The challenge of data management and GIS

GIS objectives
GIS provides a foundation database for many diverse systems used by Operations and Engineering business needs. GIS fulfills the vision of common business practices, data management and common systems across all business units in the GIS arena.

Provide a single source of data
Eliminate “Islands of Information”
Coordinate & integrate data management
Provide visual environment
Simplify data collection
Foundation for future applications
Cost effective planning tool
Improve “Customer Service”
Link between database and graphics

Definition of GIS scope
GIS can provide a single fully implemented system for managing data & graphics by:

Directing common practice definition
Technical architecture development
Tabular and graphical data conversions
Applications development
Maintenance and Reporting Applications
Training
Implementation
Assure the integration of the GIS with other related systems and technology initiatives.

Common practice
The GIS to a large extent will model the data management and business practices of Operations and Technical Services function of the business units. Therefore the business practices must be accurately identified and documented at a detailed level. Listed are the common business practices established.

Surveying practices
Linear Measurement practices
Pipeline routing
Alignment sheet generation
Data flow
Data ownership
Data maintenance
Document Management capabilities for drawings, photos and documents
Training
Future enhancements

GIS data management workflow
All projects must find a balance between functionality, cost, and time. The proper workflow is the driving force to start a project. The workflow balances the data management with corporate common systems.

Quality assurance
Monitor system performance
Future apps integration
Input data
Who owns change?
Determine what data requires change
User input response
Reporting requirements
Software/hardware upgrade
Define support mechanism
Tie to Strategy Operating Plan
Document workflow procedures
Training requirements
When to change?
How often?
Update external database
Who owns data?
Security of data
Cost benefit data
Define data

Input request requirements:

Ease of use/access
Single source data
Accurate/timely data
Cost effective
Easy maintenance
Policies & procedures manual
Compatibility with current technology environment
Meets customer needs
Compatible with external data sources
Standardized system interface
Standardized IT tools
System management organization (Engineering Services)

Output:

Timely information
One source - accurate data
Wide availability
Reduce redundancies/inconsistencies
Trust data
Cost effective/efficient (manage costs)
Easy to maintain
Project planning tool
Performance measures
Foundation for future applications
Standardized workflow
Synergies with all WGP Business Units

Customers:

Federal/State/Local regulatory bodies
Other Williams companies
Landowners
Customers/prospective customers
Emergency response
One call
Williams Gas Pipeline users
Management
Operations
Tax Department
Marketing
Business
Accounting