Microsoft Fabric – the all-in-one data platform

In many companies, volumes of data are increasing – and with them, the number of systems, interfaces, and tools. Key word: Big Data.

Microsoft Fabric creates substantial value here, as it brings all tools for data integration, processing, and analysis together on one shared all-in-one data platform.

The result: fewer interruptions to data flow, clearer structures, and better decisions based on consistent data!

Microsoft Fabric combines all the elements of modern data processing! This means that companies benefit from a comprehensive solution that combines classic approaches like data warehousing with the potential of a cloud-based data factory – as shown in the following diagram.

• All-in-one system: data integration, preparation, and analysis are all performed in one shared environment – no tool change needed!
• Clear structure: from the initial import to the finished report, the entire data flow is traceable and controlled centrally.
• One data foundation: all information is located in one single data lake – constantly up to date & with no duplicate storage.
• Quickly ready to use: as a fully managed SaaS (software as a service) solution, Fabric can be used productively without a long preparation period.
• Technically flexibly: complex data processes can be implemented with SQL, pipelines, and notebooks – perfect for data engineering.
• Future-oriented: analytical applications and data science projects can be set up directly on the integrated data models.

The “core” of the platform is Microsoft OneLake - a company-wide storage location for all your data. Together with Fabric’s own “orchestration component,” the Data Factory, Fabric enables a stable and scalable data architecture for all specialist areas.

Why companies are choosing Microsoft Fabric as their all-in-one data platform

Microsoft Fabric & artificial intelligence: put an end to data chaos!

If you’re planning to work with artificial intelligence, one thing is absolutely essential: clean, centralized, and reliable data. In practice, this is a major challenges for many companies – and this is exactly where Microsoft Fabric comes in!

Because all data sources are combined in one platform and are prepared consistently, AI-supported applications (e.g. Forecasts) can build on them directly. And thanks to the connection with Azure, existing AI services can be incorporated easily. This turns data into useful knowledge!

Example: Central data architecture with Microsoft Fabric

The challenge: a variety of systems, little overview

In a project with a customer from the service sector, a new reporting solution was to be created that would map central processes such as project controlling, resource planning, invoicing overviews, and budget control efficiently and transparently. Until then, the required information was spread across several systems and was partly maintained manually – with the corresponding effort and high potential for errors.

The solution: uniform database with Fabric

Together with ORBIS, a holistic reporting architecture was set up based on Microsoft Fabric. Data from SAP flows in via data pipelines, CRM information from Microsoft Dynamics is connected via Fabric Link, and supplementary plan values are imported via CSV files.

The data processing follows a multi-stage model: raw data is collected centrally in the bronze layer, cleaned and enriched in the silver layer. In the gold layer (warehouse), the relevant deltas are formed and made available for further processing. Potentially incorrect or incomplete data is identified, documented, and reported automatically by email.

For reporting purposes, all data sources are transferred to consistent analysis models – for example, for evaluations of project performance, resource availability, or forecast analyses. The structure follows a clear workspace model, and access is controlled on a role basis via Microsoft Entra ID.

The solution is set up in a two-stage environment: Development and production are clearly separated, and changes are versioned and deployed via Azure DevOps.

The graphic below shows the model for the Microsoft Fabric data architecture. Raw data from various sources is processed and passes through bronze, silver, and gold layers before ultimately being displayed in Power BI for example:

Why is this convincing?

Because Microsoft Fabric offers a scalable, powerful platform – and because ORBIS not only provides consulting services, but also actively demonstrates in projects how complex requirements can be structured and implemented in a future-proof manner with Fabric.
 

ORBIS: your partner for getting started with Fabric

As a long-standing Microsoft partner, ORBIS can contribute extensive experience from projects involving Azure, Power BI (Business Intelligence), and Microsoft Fabric.

We support you from the strategy to the implementation and day-to-day operation – as a practical and efficient partner!

Want to learn more? First steps with ORBIS

In an initial free-of-charge consultation, we can show you how we can put Fabric to good use in your specific system landscape – tailored to meet your requirements!