Modernising analytics platforms to ensure safe transition from legacy systems
- Healthcare
- NCDR to UDAL
- Data and analytics
Executive summary
Large organisations depend on analytical teams to make timely, evidence-based decisions. When those teams are tied to legacy platforms, change becomes slow, costly and risky, particularly in regulated environments where data security and continuity are critical.
This case study shows how a structured, people-centred migration approach can move critical analytical work onto a modern platform without disruption. The same principles apply across public sector and regulated organisations modernising data infrastructure while maintaining trust, capability and momentum.
The problem we solved
NHS England needed to transition its analytical teams away from the National Commissioning Data Repository, a legacy platform that no longer met the organisation’s needs for scale, performance or interoperability.
A modern alternative already existed in the form of the Unified Data Access Layer, a secure, cloud-based analytics platform designed to support future demand. However, adoption was low. Analytical teams relied heavily on established tools and processes, and there was limited confidence that migration could happen without disrupting critical reporting and insight.
The challenge extended beyond technology. NHS England needed to move people, processes and data safely, while ensuring teams were supported, governance was clear and the new platform could meet evolving analytical requirements. Without a structured approach, migration risked fragmentation, duplicated effort and loss of confidence in the platform.
What we did
Answer Digital worked closely with NHS England to lead a structured migration of key analytical teams onto the Unified Data Access Layer.
We partnered with analysts and service owners to understand how teams worked in practice and what they needed from the platform. This informed a repeatable migration approach that prioritised continuity of service, performance and security.
Alongside migration delivery, we supported optimisation of the platform to improve governance, reliability and cost efficiency. We also focused on enablement, delivering hands-on training and clear documentation so teams could operate independently and adopt the platform with confidence.
The long-term impact
Multiple NHS England analytical teams were successfully migrated, including Cancer Waiting Times, Maternity and Neonatal, Pharmacy, and Regional Performance and Analysis teams. This reduced reliance on the legacy platform, supporting cost savings and improved operational efficiency.
The Unified Data Access Layer was strengthened through improved security, data governance and performance. A managed approach to platform configuration helped balance scalability and cost as usage increased.
A standardised migration framework is now in place, allowing future transitions to be delivered more quickly and consistently. Analysts were equipped with the skills and understanding needed to work independently on the platform, supported by clear governance and documentation.
Although NHS England has temporarily paused further migrations while reassessing the role of the platform alongside the ‘FDP first’ initiative, the work completed has positioned the organisation for future change. The foundations are in place for faster, safer and more scalable transitions as the data strategy evolves.
How we can help your business upgrade from legacy sustems too
If your organisation needs to move critical teams off legacy analytics platforms without disrupting day-to-day decision-making, we can help.
Answer Digital works with public sector and regulated organisations to plan and deliver migrations that put people and continuity first. We help you modernise data platforms in a way that builds capability, maintains trust and supports long-term sustainability.