WTW links Radar with Databricks to speed insurer data

WTW has launched a Radar Connector for Databricks, adding a new integration to its Radar insurance analytics and pricing platform.

The connector links Radar with the Databricks Data Intelligence Platform. WTW said the integration reduces manual data movement and sets out a workflow for moving data and results between the two systems.

WTW said Radar users can select Databricks as a data source and retrieve data in a single step. After analysis, users can transfer results back into Databricks. WTW said users can also run these steps as part of automated processes.

Data workflow

The companies positioned the connector around operational changes in how insurers access and share data for pricing and analytics work. WTW said the connector "connects securely with Databricks". It also said the approach improves governance alongside analysis.

WTW said the connector reduces the time required for data updates. It said the "total turnaround time for a data update can now be completed within minutes".

Chris Halliday, Senior Director, Insurance Consulting and Technology, WTW, described the change as a move towards a more integrated user experience across data and modelling work.

"The integration of Radar with Databricks gives a more efficient experience for insurers. Combining this with Radar's existing capability to deploy Databricks machine learning models means Radar users can benefit from Databricks' data and AI infrastructure capabilities," said Chris Halliday, Senior Director, Insurance Consulting and Technology, WTW.

Databricks view

Databricks said the integration addresses how insurers manage structured and unstructured data alongside governance controls. The company pointed to Unity Catalog as part of the governed environment for data management.

"With Databricks, insurers can unify all their data - structured or unstructured - into a single, governed environment ready for Radar analysis. This integration turns that data into immediate, actionable insights by connecting Radar's advanced pricing models directly to Databricks Agent Bricks with unified governance powered by Unity Catalog. The result is faster decisions, stronger compliance and the agility to innovate confidently in a highly regulated industry," said Marcela Granados, Global Head of Insurance, Databricks.

WTW and Databricks described a two-way flow between the platforms. They said insurers can push Radar outputs back into Databricks for wider internal use. They also referenced visualisation and exploration through Databricks tools, including AI/BI Genie and Agent Bricks.

Radar positioning

WTW markets Radar as an end-to-end analytics and model deployment product designed for insurance use cases. The company said Radar includes machine learning algorithms, real-time decision-making, regulatory reporting, and deployment features.

Radar sits within WTW's Insurance Consulting and Technology business. WTW said more than 1,000 client companies use its specialist insurance software globally.

The connector adds to a set of integrations between insurance pricing tools and data platforms as insurers invest in consolidating data estates and standardising governance practices. WTW said the latest release also builds on Radar's existing ability to deploy Databricks machine learning models.

WTW said insurers can run the new data retrieval and write-back steps as part of automated processes, as the connector becomes available to Radar users working with Databricks.