Utilities embracing GIS migration for operational efficiency.
Utilities are navigating a critical transformation in geographic information systems (GIS) to enhance asset management and meet increasing customer demands. With the phased-out legacy ArcMAP systems, organizations must modernize their approaches to improve efficiency while addressing complexities during GIS migration. Key considerations include decoupling design processes from GIS to minimize disruptions and optimize workflows. The article highlights the benefits of a connected ecosystem and the importance of leveraging advanced technologies in the transition.
In the increasingly complex world of utility asset management, the integration of geographic information systems (GIS) is undergoing a transformation. The need for appointed changes is critical, as legacy systems face obsolescence due to evolving technologies and the proliferation of service providers. A key factor prompting this need for change is the impending sunset of ArcMAP next year, pushing utilities to consider new system migrations to remain competitive and effective.
Utilities are compelled to modernize their infrastructure in response to growing customer demand, which also necessitates quicker project timelines. As organizations strive to meet these demands, the process of simplifying GIS migration has become essential for realizing the value of these digital transformation investments.
A significant consideration in GIS migration is the readiness of the design process. Design and GIS are inherently intertwined, influencing workflows critical to both asset management and field execution. Approaching GIS upgrades as a straightforward technical lift-and-shift project can often lead to complications. When utilities tightly couple their GIS with enterprise implementations and custom integrations, they risk facing complex data transformations and disrupted workflows.
Utilities find themselves at a crossroads, deciding between an all-at-once migration approach that may cause maximum disruption and a phased approach that can delay financial returns. A recommended strategy is to decouple design functions from GIS, which can result in a much smoother transition and better project outcomes.
Current GIS systems may not be equipped to handle design tasks effectively. Specialized tools like CAD systems and Excel are much better suited for these purposes. By extracting design workflows early in the process, utilities can improve efficiency and reduce the overall scope required for migration.
The advantages of decoupling design from GIS systems are numerous. Utilities that opt for this strategy can experience cleaner migrations, workloads that are easier to manage, enhanced GIS performance, and a reduction in the need for extensive customizations to their operational models. Since design has implications across various functions, including construction planning and the development of digital twins, maintaining flexibility during GIS migration is crucial.
When design remains embedded within GIS, it can lead to rigid workflows and create potential disconnections across systems. To ensure compliance with engineering standards, it becomes essential to automate procurement and construction workflows through the decoupling of design functions. Automated design processes can also prevent costly errors and mismatches during field operations.
Taking this approach not only enhances efficiency but also mitigates migration risks. The process of GIS migration offers an opportunity for comprehensive modernization that can significantly expedite project delivery. By decoupling design and GIS, utility teams can better concentrate on their respective areas of expertise, paving the way for improved collaboration and informed decision-making.
Implementing transition architecture can significantly bolster system reliability while reducing errors, supporting an agile project execution environment. Experts within the industry stress the importance of modernizing both design and construction workflows during GIS migration to ensure successful outcomes.
The inclusion of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and automation into migration efforts leads to more efficient operations and addresses potential inefficiencies. The urgency to act is palpable, as delaying the decoupling of design from GIS may perpetuate inefficiencies in upcoming migrations, creating further challenges for utilities.
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