Fair HQ - 173tech

Data Product

Cost-effective multi-tenancy set up with self-serve dashboards

Objective

Embed robust analytics seamlessly into a DEI-focused SaaS platform.

Obstacle

Designing and integrating analytics directly into the FairHQ product offering.

Outcome

A cost-effective, multi-tenant analytics setup with self-serve dashboards for clients.

Background

FairHQ is an innovative platform that helps organisations assess and embed Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) across every aspect of their operations. By combining data, insights, and practical tools, it enables companies to understand their DEI landscape, identify key improvement areas, and implement strategies for lasting cultural change.

From the outset, FairHQ recognised that data transparency and measurement were fundamental to driving real DEI progress. However, the team faced a critical challenge: selecting the right technology and designing an analytics experience that could be embedded directly within their product, powerful enough for in-depth insights, yet intuitive for every user.

Challenges

Hosting: Every query to your data warehouse comes with a price tag, and these costs can spiral out of control when hosting data products for multiple companies or use cases. Without careful cost management, scaling your product can put a strain on your resources and profitability.

Embedding: Embedding data tools that feel unique to your product can be a daunting task. While bespoke solutions offer a personalised touch, developing them often requires significant investment. For many startups, this trade-off between customisation and cost can be a difficult balance to strike.

Solution

One Source of Truth: Establishing a robust data stack requires input from multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering, and analysis. Each of these areas must be carefully considered to ensure the system is scalable, efficient, and aligned with the organisation’s goals. Without a dedicated team, it’s challenging to address these complexities effectively.

Cost Control: To optimise the data stack, we examined the scope of the SaaS tool and focused on how it was being used to determine the ideal frequency for data uploads. Our findings revealed that in nearly every scenario, data could be batch loaded overnight without impacting functionality. This approach significantly reduced operational costs while maintaining performance.

Impact

Clear Development: We helped FairHQ lay the foundation for their data stack by modelling core data around user behaviour, specifically, who was using their platform and how. This insight empowered them to make smarter, data-driven decisions about which features to develop, refine, or prioritise for their users.

Look & Feel: With the foundational data model in place, FairHQ’s internal development team took over to build and customise graphics tailored to their end users. This collaborative approach ensured that the visualisations aligned with their unique product vision while leveraging the structured data we provided.

Permissions: To enhance the user experience and maintain control, we utilised Metabase Pro’s permissioning features. This allowed FairHQ to assign different levels of access based on customer subscription tiers, offering flexibility and security while catering to diverse client needs.