How Urssaf Caisse nationale Achieved Digital Sovereignty Over Its Data with DigDash
In response to the proliferation of data visualization tools and data sovereignty challenges,Urssaf Caisse nationale has undertaken a major data transformation. Herbert Nyembo, deputy director of the IT department, discusses a strategic decision that places DigDash at the heart of the organization’s data architecture.
IN A NUTSHELL
Organization
Urssaf National Fund
Staff
16,000 (Enterprise License)
Issue
Harmonization of Data Visualization Tools & Digital Sovereignty
Solution
DigDash | Strategic Data Partner
Architecture
Data Fabric: Dremio + DigDash
A fragmented toolkit, a need for consistency
Like many organizations of its size, Urssaf found itself with a fragmented data ecosystem: Power BI, SAS, Spotfire… several data visualization tools coexisted, each serving specific purposes, but lacking overall consistency. The question was no longer which tool to use, but how to regain control.
“The main challenge was the large number of IT tools. Our strategic goal was to consolidate and standardize data visualization by selecting a single tool from this plethora.”
Herbert Nyembo, Deputy Director of IT, Urssaf National Fund
But technological streamlining was not the only driving force. As a public agency, Urssaf also had a fundamental responsibility: to set an example in the management of user data.
Digital sovereignty: an essential criterion
In a context where extraterritorial laws such as the CLOUD Act and FISA pose real risks to data hosted by non-European companies, Urssaf has made data sovereignty its top priority.
“A key objective was to achieve digital sovereignty and a form of independence in order to avoid extraterritorial legislation. Controlling the location of user data was a major concern.”
Herbert Nyembo
The desire to avoid vendor lock-in—that is, dependence on a single supplier whose shutdown or change in strategy could paralyze operations—shaped the entire thought process. A French solution, backed by sovereign capital, was the obvious choice.
Why choose DigDash over the market leaders?
Paradoxically, DigDash became the fifth tool in the URSSAF ecosystem following a rigorous comparative analysis of existing solutions. What could have been an obstacle turned out to be proof of its worth: DigDash outperformed the four solutions already in place on key criteria.
“Some of the leading tools on the market were too complex, hindering employee adoption and requiring costly external services. DigDash better met the key criteria: sovereignty, ease of use, secure interoperability with the IT system, and technical accessibility for all.”
Herbert Nyembo
The issue of sovereignty was a key factor, but it wasn’t the only one. URSSAF was also looking for a partner capable of growing alongside it, given that data needs were only going to increase.
DigDash at the Heart of Urssaf’s Data Factory
Urssaf has adopted a holistic approach to data. Rather than treating data visualization, governance, or quality as separate issues, it has built a coherent architecture called “Data Fabrique,” of which DigDash is one of the two central pillars, alongside Dremio.
The strategic decision was to clearly separate data preparation (Data Prep, performed upstream and centralized) from visualization, which was entrusted to DigDash. This centralized approach ensures that all dashboards are based on a single source of truth, thereby enhancing the quality of decision support.
“DigDash is designed to democratize data, making it viewable and accessible to all our employees. It is a standard office application available to Urssaf’s 16,000 employees.”
Herbert Nyembo
A true partnership, not just a business relationship
DigDash’s support was described as a “key factor” in the selection and success of the project. From training and process implementation to data visualization standardization and migration management, the DigDash teams were there every step of the way.
A “train-the-trainer” model has been implemented: DigDash trains internal Urssaf representatives, who then train all employees. Specific modules have even been developed to meet the organization’s unique needs.
“The support transformed the business relationship into a true partnership. The commitment to a ‘true partnership’ with the DigDash teams was a promise kept.”
Herbert Nyembo
Herbert Nyembo's Advice to Public Agencies
Drawing on this experience, Herbert Nyembo offers three lessons for public organizations undertaking a similar data transformation
About
Today, Urssaf exemplifies what a successful data transformation in the public sector can look like: ambitious in its principles, pragmatic in its execution, and based on a partnership built on trust. This approach demonstrates that digital sovereignty and operational performance are not mutually exclusive; rather, they reinforce one another.
