Best Practices in GIS ImplementationBest Practices in GIS Implementation

Mark Robbins, ESRIMark Robbins, ESRI

AgendaAgenda

• Overview of the GIS Planning & Implementation ProcessOverview of the GIS Planning & Implementation Process– The “Why” PartThe “Why” Part

• Planning & Implementation StepsPlanning & Implementation Steps– The “How” PartThe “How” Part

• Planning & Implementation ‘Best Practices’ Planning & Implementation ‘Best Practices’

What’s the Purpose of this Session?What’s the Purpose of this Session?

• Encourage successful organization-wide GIS ImplementationEncourage successful organization-wide GIS Implementation

– Help you understand how technology fits within the organizational objectivesHelp you understand how technology fits within the organizational objectives

– Broaden the perspective of Implementation to be more than a specific project or Broaden the perspective of Implementation to be more than a specific project or technology implementationtechnology implementation

– Help you understand how important the “planning” is to the success of the GIS Help you understand how important the “planning” is to the success of the GIS ImplementationImplementation

Why is Implementation Planning Necessary?Why is Implementation Planning Necessary?

• Now more than ever, short and long term planning are critical to successful Now more than ever, short and long term planning are critical to successful on-going GIS Implementationon-going GIS Implementation– Technology has evolved and is now more integrated and interdependent than ever Technology has evolved and is now more integrated and interdependent than ever

beforebefore– Business needs have evolved and demand better planning to meet those needsBusiness needs have evolved and demand better planning to meet those needs

• Implementation Planning is proactive problem solvingImplementation Planning is proactive problem solving– Implementation: Implementation: “to carry out: ACCOMPLISH: esp.“to carry out: ACCOMPLISH: esp. to give practical effect to and ensure of actual to give practical effect to and ensure of actual

fulfillment by concrete measures.” - Websterfulfillment by concrete measures.” - Webster

Overview of Implementation Planning StepsOverview of Implementation Planning Steps

1.1. Identify GIS Business Objectives and current Business ProcessesIdentify GIS Business Objectives and current Business Processes

2.2. Determine the Technology and System Infrastructure Readiness to Meet Determine the Technology and System Infrastructure Readiness to Meet the GIS Business Objectivesthe GIS Business Objectives  

3.3. Determine GIS Database Readiness to Meet the GIS Business ObjectivesDetermine GIS Database Readiness to Meet the GIS Business Objectives

4.4. Determine Organization Readiness to Meet the GIS Business ObjectivesDetermine Organization Readiness to Meet the GIS Business Objectives

5.5. Develop Enterprise GIS Implementation Plan to Meet the GIS Business Develop Enterprise GIS Implementation Plan to Meet the GIS Business ObjectivesObjectives

6.6. Validate the Implementation Plan meets the GIS Business Objectives in Validate the Implementation Plan meets the GIS Business Objectives in R&D LabR&D Lab

Step 1. Identify GIS Business Objectives and Business ProcessesStep 1. Identify GIS Business Objectives and Business Processes

• A successful implementation depends on a clear understanding of the A successful implementation depends on a clear understanding of the organization’s GIS business needs, which must be met by the GIS.organization’s GIS business needs, which must be met by the GIS.

• If the business needs are not met the entire implementation is at risk. If the business needs are not met the entire implementation is at risk.

• While a Business Analyst usually performs these tasks using systematic While a Business Analyst usually performs these tasks using systematic and proven methods, it is possible to conduct in-house analysis.and proven methods, it is possible to conduct in-house analysis.

Define the GIS Business Define the GIS Business NeedNeed

• What are the organizations Critical Success Factors?What are the organizations Critical Success Factors?– ProfitabilityProfitability– Public Facilities StewardshipPublic Facilities Stewardship– Public SafetyPublic Safety

• What are the GIS Business Needs that support these Critical What are the GIS Business Needs that support these Critical Success Factors?Success Factors?– We need to integrate our CIS with our GIS in order to stay competitive and We need to integrate our CIS with our GIS in order to stay competitive and

be more efficient.be more efficient.– We need web access to the same GIS database as desktop users We need web access to the same GIS database as desktop users – We need to provide remote field inspectors with up-to-date land We need to provide remote field inspectors with up-to-date land

informationinformation– We need to integrate infrastructure planning with billing systemsWe need to integrate infrastructure planning with billing systems– We need the planning department, water and sewer departments to share We need the planning department, water and sewer departments to share

the same property and address information with transportation the same property and address information with transportation department. department.

Describe the current Business Describe the current Business ProcessProcess

• Customer numbers are printed out in tabular format to be compared with a Customer numbers are printed out in tabular format to be compared with a plot of our customer locations.plot of our customer locations.

• Remote field inspectors currently must make a request to GIS services that Remote field inspectors currently must make a request to GIS services that print a map of the most recent land data and give it to the field inspectors.print a map of the most recent land data and give it to the field inspectors.

• Each department maintains their own property and address informationEach department maintains their own property and address information

Examples

State the expected Business State the expected Business ObjectiveObjective

• Customer numbers will be updated daily in the GISCustomer numbers will be updated daily in the GIS

• Remote field inspectors will use handheld GIS to view up-to-date property Remote field inspectors will use handheld GIS to view up-to-date property information in the field and download it to the central GIS database when information in the field and download it to the central GIS database when returning to the office.returning to the office.

• All departments will have access to the standard city address and property All departments will have access to the standard city address and property databasedatabase

Examples

Understanding the business needs of the requestUnderstanding the business needs of the request

• Understand the workflow, challenges, and expected outcomes that help Understand the workflow, challenges, and expected outcomes that help solve the problemsolve the problem– The technology is applied to the business problemThe technology is applied to the business problem– The technology or “how” you do that comes nextThe technology or “how” you do that comes next

Expected Outcome for Step 1Expected Outcome for Step 1

• DocumentDocument– GIS Business NeedsGIS Business Needs– Business ObjectivesBusiness Objectives– GIS Business ProceduresGIS Business Procedures– GIS Business Use Case ScenariosGIS Business Use Case Scenarios

Step 2. Determine the Technology and Step 2. Determine the Technology and System System Infrastructure Infrastructure Readiness to meet the Business Readiness to meet the Business ObjectivesObjectives

• The Technology Readiness Assessment should be driven from the Business Need The Technology Readiness Assessment should be driven from the Business Need perspective rather than from the technologies capability perspective. perspective rather than from the technologies capability perspective.

• The readiness of the system infrastructure (hardware, software and network), are The readiness of the system infrastructure (hardware, software and network), are critical to the success of the implementation plan. critical to the success of the implementation plan.

• This part of the plan addresses the size and number of data servers, application This part of the plan addresses the size and number of data servers, application

servers, end-user desktops, and the expected network traffic or capacity. servers, end-user desktops, and the expected network traffic or capacity.

• May require purchasing considerations.May require purchasing considerations.

BreakdownBreakdown

• Determine Hardware requirements to support GIS applications and Determine Hardware requirements to support GIS applications and proceduresprocedures

• Define Software requirements to support implementationDefine Software requirements to support implementation

• Determine Network and communication requirements to support Determine Network and communication requirements to support implementationimplementation

• Identify which Business Objectives the technology is intended to fulfillIdentify which Business Objectives the technology is intended to fulfill

• Determine if any existing technologies should be replacedDetermine if any existing technologies should be replaced

• Determine the type of technology needed based on the Use Case ScenariosDetermine the type of technology needed based on the Use Case Scenarios

• Technology Readiness AssessmentTechnology Readiness Assessment

Determine Hardware requirements to support GIS Determine Hardware requirements to support GIS applications and proceduresapplications and procedures

• Data Server configuration sizing and compatibilityData Server configuration sizing and compatibility

• Web Server configuration sizing and compatibilityWeb Server configuration sizing and compatibility

• Desktop image configurationDesktop image configuration

• Head-room/growth forecastingHead-room/growth forecasting

These are not limitations created by current hardware. It is information generated as a result of meeting the business needs.

Define Software requirements to support implementationDefine Software requirements to support implementation

• Number of web viewersNumber of web viewers

• Number of desktop viewers/editors/analystsNumber of desktop viewers/editors/analysts

• Underlying Software dependencies (RDBMS, Servlet Exec, Apache, VB, Underlying Software dependencies (RDBMS, Servlet Exec, Apache, VB, etc…)etc…)

• Number of licenses in each system environment for testing custom Number of licenses in each system environment for testing custom applications on new software releases and data releasesapplications on new software releases and data releases

Determine Network and communication requirements to Determine Network and communication requirements to support implementationsupport implementation

• Bandwidth requirementsBandwidth requirements

• Communication protocols based on system designCommunication protocols based on system design

• Location of web servers to data serversLocation of web servers to data servers

• File transfer vs. transaction based methodsFile transfer vs. transaction based methods

• Assess nature and amount of anticipated application traffic Assess nature and amount of anticipated application traffic

Identify which Business Objectives the technology is Identify which Business Objectives the technology is intended to fulfillintended to fulfill

• Use the outcomes from step 1 to determine which Business Objectives Use the outcomes from step 1 to determine which Business Objectives should be targeted for a specific technical solution. should be targeted for a specific technical solution.

• Match the appropriate technology solution to the individual user or Match the appropriate technology solution to the individual user or business needbusiness need

• This task implies some level of prioritization based on the entire This task implies some level of prioritization based on the entire organization’s needs.organization’s needs.

Determine if any existing technologies should be Determine if any existing technologies should be replacedreplaced

• Deficiencies to meet GIS Business NeedsDeficiencies to meet GIS Business Needs

• Hardware replacement issuesHardware replacement issues

• System maintenance problemsSystem maintenance problems

• Growth limitationsGrowth limitations

Determine the type of technology needed based on the Determine the type of technology needed based on the Use Case ScenariosUse Case Scenarios

• Identify desktop based technology neededIdentify desktop based technology needed

• Identify Server-based technology neededIdentify Server-based technology needed- Data Server (vector and raster)- Data Server (vector and raster)

- Web Server- Web Server

• Identify technology dependenciesIdentify technology dependencies- Operating System compatibility- Operating System compatibility

- RDBMS compatibility- RDBMS compatibility

• Web server software environmentWeb server software environment

• Identify need for mobility or long-transactions Identify need for mobility or long-transactions

Technology Readiness AssessmentTechnology Readiness Assessment

• Identify which Business Objectives the technology is intended to fulfillIdentify which Business Objectives the technology is intended to fulfill

• Determine if any existing technologies should be replacedDetermine if any existing technologies should be replaced

• Determine the type of technology neededDetermine the type of technology needed

• Specify the Technology Requirements Specify the Technology Requirements

• Document the Hardware/Network Configuration ReviewDocument the Hardware/Network Configuration Review

Expected Outcome for Step 2Expected Outcome for Step 2

• DocumentDocument– Technology Readiness AssessmentTechnology Readiness Assessment– HW/SW/Network configuration reviewHW/SW/Network configuration review– System DesignSystem Design

Step 3. Determine Enterprise GIS Database ReadinessStep 3. Determine Enterprise GIS Database Readiness

• Data is a critical element of the success of the GIS Implementation Plan. Data is a critical element of the success of the GIS Implementation Plan.

• The quality and availability of the data will determine whether the The quality and availability of the data will determine whether the technology will work correctly and whether the GIS Business Objectives will technology will work correctly and whether the GIS Business Objectives will be met. be met.

• After the GIS data requirements have been identified, an assessment of After the GIS data requirements have been identified, an assessment of “readiness” of the data to meet these requirements must be conducted. “readiness” of the data to meet these requirements must be conducted.

• This assessment should not only address the completeness and accuracy This assessment should not only address the completeness and accuracy

of the data, but also the usefulness of the data to meet the GIS Business of the data, but also the usefulness of the data to meet the GIS Business Objectives. Objectives.

• In addition, data preparation procedures should be identified to complete In addition, data preparation procedures should be identified to complete the GIS Database Readiness.the GIS Database Readiness.

Identify Geographic Data and other data to be usedIdentify Geographic Data and other data to be used

• Use Case Scenarios in Step 1 will help identify what data is neededUse Case Scenarios in Step 1 will help identify what data is needed

• The Identified Data Requirements in Step 3 will help determine how the data The Identified Data Requirements in Step 3 will help determine how the data needs to be structuredneeds to be structured

• Inventory the spatial data sets necessary to meet the GIS Business Inventory the spatial data sets necessary to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesObjectives

• Inventory the non-spatial data sets necessary to meet the GIS Business Inventory the non-spatial data sets necessary to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesObjectives

• Identify metadata to be used in the assessmentIdentify metadata to be used in the assessment

• Identify pilot area if necessaryIdentify pilot area if necessary

Assess the geographic data sets to meet the GIS data Assess the geographic data sets to meet the GIS data requirements requirements

• Quantitative AssessmentQuantitative Assessment- - Completeness of Geographic areaCompleteness of Geographic area

- Completeness of Attribute data- Completeness of Attribute data

• Qualitative AssessmentQualitative Assessment - - Geographic ResolutionGeographic Resolution

- Locational Accuracy- Locational Accuracy

- Compatible Format- Compatible Format

- Overall Usefulness- Overall Usefulness

• Gap AnalysisGap Analysis- - Identify what geographic data is missingIdentify what geographic data is missing

- Identify what attribute data is missing- Identify what attribute data is missing

• Identify format or structural changesIdentify format or structural changes

Prepare the Conceptual Database Design to support the Prepare the Conceptual Database Design to support the data requirementsdata requirements

• Document the Conceptual and Physical Database Design in a diagramDocument the Conceptual and Physical Database Design in a diagram

• Conduct a Conceptual Database Design Review with application, data and Conduct a Conceptual Database Design Review with application, data and system infrastructure team memberssystem infrastructure team members

• Verify the Database Design will meet the GIS Business ObjectivesVerify the Database Design will meet the GIS Business Objectives

Identify Data Preparation ProceduresIdentify Data Preparation Procedures

• Determine if a data migration is necessaryDetermine if a data migration is necessary

• Determine if data clean-up is necessaryDetermine if data clean-up is necessary

• Determine how to complete any missing dataDetermine how to complete any missing data

• Develop data maintenance proceduresDevelop data maintenance procedures

• Versioning/Long-transaction policies and techniquesVersioning/Long-transaction policies and techniques

• Data replication and synchronization implications Data replication and synchronization implications

Develop a Prototype Database to meet the GIS Business Develop a Prototype Database to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesObjectives

• Populate the database design with the identified geographic data sets in a Populate the database design with the identified geographic data sets in a prototype databaseprototype database

• Test the prototype database in R&D environmentTest the prototype database in R&D environment

• Verify the prototype database meets the GIS Business ObjectivesVerify the prototype database meets the GIS Business Objectives

• Incorporate any necessary changesIncorporate any necessary changes

Expected Outcome for Step 3Expected Outcome for Step 3

• DocumentDocument– Database AssessmentDatabase Assessment– Data ModelData Model

Step 4. Determine Organization readinessStep 4. Determine Organization readiness

• Organizational Readiness is the sufficient preparation of the organization to Organizational Readiness is the sufficient preparation of the organization to implement the GIS. implement the GIS.

• This can mean changing current work processes that occur in isolation of This can mean changing current work processes that occur in isolation of each other, re-defining roles and responsibilities, skills assessment for each other, re-defining roles and responsibilities, skills assessment for technical staff and developing a training plan. technical staff and developing a training plan.

BreakdownBreakdown

• Prepare organization support structurePrepare organization support structure

• Assess user skill levels and identify Training needsAssess user skill levels and identify Training needs

• Develop training plan to support the Enterprise GIS implementationDevelop training plan to support the Enterprise GIS implementation

• Identify internal support proceduresIdentify internal support procedures

• Develop data and application release proceduresDevelop data and application release procedures

• Produce Development Decision CriteriaProduce Development Decision Criteria

Prepare organization support structurePrepare organization support structure

• Leadership RoleLeadership Role- - Provide Vision for the ImplementationProvide Vision for the Implementation

- Provide Direction for the Implementation- Provide Direction for the Implementation

• Project Management RoleProject Management Role- - Responsible for specific projects within the Implementation PlanResponsible for specific projects within the Implementation Plan

• Technical Analyst RoleTechnical Analyst Role- - Responsible for specific tasks within each projectResponsible for specific tasks within each project

• GIS Advisor RolesGIS Advisor Roles- - Long-term Management AdvisorLong-term Management Advisor

- Project Implementation advisor- Project Implementation advisor

- Technology advisor- Technology advisor

Assess user skill levels and identify Training needsAssess user skill levels and identify Training needs

• Determine technical skill requirements for each categoryDetermine technical skill requirements for each category

• Determine technical staff proficiency in each categoryDetermine technical staff proficiency in each category

• Identify knowledge gapsIdentify knowledge gaps

Develop training plan to support the Enterprise GIS Develop training plan to support the Enterprise GIS implementationimplementation

• Determine who has received training in each categoryDetermine who has received training in each category

• Determine if training on current versions of technology is necessary Determine if training on current versions of technology is necessary

• Identify curriculum paths for each categoryIdentify curriculum paths for each category- - Instructor trainingInstructor training- Virtual training- Virtual training- Technical Workshops- Technical Workshops- Knowledge transfer methods- Knowledge transfer methods

• Develop training schedule for each categoryDevelop training schedule for each category

Identify internal support proceduresIdentify internal support procedures

• Data Maintenance ProceduresData Maintenance Procedures

• Database support proceduresDatabase support procedures

• Web support proceduresWeb support procedures

• Application and Database Development proceduresApplication and Database Development procedures

• Designated individual for the purchase of hardware and software Designated individual for the purchase of hardware and software

Develop data and application release proceduresDevelop data and application release procedures

• Proof-of-ConceptProof-of-Concept

• Prototype DevelopmentPrototype Development

• Pilot projectPilot project

• Production schedulesProduction schedules

• Application Version ControlApplication Version Control

Produce Development Decision CriteriaProduce Development Decision Criteria

• When to use Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technologyWhen to use Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) technology– Less expensive, less risky, delivered soonerLess expensive, less risky, delivered sooner

• When to develop custom-built applicationsWhen to develop custom-built applications– COTS won’t meet Business ObjectivesCOTS won’t meet Business Objectives

• When to deliver web-based solutionsWhen to deliver web-based solutions– Many users, large view-only database, basic functionalityMany users, large view-only database, basic functionality

• When to deliver desktop-based solutions When to deliver desktop-based solutions – Fewer users, data maintenance, more functionality Fewer users, data maintenance, more functionality

Expected Outcome for Step 4Expected Outcome for Step 4

• GIS Support ProceduresGIS Support Procedures

• Training PlanTraining Plan

Step 5. Develop GIS Implementation PlanStep 5. Develop GIS Implementation Plan

• The next step in preparing for implementation is to synthesize the The next step in preparing for implementation is to synthesize the information from the previous planning steps into a plan that can be information from the previous planning steps into a plan that can be implemented. implemented.

• This plan should provide management staff with the information necessary This plan should provide management staff with the information necessary to make appropriate decisions during the deployment stage of the to make appropriate decisions during the deployment stage of the implementation.implementation.

Document the results of each of the tasks previously Document the results of each of the tasks previously identified in this implementation guideidentified in this implementation guide

• GIS Business Needs DocumentGIS Business Needs Document

• Technology Readiness Assessment DocumentTechnology Readiness Assessment Document

• Functional Requirement DocumentFunctional Requirement Document

• System Design DocumentSystem Design Document

• Database Assessment DocumentDatabase Assessment Document

• GIS Support ProceduresGIS Support Procedures

• GIS Training PlanGIS Training Plan

Prioritize resulting implementation tasksPrioritize resulting implementation tasks

• Abbreviate tasks if appropriateAbbreviate tasks if appropriate

• Eliminate or add to tasks to fit your organizational needsEliminate or add to tasks to fit your organizational needsFor ExampleFor Example– Needs assessment is complete, accurate and up to dateNeeds assessment is complete, accurate and up to date– Hardware review recently completedHardware review recently completed

Identify any potential conflicts in the implementation Identify any potential conflicts in the implementation taskstasks

ExamplesExamples

• No organizational structure before GIS Business Objectives are definedNo organizational structure before GIS Business Objectives are defined

• Installation scheduled before staff trainingInstallation scheduled before staff training

• Not sure how many licenses are required to support testing and production Not sure how many licenses are required to support testing and production environmentsenvironments

Identify critical path elementsIdentify critical path elements

• HW/SW needs to be in place soon after training is completed.HW/SW needs to be in place soon after training is completed.

• Organizational support structure needs to be in place before application or Organizational support structure needs to be in place before application or data is released in productiondata is released in production

Identify resource constraintsIdentify resource constraints

• Hiring freeze will not allow me to provide DBA supportHiring freeze will not allow me to provide DBA support

• Current Data Server is not adequate for our GIS Business ObjectivesCurrent Data Server is not adequate for our GIS Business Objectives

• Existing support staff is not adequately trainedExisting support staff is not adequately trained

Create a Work Breakdown StructureCreate a Work Breakdown Structure

• Schedule TasksSchedule Tasks

• Set Milestones Set Milestones

• Assign responsibilitiesAssign responsibilities

• Document DependenciesDocument Dependencies

• Establish budgetEstablish budget

Expected Outcome for Step 5Expected Outcome for Step 5

•     Enterprise GIS Implementation PlanEnterprise GIS Implementation Plan

Step 6. Validate that the Implementation Plan can meet Step 6. Validate that the Implementation Plan can meet the GIS Business Objectives in R&D Labthe GIS Business Objectives in R&D Lab

• All of the implementation planning previously completed needs to be All of the implementation planning previously completed needs to be validated in a Development or Test system environment. validated in a Development or Test system environment.

• Validation can be focused on data, technology, organizational procedures, Validation can be focused on data, technology, organizational procedures, or the entire system design.or the entire system design.

Prepare test criteria based on defined GIS Business Prepare test criteria based on defined GIS Business ObjectivesObjectives

ExampleExample

• Customer numbers shall be updated every 24 hoursCustomer numbers shall be updated every 24 hours

• Remote field personnel can access data live and is never more than 24 Remote field personnel can access data live and is never more than 24 hours out of datehours out of date

• All addresses will meet US Postal Service standards and will be maintained All addresses will meet US Postal Service standards and will be maintained by one department and accessible to all departmentsby one department and accessible to all departments

Prepare testing proceduresPrepare testing procedures

• Identify staff requiredIdentify staff required

• Identify technical resources requiredIdentify technical resources required

• Develop functional test matrixDevelop functional test matrix

Document test resultsDocument test results

• System environment and testing configurationSystem environment and testing configuration

• Pre and post conditionsPre and post conditions

• Performance metricsPerformance metrics

• Unexpected anomaliesUnexpected anomalies

Step 7. Review results and incorporate changes to the Step 7. Review results and incorporate changes to the implementation planimplementation plan

• Were the Business Objectives met?Were the Business Objectives met?

• Were the data preparations adequate?Were the data preparations adequate?

• Is the system infrastructure adequate?Is the system infrastructure adequate?

• Is the organizational structure and procedures sufficient? Are there any Is the organizational structure and procedures sufficient? Are there any remaining technology issues?remaining technology issues?

Expected Outcome for Step 7Expected Outcome for Step 7

• Updated GIS Implementation PlanUpdated GIS Implementation Plan

Best Practices for Technology and InfrastructureBest Practices for Technology and Infrastructure

1.1. Match software solution with type of user and business needsMatch software solution with type of user and business needs

2.2. Leverage COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) technology to Leverage COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) technology to mminimize the complexity of the IT environmentinimize the complexity of the IT environment

3.3. Periodically review hardware and network environmentPeriodically review hardware and network environment

4.4. Minimize the complexity of the IT environment Minimize the complexity of the IT environment

5.5. Establish separate environments Establish separate environments

  

Best Practices for DataBest Practices for Data

1.1. Utilize most suitable spatial database management technology that Utilize most suitable spatial database management technology that supports business needssupports business needs

2.2. Consolidate geographic data published for use by multiple agencies Consolidate geographic data published for use by multiple agencies into a common data format. into a common data format.

3.3. Separate editing database from publishing databaseSeparate editing database from publishing database

4.4. Establish data standards Establish data standards   

5.5. Establish data update procedures Establish data update procedures

6.6. Establish a database design Establish a database design

7.7. Establish data backup and recovery proceduresEstablish data backup and recovery procedures

8.8. Assess data prior to publishing itAssess data prior to publishing it

Best Practices for OrganizationBest Practices for Organization

  1.1. Periodically review GIS business needs and existing proceduresPeriodically review GIS business needs and existing procedures

2.2. Develop technology/IT infrastructure policiesDevelop technology/IT infrastructure policies

3.3. Define data stewardship responsibilitiesDefine data stewardship responsibilities

4.4. Establish organizational structureEstablish organizational structure

5.5. Establish technical support proceduresEstablish technical support procedures

6.6. Identify staff in each user role Identify staff in each user role

7.7. Establish systematic processes for development and deploymentEstablish systematic processes for development and deployment

8.8. Develop long term GIS implementation plan Develop long term GIS implementation plan

Best Practices for Implementation Planning - Wrap-UpBest Practices for Implementation Planning - Wrap-Up

1.1. Identify GIS Business Objectives and Business ProcessesIdentify GIS Business Objectives and Business Processes

2.2. Determine the Technology and System Infrastructure Readiness to meet the GIS Determine the Technology and System Infrastructure Readiness to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesBusiness Objectives  

3.3. Determine GIS Database Readiness to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesDetermine GIS Database Readiness to meet the GIS Business Objectives

4.4. Determine Organization readiness to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesDetermine Organization readiness to meet the GIS Business Objectives

5.5. Develop Enterprise GIS Implementation Plan to meet the GIS Business ObjectivesDevelop Enterprise GIS Implementation Plan to meet the GIS Business Objectives

6.6. Validate the Implementation Plan can meet the GIS Business Objectives in R&D Validate the Implementation Plan can meet the GIS Business Objectives in R&D LabLab

7.7. Review results and incorporate changes to the implementation planReview results and incorporate changes to the implementation plan

Keys to successKeys to success

• Understanding the business needs of the requestUnderstanding the business needs of the request– Understand the workflow, challenges, and expected outcomes that help solve the Understand the workflow, challenges, and expected outcomes that help solve the

problemproblem• The technology or “how” you do that comes secondThe technology or “how” you do that comes second• The technology is applied to the business problemThe technology is applied to the business problem

• ““I need a Map or a GIS tool that…”I need a Map or a GIS tool that…”– Requirements are a result of learning more about the business need and workflow Requirements are a result of learning more about the business need and workflow

to achieve the desired resultsto achieve the desired results– Over emphasis on requirements may lock you into a system with limitations for Over emphasis on requirements may lock you into a system with limitations for

future growth and expansionfuture growth and expansion

• How ready are you to meet the business needs?How ready are you to meet the business needs?– TechnologyTechnology– DataData– OrganizationalOrganizational

Thank You!Thank You!

Questions?Questions?