Mexlink turned machinist competency mapping into a scalable digital product: API integration, Power BI Embedded, and row-level security (RLS) transformed tacit expertise into a sellable service.
The technical cornerstones of the solution
API integration
The solution uses an API between the data collection platform and Power BI, enabling automated, real-time data transfer.
Row-level security (RLS)
Power BI's RLS capability lets every customer share the same report model - which also streamlines maintenance and further development.
Power BI Embedded
A multilingual demo report embedded in the web shop (Finnish, English, Swedish, German) lets customers explore the report directly as part of Mexlink's digital service.
Overview
BI-Asiantuntijat delivered a scalable Power BI solution for Mexlink that turned traditional competency mapping into an efficient digital service. Powered by an API, the solution combines data collection and intelligent Power BI reporting into a single product.
Mexlink can now offer its customers a unique tool for analyzing the competencies of machinists and assemblers. On top of that, the automated solution is built to support international growth and to meet the industry's growing needs.
"I've seen plenty of Power BI reports and used them myself. Amira found entirely new dimensions in the reports, and carried things through persistently all the way to supporting the productized service. If you want to discover new dimensions in Power BI, Amira is the person to talk to." Pasi Julkunen CEO, MexlinkA machinist shortage opened the door to a new line of business
The world faces a growing shortage of skilled machinists. Fewer of them are being trained and graduating all the time, which has led to competition for the best talent. In this market, Mexlink recognized an opportunity to leverage tacit knowledge and set out to turn its years of expert experience into a scalable digital product. The only remaining challenge was to turn a large body of knowledge into an easily sellable service.
A scalable Power BI solution automates competency analysis
The Machinist Competency Map is an innovative product that automates the mapping and analysis of machinists' competencies. Data is collected through a data collection platform application and transferred automatically via an API to a Power BI report, where it is visualized in an illustrative way. The API-based solution enables seamless data transfer and ensures data is updated in real time.
Power BI's role-based security (RLS) ensures that each customer sees only their own organization's data. This makes it possible to use the same report template for all customers cost-effectively and without security risks. The automated process and centralized maintenance make the product scalable for the needs of both individual machine shops and nationwide operators.
A demo version of the Power BI report is embedded directly into Mexlink's web shop, giving customers a way to shape their own strategy for competency management. International growth is supported by four language options: Finnish, English, Swedish, and German.
Productizing expertise sets the company apart from competitors and meets demand
The Machinist Competency Map is paving the way for Mexlink's international growth.
"The Machinist Competency Map is an excellent example of how, when it comes to using Power BI, only your imagination sets the limits. The end result turned out to be both straightforward and versatile, and the project was a joy to deliver," says Amira Achek, CEO, BI-Asiantuntijat.
The collaboration continues with the development of a new industry-specific competency map.