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Business Analysis

In many organizations it is understood that GIS/AM/FM(Geographic Information System/Automated Mapping/Facilities Management) technology can be applied to some aspect of the business but the details and the benefits of applying such technology are uncertain. The challenge lies in the identification of all the business processes to which the technology could be applied and the potential benefits of each application. In order to meet this challenge an intimate knowledge of the technology, experience to apply the technology and familiarity with costs involved is required. It is essential to get a clear understanding of the benefits to determine the appropriateness of applying GIS/AM/FM technology to your business. After comparing the benefits to the associated costs of implementing the technology, you will have the necessary information to determine if the technology should be applied.

Orbis Directions has the experience and knowledge to work with your business experts to identify potential benefits and apply the technology in the most appropriate manner so it meets your needs. These benefits may even extend into lines of business not previously for seen, therefore further improving the return on your investment in the infrastructure and enhancing your Enterprise wide Resource Plan (ERP). Having applying spatial technology to a number of different industries, Stewart Nimmo has the experience to objectively look at your business processes, determine where benefits can best be realized and estimate the costs involved.

Cost Versus Benefit Analysis

Depending on the size of your organization, the extent to which you plan to implement a GIS/AM/FM and what stage you are at in the decision process, the depth of analysis required will vary. Options 1 through 3 describe the different levels of analysis available, each providing a greater accuracy in predicting of costs and benefits. These options can be adapted to suit your particular situation.

Option 2
Intermediate Level Cost Versus Benefit Analysis -"The Balancing Act"

This option provides you with the estimated information to assess the cost versus benefit of the technology among the business processes studied , while committing a moderate initial investment. This analysis will also provide you with a sense of the costs involved, a understanding of the level of complexity involved in the implementation, and basis of your business and data requirements.

This analysis produces a report that includes: descriptions and diagrams of your business processes and stating aspects of the processes that are effected by the technology; a broad description of the business and data requirements and application design; a matrix illustrating the processes in relation to one another based on benefits and their approximate costs; a description of the benefit and cost measurements; a written analysis of the results.

Option 3
Detailed level cost versus benefit analysis - " A Clear View"

This option provides you with the necessary information to clearly assess the cost versus benefit of the technology. This analysis will also provide you with the necessary details to understand the costs involved, form the foundation for the development phase of the application prototypes and determining an implementation schedule.

This analysis produces a report that includes: descriptions and diagrams of your current business processes in detail and a comparison to the new spatially enabled processes; a description of the business and data requirements, and application design; a description of the issues involved in the integration with other corporate systems; a matrix illustrating the processes relative to one another based on benefits and their costs; and a description of the benefit and cost measurements; a written analysis of the results.

• The resulting report will be useful for internal communications to: justify whether or not the technology is cost effective; identify where the implementation effort should be focused; assist in prioritizing the application development schedule
  
• Portions of this report will be reusable to provide the details for the development of the data model and applications.
  
• The cost analysis results will be useful towards final budgeting exercises.
  
• This Option involves the most time to investigate and deliver the report.
  
• The analysis is based on an unbiased perspective of the lines of business in the organization.

Business Requirements Study

In the situation where business processes have been selected but a clearer understanding is needed of how spatial technology can be best applied and what the integration requirements are with existing systems, a Business Requirements Study can be provided. It is important to have an objective view when identifying business requirements to ensure subtle aspects of the business process, which may have a large impact on applying spatial technology, are not overlooked. A Business Requirements Study is the basis for understanding how best to apply the technology. Without a clear understanding of the requirements, the resulting application will not do what it is intended to do. In addition, significant costs will be incurred in reworking the design and additional redevelopment time.

Gas Transmission

• Performed cost versus benefit analyses on a number of proposed GIS field maintenance processes: resulted in a development schedule based on costs.

Municipal

• Performed project scoping and costing exercises, followed by business and functional requirements studies of a city's transportation assets: resulted in a development schedule and design specifications for the applications.

Telecommunication

• Performed cost versus benefit analyses on a number of proposed outside plant applications: resulted in a development schedule based on potential benefits.

Mineral Exploration

• Performed cost versus benefit analyses on numerous business enhancements to an existing mapping system: resulted in a development schedule based on priority of needs.

Fisheries Habitat Management

• Evaluated various fishery management processes: identified the potential for benefit in applying GIS technology and designed an implementation schedule based on priority of needs.

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