Case study · Insurance · SQL Server
Helvetia Consolidated 30 Million Records from 52 Access Databases into SQL Server
Helvetia is a Swiss insurance group with a strong presence across Europe. Its sales and claims data sat in 52 separate Microsoft Access databases (AccessDB), holding around 30 million records between them.
- 52 Access databases consolidated into one
- Queries under 10 seconds
- 25–30 hours saved per month
Results at a glance
52 → 1
Access databases consolidated into a single SQL Server database
~30M
records migrated onto one platform
<10 s
query times, down from several minutes
25–30 h
estimated time saved per month
The Challenge
The fragmented setup limited storage, performance and flexibility, which made it hard to analyze data and produce timely reports. Relying on many AccessDB files made data management complex and inefficient.
Storage Limits
AccessDB's size constraints forced data to be split across numerous files. The fragmentation made it hard to get a complete view of business operations.
Slow Queries
Querying 52 separate databases was extremely time-consuming, which delayed analysis and reporting and slowed decision-making.
Inflexibility
Changing the schema, such as adding or removing columns, or applying complex business logic and data transformations across separate AccessDB files was cumbersome and resource-intensive.
The Solution
Helvetia engaged HabileLabs to replace the fragmented setup with a modern, efficient data management solution.
Centralized Data Migration
HabileLabs migrated all data from the 52 AccessDB files into a single SQL Server database, bringing approximately 30 million records onto one accessible platform.
Performance Optimization
HabileLabs optimized data structures and query processes in SQL Server, which significantly improved query performance.
Scalable and Flexible Architecture
SQL Server gives Helvetia a scalable platform for future data growth. Schemas can be modified easily, and complex business rules and data transformations can be added as needed.
Business Impact
Queries Under 10 Seconds
Query times dropped from several minutes to under 10 seconds, speeding up reporting cycles and data-driven decisions.
25–30 Hours Saved per Month
With no manual merging and much faster queries, Helvetia saves an estimated 25–30 hours per month.
Efficiency
With all data in one SQL Server database, the manual work of merging and reconciling data from multiple sources is gone.
Scalability and Flexibility
The SQL Server environment can accommodate growing data volumes and changing business requirements.
Why Helvetia Chose HabileLabs
Proven expertise
HabileLabs showed a deep understanding of data migration and database technologies, particularly Microsoft SQL Server.
Tailored strategy
HabileLabs set out a clear strategy built around Helvetia's specific challenges and objectives.
Efficient execution
The migration was carried out smoothly, with minimal disruption to Helvetia's operations.
Close collaboration
HabileLabs worked closely with Helvetia's team throughout the project and kept communication clear.
Conclusion
Planning something similar?
Moving from a fragmented AccessDB environment to a single SQL Server database removed Helvetia's limits on storage, performance and flexibility. The result is greater efficiency, much faster queries, significant time savings and a platform that can scale with future growth.