Digging for Treasure
The Treasure
It is hard to convince upper management of the value of this activity, but you can end up
with a treasure. The information gathered is enabling the project team to create an
enterprise logical data model for EPCOR Water Services Distribution. It also will be
used to develop the GIS Strategic Plan. The exact user needs and automated
functionality gaps can now be evaluated to ensure that the highest priority items are
implemented sooner. The information gathered can also be used as a planning tool for
any information system or application implementation for Water Distribution. It will also
be used and expanded on during the design phase. The physical data structure and the
user interface screens will be designed based on this information.
The value of having this information collected in a database format and organized
logically allows for quick searches. For example, if EPCOR wanted to know:
- what activities are done by the Private Development Group
- what forms or screens are currently being used to do that work
- what information is needed to do that work
The database is able to display all those linkages at a simple click of a button, as shown
in Figure 1: Private Development Activities.
Figure 1: Private Development Activities
Another example would be if EPCOR replaced their current GIS database:
- what information is currently stored in the database
- who would be affected
- what business functions would be disrupted
- what application interfaces would be affected
This information can also be easily displayed as shown in Figure 2: GIS DataSource.
Figure 2: GIS DataSource
The other advantage of having this information collected in a database and from a high
level enterprise viewpoint, allows it to be filled in more completely from other sections,
and non-distribution asset related activities and information could be added. This allows
it to be used for many other types of projects, such as multi-skilling or succession-planning
projects.
Conclusion
Accurate information is a necessity for improved decision making. In order to obtain
accurate information, the data gathered needs to be answering clear and concise
questions. The information needs to come from the users themselves and needs to be
reviewed by them throughout the consolidation and preliminary and detailed design
phases. It is important for as much effort as possible to be put into this so that you can
end up with a treasure in the end.
Also, having a tool to help store all the information and relationships allows the
information gathered to be more versatile. The information is readily available and
answers to various questions can be easily obtained.
