish a solid structure. They don't just build something; they consider the long-term perspective."says Simon.
In addition, a service team was established—with experts in both the Netherlands and Manila—that took care of the maintenance and further development of the dashboards. This collaboration went smoothly. Thanks to a good communication structure, there was a seamless cooperation.
"McCoy ensures a good balance between the team in the Netherlands and in Manila. Despite the time difference, communication is well organized. This way, we benefit from the speed and flexibility of offshore operations without compromising on quality or coordination."
The result? Insight, ownership, and room for analysis
The impact of the project is widely felt within Stahl. Eight dashboards are now live, providing daily insights into the core processes. The organization no longer works reactively but proactively based on current data.
The main results:
Single Source of Truth - no more discussions about different figures.
Faster availability of information– from monthly reports to daily insights.
More time for analysis– employees no longer spend their time building reports, but interpreting them.
"Now that the data is accurate and easily accessible, we see that people are taking more initiative. They ask better questions, come up with new ideas, and have a much better understanding of what they use data for," says Simon.
The way of collaborating with data has also changed. What started as separate reports per department is now evolving into an integrated platform where data sources are combined. The next step on the roadmap for 2026 is a single environment where insights are combined with each other – once again with McCoy as a partner.
Work Smart Be Happy
The principle Work Smart Be Happy came to life in a very concrete way during this project. The eight dashboards that have been developed are each built from the needs of the end user. No standard solutions, but reports that truly align with what people need in their work.
The consultants at McCoy looked beyond just technology. They delved into the organization, the processes, and the people. What do you need to know? What do you want to understand? What do you want to achieve? By focusing on these questions, solutions emerged that are not only more efficient but also contribute to job satisfaction.
Work smarter and enjoy your work more? Discover how McCoy helps your organization with solutions that actually work.