Orbit Group has rolled out a web-based GIS system from Cadcorp for its 1,300 staff to view geographic information, maps and analysis. All Orbit staff now have access to the MyM@ps tool which allows them to profile housing stock and customer demographics, reducing the need for site visits and creating a more efficient way of working.
Steve Litchfield, GIS manager, Orbit Group, said, “The business is now using a much more efficient GIS platform, which supports our digital-by-default agenda and provides staff with the tools they need to deal with tenant queries faster and more effectively.
“I was the ‘go-to’ person when people needed specific geographic information, maps and analysis, but this was unsustainable as the business grew. Together with Cadcorp, we have evolved the system to ensure it meets the needs of the business and enables staff to self-serve.”
Orbit’s estate management team ran the first myM@ps pilot and following the success of this, they were the first team to go live in March 2015. There are now six customised views for development, maintenance, letting and management, grounds maintenance and service charges, sales planning, and other general business activities.
Kevin Ruane, estates area manager, Orbit East and South, said, “For estates services, myM@ps will allow us to work smarter and deliver better value for money when negotiating new contracts. It will also help us deal with tenant queries as there is easy access to a street view of any designated area, enabling us to be more precise with our answers to any questions.”
Martin McGarry, managing director, Cadcorp said, “Orbit started reaping the benefits of deploying geographic data shortly after installing their first desktop GIS. By moving to a web-based deployment it has shown it’s now possible to share those benefits throughout the organisation.”
