Case Study Database Performance Optimization

The Challenge:

When a client came to The Farber Consulting Group, Inc., they were stuck in a frustrating situation: their SQL Server database was causing significant slowdowns. The system was packed with over 800 stored procedures and functions, and some were so interwoven that one function would call another up to 10 levels deep. This tangled setup created processing bottlenecks, making daily operations sluggish and difficult to manage.

The client’s database had become a real headache. Tasks were taking longer, costs were going up, and scaling to meet growing business needs seemed nearly impossible. It was clear that a complete performance overhaul was in order, and they needed a team that could bring both efficiency and simplicity to their complex database setup.

Our Approach:

Our team of SQL database experts got to work with a deep dive into the client’s SQL Server database. We focused on optimizing the database in a way that would tackle the core issues head-on. Here’s a quick breakdown of what we did:

The Key Steps We Took:

Reworking the Queries

First, we looked at each query’s “execution plan” to understand why some queries were running so slowly. By streamlining the queries, reducing unnecessary joins, and eliminating repetitive function calls, we managed to make them far more efficient. This change meant the system used less CPU and memory, helping speed things up across the board.

Cleaning Up Stored Procedures

With 800+ stored procedures and functions in the system, we had to address the issue of interlinked functions. We reorganized these procedures to cut down the levels of nested calls, making the whole process more direct and far less taxing on the system. Breaking down these complex chains resulted in smoother, faster processing.

Tuning the Indexes

Indexing can make a world of difference, so we took a close look at the client’s current indexes. We revamped outdated or unused indexes and implemented more efficient ones. These optimized indexes helped speed up data retrieval times, reduced page reads, and eased the load on the server.

Restructuring the Database

To keep things running smoothly in the long term, we restructured parts of the database. We organized tables more effectively, simplified data relationships, and removed anything unnecessary. This restructuring helped make the database scalable and easier to manage, setting the client up for future growth without major hiccups.

The Results:

Our approach led to some big wins for the client:

• 45% Faster Query Times: The optimized queries, restructured procedures, and tuned indexes led to a 45% drop in query execution times. The database is much quicker and more responsive, letting the client get things done faster.
  
  
• Smarter Resource Use: The database is now more efficient, using fewer resources, which also helps keep operating costs down. CPU usage and memory demand dropped, thanks to the improved structure and streamlined processes.
  
  
• A More Scalable System: Beyond the immediate boost in performance, we set up the database so it’s easier to maintain and scale as the client’s business grows. Their IT team can now manage the database more easily, and the client can handle increased workloads without system slowdowns.

What’s Next?

With their SQL Server now optimized, the client can focus on what really matters: growing their business. By working together, we turned a lagging, tangled database into a streamlined, efficient tool that empowers the client to keep moving forward.