Planning. Implementation. Management.
Whether you need a sophisticated, multi-server, corporate GIS or would rather have us manage your sensitive GIS data, we have the assets and expertise to guide you through the process. We offer the following services in creating or revamping your GIS: Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Training, Management, and Exit Strategy (if necessary). Each phase incorporates our quality control and assurance checks, as well as documentation and progress reports.
Some of our clients choose to manage their GIS internally whereas others prefer either an externally managed GIS or favour a shared GIS platform. Depending on the many circumstances that surround your group, one solution may offer the best value at one point in time, but later, a different strategy might be more effective. We acknowledge the fluidity of change, and can adapt to the ever-shifting situation.
Assessment - We meet with stakeholders. By conducting meetings, we can determine specific user-requirements, conduct gap-analyses, assess the technical environment and aptitude where the GIS will be installed. These meetings are also meant to relay useful information to managers and other interested parties to facilitate a transparent relationship between the client and us. It is also an opportunity for us to gain working knowledge of the ideals and vision of the client. This can only aid in the building of a GIS unique to their needs. Recommendations are documented and delivered.
Planning - In this phase, we utilize the assessment information to plan, model and draw schematics of the GIS layout. Cur team can either provide a plan document or work with the end-users to lay down the foundations for the GIS. Working with end-users could include conducting meetings with council, preparing reports for funding, produce workflow diagrams for presentation, ensuring IT managers and their staff have the necessary hardware and software to initiate installation procedures. Our staff would work with managers and end-users to compile a list of data to be inputted into the GIS.
Implementation - If requested, this phase sees hardware and software upgrades (applicable where necessary) as well as GIS software installation. CRMLTD will provide on-site support and consulting during this phase. Acting as a guide, CRMLTD will conduct On-the-Job-Training (OJT) with GIS staff. Also in this phase, the GIS data will be loaded in accordance to the planned structure from the previous phase. Our OJT will include having the staff action this process. Other steps include quality control and assurances, setting up of map templates, hardware and software optimization processes, and documentation writing.
Training - Our trainers will provide intensive OJT to staff with the specific goal of the GIS department becoming self-sufficient. CRMLTD will provide the technical expertise and continual support after-the-fact. Theoretical lesson plans as well as practical exercises will reinforce the skillsets acquired during OJT. Advanced skillsets such as analyses, professional map production will also be taught, time permitted. Refresher courses, advanced topics, and skills renewal courses are also available at any time. CRMLTD also provides GIS education at the university or post-secondary level; therefore, we also offer career-progression related training where advanced skillsets become critical.
Exit - The exit strategy will be expedient and efficient. As soon as the training phase is complete, CRMLTD will pull-out, and provide off-site technical support. CRMLTD is always available, as a contractor, for any complex analyses or other services and products we offer.
If you would rather have us Manage your data at our location (or remotely at your location), CRMLTD will supply more in-depth and hands-on services while reducing the intensity of training. A significant cost-saving measure arises from not having to install the full suite of ArcGIS software used in complex analysis. Because we would manage the data and provide any analyses, it may be possible to continue with any existing version of ArcView software or at most upgrade to the lightest, least expensive, ArcView 9.x for mapping. CRMLTD would provide training on ArcView 9.x if an upgrade is chosen.
Management - The Management phase will be an on-going contract based on a set strategy or workflow (determined at the planning phase). Some clients prefer us to host the data and accept any new data. We professionally process new data by cleaning, quality checking, documenting, and inserting into the GIS. At the client's request or on a schedule, CRMLTD transfers copies of the up-to-date versions of the data so that staff can create maps using their software. The advantage to this hybrid system is significant. Because you would be leveraging the expertise of CRMLTD, savings would be found in reduced training, no expensive software, flatter learning curve, no technical glitches to deal with, quick turn around time, and fast startup.