"Data is everywhere, but raw numbers alone get you nowhere. The more I know and can translate into actionable insights, the better we can manage."
The challenge: translating data into insights
“Data is everywhere, but raw numbers alone get you nowhere. The more I know and can translate into actionable insights, the better we can manage,” Wesley explains. “With 44 stores, a huge amount of data flows in: revenue, hours, performance; you name it. We wanted a way to analyze all that data clearly, in real time and centrally. A readable dashboard for both the accountant, us and the franchisees was our goal.”
Previously, Verhage worked with another solution, but this developer stopped. The move to Power BI would also offer more possibilities according to Daamen & van Sluis. “We were skeptical at first: ‘Does this really have to be done?’ But during the presentation with Cleversight, we saw what was possible. Power BI makes it easy to link less obvious data points to our financial figures. That offers insights we could only dream of before.”
"It's really a three-way collaboration between Daamen & van Sluis, Cleversight and us."
The solution: three-party cooperation
The implementation was a collaboration between Verhage Hospitality Group, accountant Daamen & van Sluis, and Cleversight as Power BI specialist. Wesley praises this collaboration: “It really is a three-play. Daamen & van Sluis provides analyses and trend recognition, while Cleversight implemented everything and integrated our systems. In doing so, Daamen & van Sluis and Cleversight worked together on the basics and dashboards. From cash registers to dashboards, everything now works together flawlessly.”
Choosing Power BI also meant a turnaround within the organization. “We had to bring 44 franchisees along in this new way of working. That was quite exciting, because entrepreneurs focus mainly on their branch and not on learning new software. Nevertheless, we opted for a ‘big bang’ approach: transferring everything at once. Thanks to Cleversight’s tight step-by-step plan, the migration went off without a hitch.”
Real-time insight for everyone
With Power BI, Verhage Horeca Groep now has the tools to make strategic choices based on data. Wesley: “I’m big on data. For me, 80% of strategic decisions should be based on facts and 20% on feelings. Thanks to Power BI, I can quickly see how a branch is performing, for example turnover per square meter. If we are considering new premises, we can analyze comparable branches. That used to be a time-consuming process; now it’s a matter of a few clicks.”
Franchisees also benefit from the insights. “Every entrepreneur can see real-time figures. Whether it’s revenue, personnel costs or performance, everything is readily available. It helps them get a grip on their practice. Some look daily, others once a month, but the dashboard offers something for everyone.”
"It provides a deeper layer of analysis. For example, how do personnel costs relate to sales, and where is there room for improvement? We can spot trends early and act on them. Without such a system, that is unthinkable.".
The added value of Power BI
Wesley emphasizes that Power BI is more than just a dashboard. “It offers a deeper layer of analysis. For example, how do personnel costs relate to revenue, and where is there room for improvement? We can spot trends early and act on them. Without such a system, that’s unthinkable.”
Integration with other systems, such as Exact and POS vendors, completes the solution. “Everything is connected. Cash register systems, dashboards and invoices are all integrated into Power BI. Within four days of the close of the month, we already know 90% of the results. That’s a huge time saver.”
Future plans: AI and further innovation
With the basics now in place, Verhage Hospitality Group is looking to the future. “We completed the migration a year ago, and now it’s really starting to get fun. What else can we do? Can we use AI to make predictions or discover new insights? That’s the next step,” Wesley says enthusiastically.
“AI can help us work even faster and smarter. Think of automatic predictions based on historical data or spotting anomalies before they become problems. The developments are happening at lightning speed, and we want to grow along with them.”
Conclusion: data is indispensable
For Verhage Horeca Groep, Power BI has become an indispensable part of their business operations. “If you as an organization are not engaged with data now, then you really have a problem,” Wesley concludes. “It’s an essential lifeline to remain modern and viable.”
Thanks to the collaboration between Verhage Horeca Grroep, Cleversight and Daamen & van Sluis, the organization has made the move to data-driven operations. And looking to the future, it is clear: the possibilities are endless.
About Verhage Horeca Groep
Verhage is a franchise formula with 44 (as of May 45) fast-service restaurants in the Randstad. The organization is represented by more than 41 franchisees and more than 1,000 employees. Verhage Food Service, Verhage’s exclusive wholesaler, supplies the restaurants.
