My Journey to Business Process Automation with Directus
In the summer of 2023, I had the opportunity to work on a large project for a Canadian client specializing in retail sales of sports nutrition products, cosmetics, and health-related items. With a high demand that resulted in 2-3 thousand daily requests, our client faced numerous challenges that required effective solutions.
The company was using two different content management systems (CMS) with different databases: MySQL and MSSQL. One was developed in-house, while the other was a third-party system operating on a SaaS subscription model. As a data analyst, I was responsible for creating analytical dashboards on the Power BI platform; however, the varied data types across both systems complicated the data collection and analysis processes.
The main problem we encountered was the need to consolidate data from the two databases, as there were no universal directories for their integration. The process of updating reports took a considerable amount of time—up to 50 minutes—negatively impacting the agility of our decision-making. Combined with the absence of real-time data streaming capabilities, the situation necessitated urgent resolution.
The first step taken was the implementation of a Node.js script that allowed for automatic synchronization of data between the two systems. While this provided some positive results, the issue of real-time data updating remained. I began searching for new solutions through Webhooks and automation services like Make.com, Zapier, and n8n, only to realize that their costs did not align with our request volumes.
Ultimately, my search led me to a headless CMS—Directus. This system not only allowed for the creation of a data model but also enabled automation tailored to the client’s unique needs. Thanks to Directus’s capabilities, we were able to consolidate all data into a single analytical database on MSSQL, which was continuously kept up to date.
This approach enabled us to implement reports that functioned in real-time, eliminating the necessity for regular data refreshes. As a result, the team was able to analyze information more rapidly and make informed decisions based on current data.
My experience with Directus confirmed that this system can significantly transform business processes, providing flexibility, speed, and efficiency. I believe that Directus will become an indispensable tool for companies looking to automate their processes and improve data management.
Conclusion
Business process automation is becoming critically important for company growth in today's competitive environment. Despite the vast number of systems available on the market, not all can provide reliability and effectiveness, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. Platforms like Microsoft or Salesforce are often prohibitively expensive, and using numerous SaaS services can lead to increased costs and risks of data loss.
It is vital to understand that popular solutions are not always the best. They may lack adequate security levels, as access to data is controlled by the service owner, and can lead to rising recurring expenses and a lack of customization, complicating future scalability. We specialize in identifying optimal systems to address business challenges, ensuring reliability, security, operational stability, low ongoing costs, and the necessary flexibility for scaling.
Interested in automating your business processes?
Order our automation services today and unlock new opportunities for your business!
