When I reached Class IX in my ICSE-affiliated school in Kolkata, I had selected an unusual specialization - Science & Commerce. Thereafter, I was given a choice - 'Pure Maths' or 'Business Maths' for the compulsory Mathematics subject. Upon enquiring with seniors, I figured that Pure Maths was more difficult - suitable for those students who wished to deep-dive into technical concepts which would stand them in good stead in their future STEM education pursuits whereas Business Maths was comparatively much easier - suitable for those who wished to explore the commercial usage of Mathematics later in life. A fear of the former and a propensity for the latter - it was a rather easy decision that I had to make.
This analogy is applicable in a Geographic Information System i.e. GIS implementation decision as well. When I say that I offer GIS services i.e. Geospatial Business Intelligence solutions, corporate executives from the private sector are often wary. 'What is this unknown creature?' 'Can it help my business in any way?', they wonder (or so I think).
I make it a point to write an elaborate email and even redirect them to some of my blog posts meant to decode the GIS beast. I try to give them confidence that this is a creature that can be tamed and utilized to great effect - assisting you in improving business operations and processes.
However, pan-enterprise GIS deployment doesn't come cheap. Years of specialized man-hours by thousands of contributors (Cartographers, Scientists, Researchers etc.) have gone into making world-class Mapping technology platforms such as this. Due to the high upfront costs and new technology adoption challenges, it is often a difficult decision to invest in a pan-business GIS license.
I generally advise prospects to identify Problem Statements which, if addressed, would result in net savings of 'INR 5 million and above' (5 million INR+). This is my thumb-rule - only if the savings figure surpasses this benchmark would it be viable to implement an enterprise-level GIS package and generate a positive return from the investment.
I believe that 4 out of 5 organizations from virtually any industry with an annual revenue of Rs 10 crores and above (100 million INR+) can benefit from deploying business-wide GIS.
At this point in time, GIS is perceived as a 'good-to-have' technology among corporates. Useful, but not necessary. As a result, not many are eager to opt for an enterprise-wide implementation in the perennially cut-throat Indian business environment. Moreover, even when organizations do have a requirement that can be fulfilled by the core or any of the several specialized GIS add-on modules, they'd rather want to pay and own the particular module individually rather than pay for the entire GIS package (which unfortunately isn't possible as of today).
The feeling is like I find myself selling a Car to someone who is in the market to procure just a Steering Wheel. Hence, I've started to position this alternative.
‘Location Intelligence / GIS’ can be used for Operations Improvement purposes ranging from market development and network design to dashboarding and sustainability. GIS provides a powerful framework to process geospatial data, however, in combination with the data-points generated within the organisation or from publicly available / commercial datasets - it would assist in improving business operations and enhancing the competitive edge as well. Watch this case study on The Shopping Centre Group to understand the concept and attractiveness of GIS. GIS Apps can be configured too - you have the freedom to view only the metrics-that-matter in an engaging format, across devices, integrating internal and external data, with analytics and visualization capabilities.
In its essence, GIS would help you create a common operating view of the organisation. You don't necessarily need significant Technical or Geospatial expertise to operate these rich GUI-based platforms. At Intelloc Mapping Services, we are offering what we think is a compelling proposition - 'You desire and we configure'.
Besides non-technical, business workflows fulfilled by GIS, there are technical geospatial workflows as well (akin to Pure maths) which would require trained and specialized Manpower to operate, and which could contribute towards enhancing the 'technological prowess' of your organisation. These can be related to AEC (Architecture, Engineering & Construction), Emergency Management, Natural Resource Management (Agriculture, Mining, Renewables etc.) and other Intelligence purposes. This aspect (the technical benefits of GIS adoption) should also be factored in when you decide whether to opt for an Enterprise-wide GIS deployment for your organization.
Moreover, you can also come up with unique ways to use a GIS platform. See this PaintCopter (Spray Painting Drone) video by Disney Research Hub which uses Spatial Navigation capabilities powered by GIS or this Zootopia demonstration (GIS-powered Landscape Animation in Movies). Combining Mapping Applications with Hardware, Sensors and advanced technologies such as AI and Machine Learning is also an increasingly attractive and viable option now.
To summarize, while taking a GIS procurement decision, one should deep dive into the 'Business-oriented' use cases of GIS as well as include its 'Pure Technical' capabilities both of which can contribute immensely for private sector corporations.
ABOUT US
Intelloc Mapping Services | Mapmyops.com is based in Kolkata, India and engages in providing Mapping solutions that can be integrated with Operations Planning, Design and Audit workflows. These include but are not limited to - Drone Services, Subsurface Mapping Services, Location Analytics & App Development, Supply Chain Services, Remote Sensing Services and Wastewater Treatment. The services can be rendered pan-India, some even globally, and will aid an organization to meet its stated objectives especially pertaining to Operational Excellence, Cost Reduction, Sustainability and Growth.
Broadly, our area of expertise can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. The Infographic below highlights our capabilities.
Our 'Mapping for Operations'-themed workflow demonstrations can be accessed from the firm's Website / YouTube Channel and an overview can be obtained from this flyer. Happy to address queries and respond to documented requirements. Custom Demonstration, Training & Trials are facilitated only on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
Regards,