One of the most powerful capabilities of a GIS is the ability to integrate your mapping applications with 3rd party business systems and data sources. Integrating GIS with key business systems extends the reach and capabilities of your applications. It also ensures you and your teams can be efficient and effortlessly informed.
So, why should you integrate other business systems with your GIS?
Added spatial awareness
Everything is somewhere. There are patterns in data that can only be seen when visualizing it on a map. Whether you need to view important asset attributes or see key business intelligence data, the added element of spatial context takes your data to the next level.
For example, the City of Alexandria, VA has integrated their GIS with Laserfiche to create a spatial component for their document management processes and improve ease of access for property-related documents. By selecting a point or area on the map, City users can quickly locate relevant files for that location, such as parcel information reports, permits, inspection documents, or other important documents.
Streamline data access
By centralizing access to important data in your mapping applications, you’re able to break down departmental siloes and improve data flow. Many teams depend on data that’s difficult to access because it’s managed by another department using a different system. By integrating everything into a centralized application like your GIS, data flows between systems and departments seamlessly. Users can access relevant information in a familiar interface, without shoulder taps or communication delays.
The City of Brooklyn Park has realized these benefits with their integrated approach. Historically, City staff were limited to the databases and systems in their department. By integrating their assessment, licensing, land management, permitting, and police records into one internal mapping application, City staff can now access the data they need with just a few clicks.
We’ve also seen customers across other industries benefit significantly by integrating 3rd party business systems with their GIS. For example, we have helped oil and gas pipeline operators streamline their asset integrity programs. By integrating all the required data – which lives across multiple systems – into their GIS applications, many have been able to reduce overhead, simplify the audit process, and protect themselves from inevitable technology change with a future-proofed solution.
Leave your data where it is
We know that data migration projects can be daunting. The good news is that in most cases, you don’t even need to replicate, move, or remodel your existing data to integrate it with your GIS.
Geocortex offers varying levels and styles of integration. This allows you to leave your data where it lives today, work with it directly on the map, and have it update the 3rd party system dynamically. It makes it simple to gain added spatial context and improve data transparency, without additional administrative burden or compromising data quality and consistency.
Want to learn about the many ways to integrate with your GIS? Download our eBook here.
What kinds of systems can Geocortex integrate with your GIS?
Currently using Maximo, Laserfiche, SAP, Salesforce, or another enterprise application? No problem. The flexibility and extensibility of Geocortex allows you to integrate virtually any 3rd party business system or data source with your GIS. Geocortex customers have integrated with ERP, asset and land management, permitting, document management, business intelligence, and CRM systems.
Whatever your business need is, chances are high that Geocortex can help you solve it. With a wide array of integration methods – from simple hyperlinking to custom API integrations – there is almost no limit to what you can accomplish with an integrated GIS.
Get in touch with us to learn more about how Geocortex can help integrate your GIS with other enterprise applications.
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