Maintaining current, accurate GIS data is a challenge and a constant source of frustration for most utilities. Outdated, inaccurate data often leads to, well, inaccurate and costly decisions that hurt safety, compliance, and reliability.

As the utility’s primary source for asset information, it is critical that the GIS accurately reflect the current (and sometimes historical) location, status, and condition of the utility network. Common challenges utilities face in keeping the GIS up to date include:

• Staff shortages & attrition
• Gaps in technical skillsets
• Gaps in utility knowledge
• Outdated workflows
• Paper-based processes
• Insufficient tools & applications.

With update backlogs commonly exceeding several months or more, many utilities have little hope of ever getting fully caught up. In addition to challenges with updating the GIS, many utilities do not have effective quality checks to ensure data is captured correctly. Many more are not capturing information at the level of detail needed to effectively support planning and compliance.

Industry Trends are Driving the Need for Better GIS Data

The last decade has seen GIS evolve from a system of record, largely focused on the location of network assets, to a system of engagement and intelligence that plays a crucial role in optimizing operational efficiency. With a larger role to play in real time network management, having clean, accurate data is critical. Utilities are shifting toward making a GIS a true digital twin of network assets.

Trends in utility GIS data management are also being influenced by evolving regulatory requirements. As environmental and safety concerns become increasingly important, regulatory bodies are beginning to demand more precise and up-to-date information about infrastructure. Meeting these requirements necessitates advanced GIS data management practices, including regular updates, accurate spatial data representation, and compliance with industry standards.

Overcoming Data Problems with External Help

Correcting outdated and inaccurate data can substantially reduce your utility’s risk exposure and position you to consistently achieve business targets. A Data Managed Services arrangement can help you get ahead of your current data problems and maintain a consistent level of data quality going forward.

What is ‘Data Managed Services’ & How it Works

A Data Managed Services arrangement is an outsourced delivery model that lets you accomplish specific objectives with guaranteed levels of service and performance. It is a compelling solution for utilities aiming to streamline their GIS data clean-up processes without the burden of managing resources internally. SSP’s proven managed services model will enable you to offload the complexities of GIS and resource management to trusted experts. It eliminates the need to invest in recruiting, training, and retaining specialized personnel and frees up your internal staff to focus on core business activities.

Whole work streams related to creating, updating, correcting, and managing GIS data can be outsourced to your Data Managed Services provider. Technical teams that are experts in both your GIS platform and industry segment perform the work, with guaranteed delivery dates and quality standards through Service Level Agreements (SLAs). In a typical arrangement, a portion of the team works onsite at your location, with the larger team of onshore experts working off-site. The scope of services provided can include any or all of the following:

• Data Cleanup
• Work Order Posting
• As-built Updates
• Source Record Validation
• Data Management Standards
• Data Management Process Improvement
• Quality Planning & Development
• Quality Assurance/Quality Control.

Get Help from SSP

Data Managed Services is a model that has been successful for many of our clients and a trend we are seeing more and more in the industry. We staff our programs with top industry experts who are well-equipped to handle the nuances of utility GIS data management. Our teams integrate fluidly with our clients, minimizing disruption and facilitating a seamless collaboration that enhances GIS data quality, accuracy, and system completeness. Our Data Managed Services are virtually risk free. We guarantee both delivery schedules and accuracy levels. If the data we deliver doesn’t meet the contractual SLAs and performance guarantees, our clients to do not pay for the units that are not SLA compliant.

Our Data Managed Services offering enables utilities to focus their energy on applying quality data to pressing business challenges instead of getting mired in the challenges and complications of creating and maintaining that data.