From Disconnected Data to Seamless Insights: How a Mission-Driven Global Nonprofit Modernized Its Data Platform

Our client, a mission-driven global nonprofit, set out to modernize their data infrastructure, moving away from a traditional on-premises SQL Server architecture to a cloud-based, scalable solution that could meet its growing reporting and analytics needs. The organization needed a modern, cost-effective, and secure data platform that could seamlessly integrate with best-in-class data ingestion and transformation tools while adhering to industry best practices.  

To achieve this ambitious goal, they partnered with Launch Consulting to architect, design, and develop the environment. Snowflake was selected as the Cloud Data Platform due to its robust foundation for data governance, security, and scalability—key factors in our client's long-term modernization strategy.  

Overcoming Data Silos: Building a Modern Cloud Data Platform

The shift to a modern cloud data platform was uncharted territory for our client. The organization faced several hurdles:

• Fragmented Data Systems: Data was dispersed across multiple platforms, including on-premises SQL Server and cloud-based Azure SQL Server, making integration complex.  

• Inefficient Data Extraction: Our client needed an automated, low-maintenance data ingestion tool that could effortlessly connect to source systems, extract data, and store it in Snowflake's raw layer.  

• Scalable and Transparent Data Transformation: A modern data transformation tool was required—one that supported modularity, data lineage tracking, version control, and built-in validation.  

• Enterprise-Wide Data Governance: Given our client's global footprint and diverse operational roles, establishing clear data governance and security protocols was critical.  

Considering these challenges, our client sought a solution to simplify data ingestion and transformation while providing enterprise-grade governance and automation.  

A Best-in-Class Snowflake Data Platform

Launch Consulting designed and implemented a modern data architecture leveraging Snowflake, Fivetran, and dbt, ensuring seamless data ingestion, transformation, and governance. Key components of the solution included:  

• Automated Data Ingestion with Fivetran – Streamlined the process of extracting data from multiple sources, reducing manual intervention and administration overhead.  

• Modern Data Transformation with dbt – Enabled scalable, modular data transformation with version control, built-in testing, and data lineage tracking.  

• Secure and Scalable Architecture with Snowflake – Implemented a Medallion architecture across development, testing, and production environments, adhering to software development lifecycle best practices.  

• Robust Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – Ensured enterprise-grade security, enabling fine-grained access control across different teams and regions.  

• Collaborative Implementation – Worked closely with our client's Data Architect, IT department, and partners from Fivetran and Snowflake to ensure best practices were followed throughout the development process while integrating with the clients existing processes.  

Laying the Foundation for Data-Driven Decision-Making  

Our collaboration with the client resulted in a secure, scalable, and automated Snowflake data platform—a critical milestone in our client's modernization journey. With the MVP solution deployed for key datasets, our client now benefits from the following:  

• Simplified and automated data ingestion with minimal administrative overhead.  

• Improved data transformation capabilities that ensure accuracy, traceability, and efficiency.  

• Stronger data governance with clear security protocols and version control.  

• A scalable architecture that supports future growth and data needs.  

Our client has successfully transitioned from a fragmented, on-premises system to a unified, future-ready data platform by leveraging innovative cloud technologies and best-in-class tools. With a solid foundation in place, our client is well-positioned to unlock new insights through AI, drive efficiency in their data processing, and enhance decision-making across their global operations.

At Launch, we empower organizations to reach their Future State of Data by leveraging solutions from Snowflake that drive real impact and measurable results. Ready to learn more? Explore our Snowflake partnership here.