Problem Statement
Our client, a leading enterprise in the software industry, faced a critical need to provide robust reporting capabilities for their large database. The challenge was to develop a solution that not only offered powerful data visualizations but could also be seamlessly embedded into any third-party application. This case study outlines the successful implementation of an integrated reporting system using Superset, an open-source business intelligence tool.
Client Requirements:
- Embeddable Reporting: The client required a reporting solution that could be seamlessly integrated into various third-party applications, irrespective of the underlying technology stack.
- High Performance: The reporting system is needed to handle large datasets efficiently, ensuring fast and responsive user experiences.
- Independent Database: To avoid impacting the performance of the client’s application database, a separate reporting database (slave database) was essential.
- Diverse Visualizations: The reporting tool had to support a wide array of visualization options, from simple charts to complex dashboards, catering to diverse user needs.
- Single Sign-On (SSO): Security was a top priority, and the client mandated the incorporation of Single Sign-On for secure and streamlined authentication.
- Role Based Access: The client required reporting dashboard should be role based accessible including data filters.
Solution Overview
The chosen solution involved the implementation of Apache Superset, an open-source business intelligence platform. The following key features were integrated to meet the client’s requirements:
- Superset Integration: Superset was chosen for its flexibility, extensibility, and active community support. Its open-source nature aligned well with the client’s preference for customizable solutions.
- Slave Database for Performance: To ensure high performance and eliminate the risk of impacting the main application database, a dedicated slave database was set up to store the reporting data. This not only enhanced performance but also provided a separation of concerns.
- Independence from Application Database: Superset was configured to connect to the slave database, ensuring independence from the application database. This separation allowed for optimized reporting without affecting the day-to-day operations of the client’s core application.
- Diverse Visualization Options: Superset’s extensive library of visualization options was leveraged to cater to various reporting needs. From simple pie charts to complex geospatial visualizations, the tool provided a rich set of options for users to create compelling reports.
- Single Sign-On Authentication: Security was enhanced through the implementation of Single Sign-On, allowing users to authenticate seamlessly across the reporting tool and the integrated third-party applications. This streamlined access control and ensured data privacy.
Tech Stack leveraged
1. Apache Superset
- Open-source business intelligence platform.
- Known for its extensibility and flexibility.
- Active community support for ongoing development and customization.
2. Slave Database: Database Management System (DBMS)
- PostgreSQL chosen for reliability and performance.
- Dedicated slave database for storing reporting data separately.
3. Single Sign-On (SSO): Authentication Protocol
- Implemented using LDAP for seamless and secure user authentication.
4. Integration with Third-Party Applications: APIs and SDKs
- Utilized RESTful APIs and JavaScript SDKs for easy communication.
- Enabled seamless integration with various third-party application architectures.
5. Containerization: Container Orchestration
- Docker used for containerization.
6. Monitoring and Logging: Monitoring Tools
- Prometheus and Grafana for real-time monitoring.
- ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, Kibana) for centralized logging.
7. Security Measures: SSL/TLS Encryption
- Let’s Encrypt used for secure data transmission.
8. Firewall and Access Control
- Security Groups implemented for unauthorized access prevention.
Benefits Delivered
- Seamless Integration: The Superset-based reporting system seamlessly integrated into multiple third-party applications, irrespective of the technology stack. This allowed clients to leverage robust reporting capabilities without disrupting their existing workflows.
- High-Performance Reporting: The use of a dedicated slave database significantly improved the performance of reporting operations, ensuring that users experienced fast and responsive interactions with the reporting tool.
- Independent Database Operation: The separation of reporting and application databases ensured that the client’s core application continued to operate at optimal efficiency, free from the resource-intensive reporting queries.
- Rich Visualization Options: Superset’s diverse set of visualization options empowered users to create insightful reports, dashboards, and visualizations that catered to a wide range of business requirements.
- Secure Single Sign-On: Single Sign-On implementation enhanced security, providing a seamless and secure authentication process for users accessing the reporting tool from within third-party applications.