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Banca Intesa Beograd’s advanced reporting engine boosts productivity, efficiency and customer experience

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Leading bank in Serbia uses SAS Visual Analytics on SAS Viya to derive real-time insights that guide strategy, performance and innovation

CARY, N.C., Nov. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Banca Intesa Beograd, the Serbian unit of international banking group Intesa Sanpaolo, has launched an interactive reporting system with data and AI leader SAS to further democratize analytics in its operations. The result: more efficient processes, improved risk management and enhanced customer experience.

A reporting engine powered by SAS enables Banca Intesa Beograd execs and employees to monitor performance in real time

“We are creating a corporate culture where decisions are based on data analytics,” said Zoran Šiljković, Head of Commercial Planning and Reporting at Banca Intesa Beograd. “This enables us to make more accurate predictions, identify opportunities and reduce risks.”

Turning data into democratized insights
Banca Intesa’s advanced reporting engine was developed using SAS® Enterprise Guide® and SAS Visual Analytics on SAS® Viya®. It allows senior leadership and bank employees alike to monitor real-time performance and progress – delivering concrete insights on revenues, fees and commissions, risk mitigation, customer retention, cross-sell opportunities and more – so they can adjust as necessary.

The retail dashboard alone – one of several dashboards on the platform – is a “mega repository” of over 80 easy-to-understand graphical reports for Banca Intesa’s various segments, including mass market, small business, transactional and pricing. It incorporates all sorts of data: internal and external; categorical and numerical; third-party, customer and transactional. Reports are widely accessible across the bank’s 2,000 employees and available in multiple formats to accommodate users’ diverse devices and reporting needs.

The reporting system’s popularity is a testament to the value it delivers. An average of 1,400 unique users access its dashboards monthly, opening nearly 200 distinct reports and registering almost 160,000 logs. Šiljković said the dashboards help the bank “recognize customer behavior and be proactive” in adapting to fluid market dynamics and its 1.4 million clients’ evolving needs.

“Analytics enables us to make strategic but also operative and tactical decisions and optimize processes to better understand customer behavior, provide personalized offers, and more effectively meet customers’ expectations and needs,” he said.

All the strategic data – on one page
Among the retail dashboard’s dozens of reports, two recent additions are making a big impact, according to Šiljković. The One Executive Page was created to simplify reporting for Banca Intesa executives, synthesizing insights from dozens of subreports into a singular view.

“One Page was born out of some specific business needs of management,” Šiljković said, “especially board members, who needed more effective, immediate reporting [that was] easy to access and understand, with clear information to reduce decision-making time.”

Šiljković said the first step was to ensure accurate, consistent, reliable data. “Thanks to SAS technology,” he said, “we were able to ensure the accuracy of the data and automate the creation and distribution of reports, which can be accessed by top management in real time and via mobile devices.

“The initial idea was to create a report with strategic data on a single page – hence the name, One Executive Page. In reality, the report is interactive, and with SAS Visual Analytics, accessible in multiple formats – tables, graphs, descriptions, etc. The manager decides whether to see everything on one page or to deepen certain data and insights with other views.”

A real-time view into employee performance
The second new component of the dashboard, Performance and KPI Scheme, has quickly become “a standard in the bank,” said Šiljković. Used by nearly 1,400 employees, its interface allows staff to check their up-to-the-minute performance and productivity.

“No IT knowledge is needed to use the dashboard,” he said. “It is really very simple and intuitive. Every employee can see the results of their KPIs at any time, in real time. All employees can understand how they are performing and decide in real time if, where and how to improve their performance.

“And Performance and KPI Scheme doesn’t just show employees their results; it ties in their projected financial incentives owing to an interactive calculator created in SAS Visual Analytics.”

Building on pillars of success
Banca Intesa Beograd is no newcomer to SAS. The bank has used SAS solutions in critical areas like risk management since 2011 to help support what Šiljković identified as the bank’s three key pillars of success: technological innovation, data-driven decision making, and investment in talent and skills.

“It’s easy to see why Banca Intesa Beograd has been a banking leader in Serbia for many years,” said Stu Bradley, Senior Vice President of Risk, Fraud and Compliance Solutions at SAS. “The bank’s commitment to a data-driven culture to benefit its customers is deeply ingrained, extending to every employee. The integration of its data on a single, AI-powered platform will enhance agility across the bank, as employees at every level are empowered to make quicker, better-informed decisions.”

Šiljković agreed that making the tools accessible to everyday users has been crucial.

“The integration of AI opens many new opportunities for us to achieve success through innovation,” he said. “Motivating our employees to learn data analysis guarantees that Banca Intesa Beograd continues as the leader in industry developments.

“SAS tools have helped accelerate the democratization of analytics in the bank, because they enable users of all skills, even those without technical knowledge, to intuitively work with data.”

About SAS
SAS is a global leader in data and AI. With SAS software and industry-specific solutions, organizations transform data into trusted decisions. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2024 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Editorial Contacts:

Trey Whittenton

Danielle Bates

Trey.Whittenton@sas.com 

Danielle.Bates@sas.com 

919-531-6829 

919-531-1959

sas.com/news

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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