Leveraging Excel-based Business Intelligence for Micro-enterprise Growth: The Case Study of Brother’s Wagon Street Food Stall in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

In the present era of data-driven decision-making, businesses across the globe are increasingly adopting technologies and systems to gain competitive advantages. Research indicates that more than 90% of organizations, regardless of size, rely on data analytics and business intelligence tools to streamline their operations and improve performance. Importantly, this trend is no longer confined to established corporations and large-scale enterprises. Even small businesses, micro-enterprises, and those operating in the unorganized sector are embracing digital solutions to enhance efficiency. This case study focuses on a micro-enterprise in the unorganized food sector of Kolhapur city, highlighting its journey of adopting business analytics practices. The study demonstrates how the vendor systematically recorded sales, monitored expenses, and managed inventory using simple yet powerful tools like Microsoft Excel. By shifting from intuition-based decisions to data-supported strategies, the business was able to identify customer demand patterns, minimize wastage, and optimize resources. The results reveal that integrating business analytics not only improved day-to-day operational efficiency but also contributed to maximizing profitability, with the enterprise achieving nearly 60–70% gains. This case exemplifies the broader transformation occurring at the grassroots level, where micro and small-scale industries are leveraging digital practices to ensure sustainability, competitiveness, and long-term growth.