Philadelphia Zorg provides care and support to people with intellectual disabilities across hundreds of locations nationwide, including in-home services. "Our goal is to enable clients to live as normal and independent a life as possible," says Jasper Drenth, Manager of Information Services at Philadelphia Zorg. “Technology and data are playing an increasingly crucial role in that. For instance, by equipping clients with smart tools, but also by using quality data and intelligent systems to make our services more efficient. This frees up more time for what truly matters: delivering quality care. Less admin, more meaningful interaction and support. It also helps us retain enough motivated staff and keeps our care affordable.”
The challenge: Traditional architecture no longer fit for modern data demands
Drenth continues: “In recent years, the information needs within our organization have become more complex. We’re creating more and more data products, such as dashboards combining data from multiple sources, and we’re unlocking data for uses like smart home systems, chatbots, and business applications. Demand is also growing for deep-dive analytics and data science. The challenge is to allow all these applications to coexist seamlessly without hindering each other.”
Philadelphia had relied on a traditional data warehouse architecture for many years. “Our on-premises environment wasn’t flexible enough to support our ambitions,” says Drenth. “Developing new data solutions and combining sources took too much time. The architecture was also unsuitable for integrating BI, analytics, and intelligent automation. We clearly needed a foundation that would prepare us for the future.”
The solution: A flexible, future-proof data platform
“We started by designing a new data architecture built around principles like minimal data duplication. Then we launched a comprehensive selection process, asking multiple vendors to propose technology aligned with our new architecture. Beyond tech recommendations, we specifically requested support and technical management to ensure a stable infrastructure so we could focus on developing data products. Axians, a Dutch solution partner of CData, stood out as the only partner able to offer the complete package. Their knowledge and experience with various data virtualization solutions was another key differentiator,” Drenth explains.
“Together, we built a modern data platform where all data is centralized with minimal duplication or delay. The core of the platform is built on Microsoft Azure, and we use Snowflake for storage and computing. We also use CData to unlock, integrate, and replicate our data in real time, regardless of structure, technology, or location. This makes our data more readily and intelligently available for a wide range of applications. More importantly, it gives us the freedom to choose the best integration strategy for any situation, vastly improving our flexibility and scalability.”
“Our platform now supports not just business intelligence but also secure data science and automation of operational processes. In the future, it will integrate closely with our ESB and RPA solutions,” says Drenth. “Thanks to this new setup, we can drastically reduce the time-to-market for new data products. The technical foundation is in place, and we’ve begun phasing out the old environment. For example, we’re currently linking the platform to the IT service desk, which will provide real-time insights into ticket volumes, trends, and areas for process improvement.”
“The core of the platform is built on Microsoft Azure, and we use Snowflake for storage and computing. We also use CData to unlock, integrate, and replicate our data in real time, regardless of structure, technology, or location.”
- Jasper Drenth, Manager of Information Services at Philadelphia Zorg
The outcome: From dashboards to digital assistants
Drenth sees this as just the beginning of what the platform can deliver. “The potential is enormous. New data solutions can now be developed much faster, allowing us to respond to organizational needs more quickly and efficiently. But what excites me most is the foundation this lays for groundbreaking innovation.”
“We’re moving toward a future where our data platform supports care processes with smart technologies. Imagine if our care professionals had all relevant data available in a single app in real time—whether it’s performance insights, voice-enabled reporting, submitting an HR change, or receiving algorithm-based recommendations from our data scientists. This makes data truly useful and relevant to end users. Of course, data quality, governance, and compliance remain essential to ensure secure and reliable data processing.”
“Our ambition is to eventually provide every employee with a virtual assistant and every client with a digital buddy—think AI agents and chatbots. These digital helpers will go beyond just informing; they’ll support task execution and translate insights directly into action. Imagine not needing to check dashboards because your assistant simply tells you what’s going on and what you should do. For clients, this should promote greater self-sufficiency and independence, helping them lead as normal a life as possible. In addition to virtual agents, we’re also exploring social robotics extensively.”
“New data solutions can now be developed much faster, allowing us to respond to organizational needs more quickly and efficiently. But what excites me most is the foundation this lays for groundbreaking innovation.”
- Jasper Drenth, Manager of Information Services at Philadelphia Zorg
Data in service of better care
For Philadelphia, the new data platform is far more than just an IT solution. “It’s a tool to improve the quality of our care. Less administrative burden, more time with clients, and an organization empowered to innovate. We’re building a future where technology lightens the workload and allows our staff to focus on what really matters: caring for people.”
CData Virtuality: Powering smarter care with seamless data integration
CData Virtuality enables healthcare organizations like Philadelphia Zorg to modernize their data infrastructure and achieve measurable business impact—delivering faster, more personalized, and more efficient care. With real-time, governed access to data across all systems, CData empowers staff to reduce administrative burden, make better decisions at the point of care, and dedicate more time to what truly matters: improving lives. Discover how CData can turn your data into a catalyst for better outcomes.
