GIS Integrated with ERP: A Case Study

Introduction
In 1997, GPU Energy made a decision to change the way the company operates. The proposed changes would affect virtually everyone in the organization. This task seemed quite daunting in most respects, and GPU needed everyone’s help to make it happen.

It was determined early on that technology could provide the necessary tools to make this transition successful. While evaluating systems during the initial stage, GPU determined that SAP@ R/3TM could provide most of the necessary components for the new organization.

However, this type of system was missing a key component that could help GPU manage assets effectively while streamlining the record-keeping process. A geographical information system (GIS) could provide this missing component while giving users the ability to link work activities, estimates, and design data.

Many of the new work processes being developed required this type of information, so it became very apparent that integrating GIS and SAP R/3 was one of the keys to making this a successfid transformation.

This paper discusses some of the technical issues related to successfully implementing this integration while outlining the key steps necessary to tie these two very powerfhl systems together.

History
As a result of the major initiative for GPU, the RSR (Rapid Service Response) Project was created. This project would encompass a business redesign component and a technology component that would allow GPU Energy to make the change happen.

Several initiatives would have to take place prior to implementation. GPU would need to migrate several legacy systems that would provide for rapid implementation of a new GIS. FMIS was GPU’S legacy GIS, based on the GFIS/CableCAD platform. GPU selected Smallworld as the new platform, and a large migration project would convert FMIS to Smallworld.

At the same time, GPU was evaluating a new system that would replace several other legacy systems dealing with work management, accounting, outage management, and human resources. The system of choice for this direction was SAP R/3. Early on it was evident that integrating the new GIS and SAP R/3 would be critical.