When is Enterprise-wide GIS deployment viable?
- Arpit Shah
- Aug 24, 2019
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 4
When I reached Class IX in my ICSE-affiliated school in Kolkata, I chose an unusual specialization—Science with Commerce. I was then given a choice regarding a subject I had always shared a love–hate relationship with: Mathematics. The options were Pure Maths or Business Maths. After enquiring around, I learned that Pure Maths was more technical and difficult—suited for students aiming for a future in STEM—while Business Maths was comparatively practical and easier, making it suitable for non-STEM pursuits such as Economics, Business Administration, or Accounting. Following the footsteps of my cousin, I chose the latter.
This analogy applies surprisingly well to GIS implementation decisions.
When I say that I offer GIS services or Geospatial solutions, corporate executives—especially in the private sector—often appear wary. What is this unknown creature? Can it help my business in any way? I imagine them wondering. I make it a point to send a detailed email and direct them to articles on this site that decode the "GIS beast". I try to assure them that this creature can indeed be tamed—often becoming an ally that improves business processes and enhances operations.
However, pan-enterprise GIS deployment does not come cheap. World-class mapping and geospatial technology platforms have been developed over decades by thousands of specialists—cartographers, scientists, researchers, and technologists. Because of the high upfront cost and the challenges that accompany new-technology adoption, it is often a difficult decision for organizations to invest in an enterprise GIS license.
I usually suggest that prospects identify problem statements or objectives that, if addressed, would create annual net savings of INR 5 million or more. This is my simple thumb-rule: if potential savings cross this threshold, an enterprise-wide GIS implementation is very likely to generate a positive return.
In my view, four out of five organizations with annual revenues of INR 10 crores (100 million INR) or more, across virtually any industry, can benefit from an enterprise GIS deployment.
But today, GIS is still perceived as a good-to-have among corporates—useful but not essential. As a result, few businesses are eager to invest in enterprise-wide deployments, especially in India’s hyper-competitive environment. Even when organizations need specific GIS capabilities, they prefer purchasing only particular modules rather than acquiring the entire platform. Unfortunately, the technology developer does not permit partial procurement. The situation often feels like trying to sell someone a full car when they only want the steering wheel.
This is what led me to position a practical alternative: offering Location Analytics/GIS services.
GIS and Location Analytics can significantly improve operations—ranging from market development and network design to dashboarding, risk management, logistics, and sustainability. GIS offers a robust framework to process geospatial data, but its true power emerges when combined with internal business data or publicly available datasets to sharpen an organization’s competitive edge. Consider this video case study on The Shopping Centre Group to understand the attractiveness of GIS-driven Location Intelligence.
GIS-based Web and Mobile Applications can also be developed—allowing users to view only the metrics that matter in an engaging, device-agnostic format, integrated with both internal and external data, supported by dynamic analytics and visualization.
At its core, GIS enables the creation of a common operating view of the organisation. One does not need significant technical or geospatial expertise to operate these user-friendly platforms. At Intelloc Mapping Services, the value proposition we offer is simple: You desire, and we configure.
Besides operations-oriented workflows, GIS can also support highly technical geospatial workflows—akin to Pure Maths—that require specialized manpower. These include AEC, emergency management, natural resource management, and a variety of other location intelligence-driven needs. The technical capabilities of GIS should be factored in when deciding whether enterprise-wide deployment is the right choice.
GIS can also be used in creative, unexpected ways. Consider Disney Research Hub’s PaintCopter, which uses GIS-powered spatial navigation, or the Zootopia workflow that leverages GIS for landscape digitization. Today, integrating GIS Applications with hardware, sensors, and advanced computing technologies such as machine learning is not only possible—it is becoming increasingly common.
To summarize, any decision on whether to procure GIS should account for both its business-oriented capabilities and its technical capabilities—each capable of delivering immense value to organizations and institutions.
ABOUT US - OPERATIONS MAPPING SOLUTIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Intelloc Mapping Services, Kolkata | Mapmyops.com offers a suite of Mapping and Analytics solutions that seamlessly integrate with Operations Planning, Design, and Audit workflows. Our capabilities include — but are not limited to — Drone Services, Location Analytics & GIS Applications, Satellite Imagery Analytics, Supply Chain Network Design, Subsurface Mapping and Wastewater Treatment. Projects are executed pan-India, delivering actionable insights and operational efficiency across sectors.
My firm's services can be split into two categories - Geographic Mapping and Operations Mapping. Our range of offerings are listed in the infographic below-
A majority of our Mapping for Operations-themed workflows (50+) can be accessed from this website's landing page. We respond well to documented queries/requirements. Demonstrations/PoC can be facilitated, on a paid-basis. Looking forward to being of service.
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