5 Ways GIS and EAM Integration Extends the Capabilities of Your Mobile Solution

This refreshed blog includes an updated view of previously released information, a new use case for GIS-EAM integration, and updated features that have been added to the Geonexus Integration Platform since 2019.  

Introduction 

Many organizations leverage mobile solutions to solve field-related issues regarding data collection, inspection, redlining, wayfinding, and more. Often, the mobile tools are related to a specific enterprise asset management (EAM) system, such as a Maximo mobile solution. A GIS and EAM integration allows users to access modules from Maximo on mobile devices from anywhere. This makes gathering, searching, inspecting, and editing data related to assets much simpler for a distributed workforce. 

We’re always receiving questions on how integrating Esri ArcGIS and EAM systems would impact an EAM mobile solution. To answer those questions, we’ve put together a list of five reasons why integrating GIS and EAM with a mobile implementation is critical to optimizing and upgrading your mobile experience. 

#1: Gain the Flexibility to Use Any Mobile Application 

Simply put, a loosely coupled GIS and EAM integration allows organizations to be more flexible in their operations. This flexibility allows the use of the best-fit mobile application to support fieldwork processes regardless of where the data ends up back at the office. For example, a mobile GIS application like ArcGIS Collector (now a part of ArcGIS Field Maps) is perfect for performing data collection for geographically distributed assets. The collected data ends up in the enterprise GIS for synchronizing with EAM, ready for further use. 

Likewise, a mobile EAM application like Prometheus Mobile (formerly known as DataSplice) for Maximo could be the best option for performing inspections of existing assets like electric poles and their attachments. Condition information collected in Prometheus Mobile would make its way back to the EAM, in this case Maximo. Synchronizing this data with the enterprise GIS would allow maps to show assets due for replacement because of poor condition ratings or other criteria. In summary, a loosely coupled GIS and EAM integration using the Geonexus Integration Platform allows organizations to use the most appropriate mobile application for the job. 

#2: Access Up-To-Date Information for Improved Response Time 

Implementing a reliable method for GIS and EAM data synchronization ensures your EAM mobile tools have the most up-to-date information possible. For example, if GIS is your system of record, you may enter or update asset information primarily in GIS. Without synchronization, field technicians have no access to this new data until it’s manually updated in the EAM. With Geonexus’ near real-time synchronization, this problem disappears – the asset would be created or updated in the EAM from GIS. Consequently, you would have almost immediate access to the newly-added data which allows organizations to make quick, informed decisions from the field, improving response time. 

#3: Increase Overall Productivity 

Another key advantage of mobile GIS and EAM integration is having information right in front of you whenever you need it. This unparalleled accessibility allows you to make better decisions that ultimately increase field productivity. For example, say a crew finishes their last job of the day, but it’s only 2 pm. Instead of wasting time trying to figure out what to do next, the map on their mobile tool can instantly show them other nearby work. With just a few clicks, the crew can take on that job while they’re in the area and get to work without any wasted time. 

Implementing a loosely coupled synchronization method like the Geonexus Integration Platform allows you to leverage any mobile application and access up-to-date information – ultimately improving response time and increasing worker productivity.  

#4: Save Costs for Labor and Fuel by Reducing Windshield Time  

Properly integrated GIS and EAM systems will provide accurate and reliable data to field crews via their mobile technology. For example, an electric distribution company may respond to power outages caused by storms. The field crew responding to the outage must have the proper materials and equipment to resolve the issue. A GIS can deliver the location of assets like poles, transformers, and switches, and an EAM can provide other information about the assets like make, model, capacity, voltage, and other specifications. The integration of these systems ensures the proper data is being sent to the field crew right when they need it.  

Additionally, while the crew could have completed this job without the GIS-EAM integration, it would have taken more time due to valuable information being housed in separate systems. When customers are dealing with issues like power outages, time is of the essence and efficient system integration becomes even more valuable. 

#5: Avoid Misinformation 

A common problem in the utilities industry is misinformation in work orders. Going back to the previous example, misinformation may cause the need for the crew to return to the yard to pick up the correct materials after visiting the job site, completely negating the advantages of having integrated GIS-EAM data available to the crew via their mobile tool. Being able to access the correct information before taking on the job and without making a trip back to the yard ensures no time is wasted driving back and forth between the yard and the job site. GIS-EAM integration makes this incredibly easy, and over the long lifetime of a successful integration, the amount of time and transportation costs saved on simple issues like this one will be invaluable.  

More on the Geonexus Integration Platform 

The Geonexus Integration Platform is a powerful tool for synchronizing data between enterprise systems. Because organizations use all kinds of different systems, this data could include customer information and billing, work and asset management, network modeling, and GIS to manage daily operations. The Geonexus Integration Platform, featuring multipoint integration, full configurability, and comprehensive reporting is designed from the ground up to give you complete control of your integration.  

More on Geonexus 

At Geonexus our mission is to ensure integrity and reliability of enterprise data to support effective decision making. Our Integration Platform is an enterprise-grade integration solution that is easy to use, reliable, and includes out-of-the-box connectors for Esri® ArcGIS®, IBM® Maximo, SAP®, ABB® Ellipse, Oracle® Utilities, and other leading enterprise systems. Asset-intensive organizations across the globe use the Geonexus Integration Platform in industries including utilities, telecommunications, pipeline, transportation, and government.