The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry acts on the behalf of the international recording industry. This large organisation acts for 1,500 record producers and distributors in 76 countries worldwide. Overview The IFPI Secretariat is responsible for co-ordinating international strategies in the key areas of the organisation's work, such as anti-piracy enforcement, technology, legal strategies, litigation and public relations. It also lobbies governments and has representation in international organisations. Based in London with links to regional offices in Brussels, Hong Kong, Miami, Moscow, etc. the Secretariat is the recording industry's most authoritative source of market research and information, providing a comprehensive range of global industry statistics. The Requirements The Market Research department within the IFPI produce several annual publications concerning music market sales figures. To collate this information from around d the globe, they rely on representatives from regional offices to supply the music sales figures to them. Traditionally this was done using Excel templates that regional offices entered their data into. The data was then consolidated and analysed by several members of the IFPI Market Research department who produce a bi-yearly report announcing the music sales figures. Traditionally, mistakes would slip in and the figures would undergo a revision, and would be issued again in a summary and so the report would became out of date quite quickly. The Solution Market Data Online (MDO) To simplify and streamline the submission and publication process, Alchemy created a web based database system which would enable users to submit their data into a database. This data could then be checked and verified before it was allowed to be viewed by the public. By having a web based system, the reporting of the data was less open to interpretation so the quality and validity of the data was markedly increased and the speed at which the publications could be produced was much quicker. With all the data stored in the database it can be viewed in many ways. We utilised this aspect to produce a web based version of the paper publications which allowed changes to be made immediately. The system also features an analysis area which allows comparisons betweens country's data and that of previous years. This is a vast improvement on the paper based reporting which could never be analysed so comprehensively. The analysis tools in particular decreased the amount of phone requests the IFPI had, allowing them more time to devote to more important tasks. The system also saves them money as they have no need to reprint the reports.
Testimonial "In developing the system, we found working with Alchemy took almost all of the pain out of system development. The Alchemy team were focused on our requirements, but ready to challenge them or suggest even better alternatives. Alchemy were flexible, committed, and delivered consistently - the apparent simplicity and clear design of the system perfectly hides all the complexities behind it's development, as it should. The team worked hard to overcome snags and always made sure our expectations were realistic, but we have not been disappointed with the results - the MRO was launched to our members in June, to rave reviews all round. We are still working with Alchemy on enhancements and the company has built a strong reputation within IFPI." Keith Jopling, Director, Market Research, IFPI