Case Study

Data Quality Dashboard Enhancement for a UK Defence Organisation

Data Quality Dashboard Enhancement for a UK Defence Organisation

Sunfish enhanced a UK defence organisation’s data capability by designing and delivering a structured data quality dashboard, accelerating data maturity and enabling measurable governance improvements within a secure, highly regulated environment.

Overview

Sunfish was engaged by a global pioneer in the defence, security, and aerospace industry to improve visibility and control over data quality within a key operational domain.

The organisation maintains rigorous information security standards and robust internal processes for managing access to data. However, it required enhanced reporting and visualisation capabilities to better measure, monitor, and improve data quality performance.

Sunfish was commissioned to deliver a meaningful reporting solution within a 12 week timeframe, despite the absence of a consolidated data source or existing reporting framework.

The Challenge

Within established managerial processes for data access and governance, the client identified the need for structured data cleansing, visualisation, and quality reporting.

There were no comprehensive dashboards or integrated data sources available. Existing data was fragmented, and quality measurement lacked consistency and visibility. Without clear reporting, leadership teams were unable to easily assess trends, risks, or improvement areas.

The organisation required a solution that would:

  • Provide measurable insight into data quality performance
  • Operate within strict security and governance controls
  • Deliver value within a defined timeframe
  • Establish a foundation for ongoing maturity improvements

Given the regulatory and operational sensitivity of the environment, delivery needed to be structured, controlled, and aligned to clearly defined outcomes.

The Approach

Sunfish proposed a data dashboard proof of concept designed to display the results of individual data quality checks in a clear and actionable format.

The solution focused on analysing a defined segment of the client’s data estate, enabling controlled validation and rapid demonstration of value. The dashboard was built to visualise data quality metrics, highlight trends, and identify areas requiring remediation.

Beyond reporting, the dashboard concept was designed as a scalable foundation that could be developed and enhanced over time. It enabled decision science within the HR domain while demonstrating the potential for broader enterprise implementation.

Throughout the engagement, Sunfish applied structured project governance and close stakeholder collaboration to ensure secure data handling and alignment with organisational standards.

The Outcome

Sunfish successfully delivered the data quality dashboard within the agreed 12 week timeframe.

The organisation gained clear, structured visibility into data quality performance, transforming previously fragmented information into actionable insight. Leadership teams were equipped with measurable indicators to support improvement initiatives and governance oversight.

The proof of concept provided a clear roadmap for future expansion across additional data domains.

Impact

  • Accelerated data maturity
    The project accelerated the client’s data maturity journey. Starting in the early stages of Level 2 of the IBM Data Maturity Model, the organisation made substantial progress toward a fully managed environment, demonstrating stronger governance and enhanced focus on quality measurement.
  • Improved visibility and control
    Structured dashboards enabled consistent monitoring of data standards and performance, supporting more informed operational decisions.
  • Enhanced governance
    Formalised quality checks and reporting strengthened compliance oversight within a highly regulated defence environment.
  • Sustainability gains
    Migrating to Azure’s energy-efficient data centres reduced carbon emissions by approximately 40 percent, supporting corporate sustainability goals.
  • Scalable blueprint
    The dashboard framework now serves as a repeatable model for wider rollout across the organisation’s data estate.

Client Testimonial

“Sunfish approached the challenge with professionalism and technical depth. They undertook a structured assessment of our data domains, controls and ownership model, identifying root causes rather than symptoms. Their findings were evidence-led, clearly articulated and prioritised according to operational and regulatory risk.”

Written by Satinder Sangha

A highly motivated technology leader with a passion to leverage technology to drive business transformation. Satinder has held senior technology roles in FTSE 100 companies where he has led major business change / transformation programmes across IT, HR, Finance and Commercial functions. ​

Written by Satinder Sangha

A highly motivated technology leader with a passion to leverage technology to drive business transformation. Satinder has held senior technology roles in FTSE 100 companies where he has led major business change / transformation programmes across IT, HR, Finance and Commercial functions. ​

At a glance

Sector:
UK defence organisation operating within a highly regulated security environment

Engagement:
Design and delivery of a data quality dashboard proof of concept

Duration:
12 Weeks

Services:
Data cleansing and validation
Data visualisation and dashboard design
Quality reporting framework development
Project governance and stakeholder alignment

Contact Sunfish