Forging Connections: What Is the Cost of Not Being Digitally Smart?

With more than 18 years of experience as the founder, CEO, and president of Acumen Analytics, Kathleen Brunner’s love for numbers is evident. To talk about the key role data plays in solving problems, Brunner sits down with host Michelle Dawn Mooney.

With today technological advancements, almost everything captures some form of data. The key is “smart data…having data that’s effective, efficient, formatted in a way that can be acted upon and used for decision making, and leveraged in order to improve outcomes,” Brunner explained. For Acumen Analytics, their focus is on the healthcare industry and, specifically, the patient side of the business, which is why collecting the right data matters.

“When I talk about smart data, I’m talking about the ability to use advanced analytics and the power of data and technology,” Brunner said. Utilizing the right data can be both a differentiator and a transformational asset that can not only reduce costs but improve outcomes and accelerate problem solving. Poorly utilized data or lower data quality, however, can lead to bad decisions and higher costs, making it pertinent that the data is useable, clean, and in the desired format.

To start utilizing data, Brunner advises to look at areas that are silent, such as manual processes, and take “a look at where you can begin…this is the key to digital transformation.”

Acumen Analytics uses this innovative practice to accelerate and improve patient outcomes. With harmonized systems, Acumen transforms the patient experience. “I think the key to success is understanding where and which technology is relevant and then make your decision on investing,” Brunner explained.

Companies interested in utilizing smart data must be able to mitigate the risk around the transformation of technology. Brunner emphasized, “Make technology not the driver, but the enabler.”

To learn more visit the Sparta Systems and/or Honeywell Forge website(s).