Transforming data capabilities to get the most from UW workbench and pricing platforms: From strategy to execution

21 May 2025 — 1 min read

Insurance

Data & Analytics

Faced with fragmented systems, poor data maturity, and limited access to insights, a Lloyd’s syndicate needed a clear strategy and enhanced tools to unlock the value of its data. The project defined their data strategy, delivered a centralized data platform, enhanced underwriter insights through seven bespoke Power BI dashboards, and enabled self-sufficiency through handover training – significantly improving decision-making and operational efficiency.

Outcome 1: Modern EDW delivered: scalable enterprise data warehouse implemented to support future data needs and improved integration.
Outcome 2: 7 dashboards built: bespoke real-time insights tailored to underwriters.
Outcome 3: Self-service capabilities: enabled the business, for the first time in their history, create and execute their own reports without necessitating a request via the data team. This has drastically reduced the time it takes for the business to gain insights.

The challenge

In today’s market, Lloyd’s syndicates must harness data to remain competitive. Yet many are still hampered by fragmented systems, siloed data, and outdated technology. Our client was lacking a comprehensive, future-ready data strategy, and its reporting warehouse was no longer fit for purpose – it provided limited insight, caused operational inefficiencies, and hindered the business’s ability to make fast, data-driven decisions. The push to modernize was driven by rising pressure on underwriters to act quickly in a volatile market, and the wider strategic ambition to become a top-performing Lloyd’s syndicate.

The syndicate lacked a scalable and centralized platform for data management. Its legacy reporting data warehouse couldn’t integrate with emerging systems or deliver reliable management information. Underwriters faced delays, limited visibility, and manual effort to access key insights. The client needed a new enterprise data warehouse (EDW) that could deliver value fast and be extensible to handle all future data requirements – while ensuring minimal disruption to operations and building internal capability to own and manage the platform going forward.

The approach

We began by conducting a comprehensive data strategy engagement, assessing data maturity across the organization and identifying the improvements required across technology, governance, and processes, to increase the syndicate’s overall data maturity. This initial phase laid the foundation for delivery by confirming that continued investment in the legacy reporting data warehouse wasn’t viable. A new enterprise data warehouse (EDW) was designed and built, with end-to-end ETL (extract, transform, load) processes to migrate critical data into the new platform. We developed seven tailored Power BI dashboards to deliver real-time insights for underwriters, aligned to their unique workbench needs. Finally, we created detailed handover documentation and provided training to ensure the business and IT could maintain and build on the new capabilities with confidence.

Impact

The syndicate now has a modern, scalable data platform that meets their current and future reporting needs. Underwriters benefit from faster, clearer insight through real-time dashboards designed around their workflows. Redundant components of the old data warehouse have been decommissioned, simplifying data operations and reducing ongoing maintenance. With the handover complete, the internal teams are equipped to drive further adoption and expansion across the wider business. The result: stronger, faster, and more confident decision-making at the core of their underwriting operations.

Insurance Consulting