In this customer case study, we explore how BKI Foods' focus on data quality led them to TimeXtender's Data Quality Module, and how, together with our partner Atlytix, they implemented an effective data management solution.
BKI Foods is a Danish family-owned company that has specialized in delivering quality coffee to coffee-loving Danes since 1960. With a focus on good craftsmanship, BKI Foods has since expanded its portfolio to include everything from tea to pasta. Nicholaj Månsson Olsen, Data Architect, says: “ Coffee is the mainstay of the company, but there is also much more.” In 1964, the Mathiesen family moved their roastery to Højbjerg, where it is still located today. Every bag of coffee undergoes thorough quality control – from receiving the beans to production, packaging and final tastings. This meticulous process not only ensures high quality, but also illustrates how data and quality go hand in hand. Combined with the company's other business areas, large amounts of data are generated, requiring efficient data processing to maintain the high standards for which BKI Foods is known.
In mid-2024, BKI Foods transitioned to a new analytics tool. While the transition opened up new opportunities, it also required a new approach to data control. During the transition period, follow-up and error correction were handled manually via Excel sheets and emails – a solution that quickly proved to be both time-consuming and inefficient.
“We experienced increasing complexity that no longer made sense to handle manually.”
Nicholaj Månsson Olsen, Data Architect
BKI Foods faced a specific challenge – they needed a system that could help them manage and ensure data quality effectively. It was a time-consuming task, and they needed a solution that could automate the processes. They were looking for a solution that could automate and streamline the processes, ensuring real-time overview and follow-up without burdening human resources.
BKI Foods was looking for a solution that could replace the manual process by actively identifying and alerting the right people to potential irregularities and challenges. In their search for a system that matched their pragmatic needs, they were met with several systems with extensive and expensive features that exceeded both budget and needs. When they were introduced to TimeXtender Data Quality, it quickly became clear that it was the right solution that matched their need for functionality at a fair price.
TimeXtender Data Quality is a tool that enables companies to proactively monitor, validate and improve their data through automated processes, ensuring high data quality without manual effort. TimeXtender Data Quality allows you to set up controls according to your needs, and choose who should be notified if challenges arise in the flow in question. This allows BKI Foods to create the desired overview and eliminate resource-intensive semi-manual processes and maintenance of Excel Sheets.
As a food manufacturer, BKI Foods is subject to extensive regulations, which they address with a strong data-driven approach. Data is the foundation of their work to meet the strict European standards for food production. Like many larger companies, BKI Foods faces several complex EU regulations that require precise and comprehensive data management. From taxes on packaging and raw materials to documentation of product certifications – it is a constant challenge to ensure that all products meet the requirements. In the coming years, the requirements will only increase as EU directives such as the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) come into force. These regulations require extensive documentation and traceability of all components in the products.
With an increasingly demanding regulatory landscape, keeping track of all the necessary data and ensuring proper compliance is becoming a bigger task. For large companies like BKI Foods, there is therefore a strong incentive to build additional infrastructure around data management. Nicholaj Månsson Olsen says:
"Reporting will only become more important for us as we look ahead. As well as having even more control over the data."
Nicholaj Månsson Olsen, Data Architect
BKI Foods faced a specific challenge – they needed a system that could help them manage and ensure data quality efficiently. It was a time-consuming task, and they needed a solution that could automate the processes.
As long-term customers of both TimeXtender and Atlytix, the introduction and transition to the new system was a smooth process for BKI Foods. Together with Atlytix, they quickly mapped out their needs and implemented the system, ensuring an efficient start. After the technical implementation, they immediately started setting up controls to ensure continuous monitoring of their data and quality assurance of critical processes. They currently have around 50 controls, and this number is only expected to increase. As they move into the next phase, Master Data, they expect to initiate an additional 200 controls.