GIS: From Niche Software Tool to Foundational Business System

In the contemporary landscape of business systems, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) often find themselves relegated to the periphery, overshadowed by more conventional systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Enterprise Asset Management (EAP), Supply Chain Management (SCM), Document Management System (DMS), Financial Management System (FMS) and Human Resource Management (HRM). However, as we delve deeper into the intricacies of modern business operations and the dynamic nature of global commerce, it becomes increasingly evident that the significance of GIS transcends mere spatial data representation and presentation.

"You can't use an old map to explore a new world", Albert Einstein

Traditionally, the scope of business systems has revolved around managing internal processes, customer relations, finances, and resources. And, while these systems undeniably form the backbone of organisational operations, they often overlook the spatial dimension of business activities. Historically relegated to niche applications such as digital mapping, urban planning or environmental monitoring, we now have the evidence across nearly all industries that GIS possesses transformative potential that transcends its traditional confines.

By re-framing our perception of GIS from a niche tool to an indispensable asset, organisations can harness the power of spatial intelligence to navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with clarity and confidence.

"I wisely started with a map", J.R.R. Tolkien

With this in mind, I believe that it is imperative that business leaders and other senior stakeholders begin to acknowledge the intrinsic value of GIS and accord it the status it rightfully deserves alongside other well established business systems. Equally, they must recognise GIS not merely as an ancillary tool but as a foundational platform and infrastructure that underpins the efficacy and interconnectedness of all other business systems. Only then can they unlock the full spectrum of possibilities that lie at the intersection of geography and enterprise.

At its essence, GIS offers a unique lens through which to perceive and analyse business activities, that of spatial intelligence. By contextualising data within a geographical framework, GIS illuminates the spatial dimensions of organisational operations, offering insights that are often overlooked by conventional business systems. From customer demographics to supply chain logistics, the spatial context provided by GIS enriches decision-making processes and enhances the understanding of complex business dynamics.

Crucially, GIS serves as a nexus for interdisciplinary integration within organisations. By infusing geospatial insights into EAM, ERP, CRM, HRM, and other business systems, organisations foster cross-functional collaboration and synergy. This integration helps to avoid departmental silos, enabling a more holistic approach to decision-making and strategy formulation. In his way, geospatial data becomes a unifying thread that connects disparate aspects of business operations, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of how location, influences various functions.

"In any situation, location is crucial", Gordon Ramsay.

Moreover, the incorporation of geospatial data enhances the quality and accuracy of information across all business systems. Whether it involves validating addresses in customer relationship management systems, tracking assets in an enterprise asset management system, optimising delivery routes in supply chain management systems, or assessing environmental risks in enterprise risk management systems, GIS acts as a reliable source of spatial truth; a system of record, if you will, for knowing where things are, where they aren’t and where they should be, and why. This further strengthens data integrity and reduces the likelihood of errors and discrepancies, thereby enhancing the credibility of decision-making processes.

Strategic planning and forecasting also benefit significantly from the integration of GIS as a foundational system and platform. By leveraging the business intelligence that is surfaced by the use and application of spatial data, organisations gain the capability to assess current patterns, anticipate future trends and make proactive decisions that drive sustainable growth. Whether it involves predicting market demand, identifying optimal locations for new facilities, or mitigating geographical risks, GIS empowers organisations to navigate uncertainty with clarity and foresight. Real-time monitoring and response capabilities further augment organisational agility and resilience in the face of dynamic market conditions.

Scalability and adaptability are inherent attributes of GIS as a foundational infrastructure. As organisations expand geographically or diversify into new markets, the scalability of GIS enables seamless integration with evolving business needs and technological advancements. This flexibility ensures that spatial analytics capabilities can be scaled without disrupting existing systems or workflows, thereby future-proofing organisations against unforeseen challenges.

“Geography is the tapestry that weaves the world together”, Gil Grosvenor

The integration of GIS as a foundational and underpinning platform also confers a distinct competitive advantage. By harnessing the full spectrum of spatial intelligence, organisations gain insights into consumer behavior, optimise resource allocation, and anticipate industry and market trends. This empowers them to differentiate themselves within their respective industries and maintain a competitive edge in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Furthermore, the strategic utilisation of GIS enables organisations to enhance customer experiences, drive innovation, and optimise operational efficiencies, thereby solidifying their position as industry leaders.

In conclusion, I will always contend [strongly] that Geographical Information Systems should be acknowledged not just as standalone tool but as a foundational business system, an enabling platform and geospatial infrastructure that facilitates the seamless integration of spatial intelligence into all aspects of business operations.

With the advancement of digital technologies and the proliferation of location-based services, it is clear to me that the transformative potential of GIS will continue to transcend its traditional confines, offering organisations a pathway to sustainable growth, competitive differentiation, and enduring success in this ever evolving digital age.

I am therefore, in no doubt that by embracing GIS as a core component of their underlying technological ecosystem, organisations will unlock new opportunities, drive informed decision-making, and navigate the complexities of the modern business landscape with reinforced confidence and clarity.