Issue link: https://resources.esri.ca/i/1313392
14 | GEOSPATIAL STRATEGY ESSENTIALS FOR MANAGERS MATTHEW LEWIN focus on understanding stakeholders' business needs • Leadership commitment: Active engagement and support of senior management for geospatial initiatives Technology & Data The best organizations build technical foundations based on scalable and flexible geospatial platforms and accessible and easily- shareable data. These organizations recognize that data is the heart of location intelligence. To that end, they implement tools and methods that maximize their people's ability to extract business insights. Essential Technology & Data practices of leading organizations include: • Scalability and flexibility: Cloud-based and "as-a-service" platforms that allow for easy scaling and rapid deployment of new applications • Access and sharing: Rigorous data quality processes and standards; clearly defined access controls enforced through mature policies and process documentation; sharing enabled through data portals supporting geospatial data Organization Beyond technology and data, leaders recognize that talented people and robust processes are what drive sustained success. A commitment to not only hiring great people but developing their talents according to the demands of the business is key to the people side of geospatial excellence. Additionally, leaders build capacity to ensure high-functioning day-to-day operations, as well as longer-term governance oversight. Essential Organization practices of leading organizations include: • Professional development: Clear skills development targets and funded training and development opportunities • Governance framework: A distinct geospatial governance framework focused on effective policies and standards as opposed to a central bureaucracy; decision-making authority favors the most knowledgeable • Integrated support and project delivery: Strong integration of geospatial system support with overall IT support function; robust project delivery methodology with project performance actively monitored and measured Culture Geospatial proficiency is more than the sum of individual members' skills and expertise. The attitudes and mindsets of an organization and how it encourages innovation and collaboration dramatically impacts the adoption of geospatial capabilities. Organizations with innovative and collaborative cultures tend to realize better business results from their geospatial investments. These organizations also tend to promote geospatial initiatives and capabilities more directly, and as organizations are more aware of new trends than lagging organizations. Essential Culture practices of leading organizations include: • Innovation: Innovation is a top priority of senior management and supported by dedicated funding • Collaboration: Close collaboration across a broad range of stakeholders • Promotion and awareness: Initiatives and success stories broadly promoted and celebrated; dedicated staff proactively engage with business stakeholders to raise awareness of geospatial and surface new opportunities