EXL and Databricks deliver high-performance analytics solution to improve patient scheduling and access for a leading healthcare organization
An industry-leading healthcare provider organization was hampered by an outdated SQL server-based data warehouse. This caused significant performance bottlenecks and limited their ability to leverage advanced analytics.
By partnering with EXL to implement a modern data architecture powered by the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, the client transformed its data infrastructure. The new solution greatly reduced data processing time from eight hours down to just 20 minutes, enabled near real-time insights to improve patient access, and established a scalable foundation for future AI and machine learning initiatives.
Challenge: Overcoming performance bottlenecks and data delays
As a prominent healthcare operator, the client relies on timely and accurate data to manage patient access operations and make strategic business decisions. Their existing SQL server-based data warehouse was struggling to keep up with the organization's growth.
The legacy system presented several critical roadblocks:
- Performance bottlenecks: Data processing was extremely slow, taking up to eight hours to complete. This caused significant delays in data availability for analytics.
- Scalability issues: The architecture could not effectively handle the growing volume and variety of data from on-premise and cloud sources.
- Data governance gaps: There was a limited ability to manage and secure data efficiently, creating compliance and security risks.
- Advanced analytics limitations: The infrastructure could not support machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives, hindering the organization's ability to innovate.
These inefficiencies delayed crucial insights and restricted the client's ability to use their data as a strategic asset.
Solution: A modern architecture powered by EXL and Databricks
EXL leveraged its deep expertise in data management and its partnership with Databricks to design and implement a modern solution. After deploying Medallion Architecture on Microsoft Azure, EXL consolidated the client's on-premise and cloud-based analytics into a single, unified system powered by the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform.
Key features of the EXL and Databricks solution included:
- High-speed processing: Databricks' distributed computing platform quickly and fundamentally re-engineered the entire data processing workflow, enabling highly efficient and reliable data pipelines.
- Medallion architecture: A multi-layered data model (bronze, silver, and gold layers) was introduced to simplify data refinement, improve data quality, and enhance accessibility.
- Centralized data governance: The Databricks platform provided a robust control center and compliance management system across all data assets.
- Advanced analytics and reporting: EXL deployed Power BI for advanced reporting and visualization to lay the groundwork for predictive modeling and full ML lifecycle management.
- Cost-efficient Azure integration: By building on the scalable Azure environment, the solution can easily onboard new data sources without requiring expensive vertical scaling.
Results: A quantum leap in speed, scale, and insight
The collaboration between EXL and Databricks delivered transformative results, directly addressing the client's core challenges and unlocking new capabilities.
- 20X reduction in processing time: Data processing time plummeted from eight hours to just 20 minutes. Data refresh frequency improved from every 12 hours to every hour, providing near real-time insights.
- Vastly improved performance: Load-based performance scaling offers near real-time responsiveness, even during peak usage. Operational lags and latency were virtually eliminated.
- Seamless scalability and flexibility: The solution scales effortlessly with business growth, allowing for the integration of new data sources without costly infrastructure upgrades.
- Advanced analytics readiness: This new, robust platform for advanced analytics featured enhanced Power BI reporting to provide deeper insights. The client is now fully prepared to support ML and AI initiatives.
- Enhanced cost efficiency: Leveraging Azure’s scalable cloud environment eliminated the need for expensive hardware investments while maintaining superior performance.
Conclusion: Paving the way for data-driven healthcare
By partnering with EXL and embracing the power of the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform, the client has transformed its data infrastructure from a liability into a strategic asset. This project demonstrates how investing in a modern, scalable data architecture can drive dramatic improvements in operational efficiency, enhance patient access operations, and unlock the full potential of advanced analytics.