NEMT Experts Podcast Episode 17: Using Data to Drive Profit in NEMT with Cris Sierra VP at ComfortCare Transportation, and Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda.

Bambi CEO Nirav Chheda talks with Cris Sierra, VP at ComfortCare Transportation, about how NEMT operators of all sizes can use data & analytics to increase operational efficiency, increase safety, reduce cost, and drive revenue.

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See the full interview on YouTube:https://youtu.be/r_06MX-ufBg‍

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Also, available to watch on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/bambi-nemt/episodes/NEMT-Experts-Podcast-Episode-16-Using-Data-to-Drive-Profit-e2grkpv
And listen only on your other favorite podcast platforms Apple, Sticher, and Google Play.
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Podcast Show Notes:

Chris shared a compelling story about the significant reduction in accidents after implementing fleet telematics to monitor driving behavior. By educating drivers on the benefits, their company saw an increase from 94/95% to 99% of transports completed without safety incidents. This highlights the power of data analytics to identify areas of improvement and drive impactful safety and cost-reduction initiatives. Chris encourages NEMT operators to start small by identifying one specific area to focus on with their data analysis (example: on-time percentage). Commit to tracking that metric for a dedicated period of time (like 30 days) to unlock actionable insights for operational improvement.

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Key Takeaways

• Data analytics are essential for NEMT growth and success. Data provides actionable insights, helping operators make informed decisions to enhance operations and financial results.
• Data informs optimization. Analyzing historical data and trends helps NEMT businesses optimize routing and scheduling for improved efficiency, fuel cost reduction, and reduced travel/idle time.
• Data drives patient experience. Operators can track patient preferences, feedback, and trends for a better understanding of rider needs and how to enhance their experience.
• Start small, focus, and take action. While data analytics can be overwhelming, starting with a single key metric (like on-time percentage) and focusing intently will yield valuable results.
• Use data to empower decision-making. Don't guess; use concrete data to make operational changes, identify performance trends, and address issues.
• Telematics is a must. Fleet telematics offers invaluable data on optimizing routes, improving fuel efficiency, monitoring driver behavior, and enhancing vehicle maintenance practices.
• Software solutions are essential partners. Tools like Bambi provide the route optimization and scheduling support needed to leverage data insights and drive operational improvements.

Interesting Quotes

• "...data analytics can be an extremely powerful tool."
• " What you'll hear me say a lot is how is our data actionable?"
• "Instead of making an educated guess, you know, how do you know type of guess, you will have concrete data to help support that..."
• "...all these things from a data analytic perspective, equate back to your bottom line, how can you reduce expenses, reduce your cost and increase your overall revenue?"

Here are some time-stamped show notes:

• 00:00 Introduction
• ‍00:32 Cris’ background
• ‍04:13 NEMTAC advisory board
• ‍05:25 Overview of using data analytics
• ‍10:01 Measuring and taking action
• ‍17:50 Analytics for small fleets
• ‍23:27 Telematics
• ‍31:22 Improving safety, reducing cost
• ‍36:21 Final takeaway

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