Over recent years, enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) deployments have transitioned from conventional office-centric workflows to embracing GIS applications in field operations, facilitated by mobile technology. This shift complicates security considerations, presenting a greater challenge for Information Technology (IT) architects and security specialists tasked with implementing robust enterprise GIS security strategies.
GIS data and maps can seamlessly accompany mobile field workers into the field, providing invaluable support. Field personnel can access authoritative datasets on their mobile devices, facilitating the collection of new data or the modification of existing attributes. These updates can be shared with the office and monitored in real-time by dispatchers, ensuring efficient coordination and data management.
Enterprise Mobile App Management
The default setup of each ArcGIS mobile app facilitates widespread distribution of GIS data and content throughout an organization, often extending to the public domain. For organizations seeking to bolster the security of their mobile solutions, additional measures can be implemented within the Web GIS architecture. This might involve integrating stricter controls and incorporating advanced security components such as enterprise mobility management (EMM).
Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)
When it comes to an enterprise deployment involving mobile devices, the primary challenge lies in safeguarding data and applications while minimizing any negative impact on user experience. Enterprise Mobility Management emerges as a strategic solution for overseeing mobile devices, applications, and content within the organization. Its primary goal revolves around understanding how mobile devices integrate into business processes, facilitate field worker support, and ensure compliance with IT security standards.
EMM is structured into three distinct conceptual components:
- Mobile Device Management (MDM)
- Mobile Application Management (MAM)
- Mobile Content Management (MCM)
Leveraging EMM can furnish additional security measures at the mobile device level, thereby bolstering the security of enterprise GIS deployments with mobile field components.
Mobile Device Management (MDM)
Mobile device management (MDM) involves the oversight of mobile devices within an organization, typically facilitated through software solutions that streamline and enhance functionality and security management. A fundamental feature of MDM software is “containerization”, wherein corporate data is segregated from personal data on mobile devices.
Administrators can utilize MDM software to define and deploy configuration templates tailored to specific mobile devices. These templates enable customization of security settings, including password requirements, PIN length, app permissions, email configurations, device encryption, location tracking, WiFi settings, and restrictions on apps, services, and device features.
Mobile Application Management (MAM)
Mobile application management (MAM) enhances the security of mobile devices by employing software and services to regulate and manage access to individual applications. This approach allows administrators to exert precise control at the application level, safeguarding app data effectively. MAM capabilities are often integrated into MDM software solutions.
Typical features of an MAM solution:
- Authorization and provisioning at the application level
- Facilitating app updates
- Implementing user authentication and access control measures
- Managing app versions and configurations
- Utilizing push services
- Monitoring events related to application usage.
Mobile Content Management (MCM)
Mobile Content Management (MCM) constitutes a variant of content management systems tailored to store and disseminate content and services specifically to mobile devices.
Key capabilities of MCM solutions:
- Multi-channel content delivery
- Content access control
- Specialized templating systems for efficient content rendering
- Location-based content delivery
GCS’ Experience Deploying Secure ArcGIS Mobile Solutions
KGPCo, a leader in the communications provider sector, was searching for a cost-efficient implementation and operations augmentation of their business workflow system with GIS technology features to improve back-office and field activity efficiencies for construction projects focusing on project onboarding, construction, and project closure workflows. The solution needed to allow KGPCo’s staff in the field, and in the back office, to easily inventory assets and keep information up to date and secure.
GCS implemented an asset management solution designed for telecommunications organizations. It can be used to map coax, copper, fiber, and wireless system assets, edit data, view system maps in the field and office, view asset reports, and collaborate with maps notes, turning ArcGIS into a system of record for communications organizations. To meet customer requirements for mobile security and project onboarding, construction, and project closure workflows, GCS developed an Enterprise solution utilizing custom implementations of ArcGIS field operations mobile apps.
Custom Field Maps were implemented based on customer business logic and workflows. From Field Maps, crews are assigned features to build which are only visible to that particular field crew. Crews can update the status of work orders and add notes but cannot change the geometry of assignments. Supervisors have access to the same map, allowing communication between the back-office and GIS team and field crews.
The Job Hazard Acknowledgement (JHA) form is a custom Survey123 implementation that field crews are required to fill out as part of a daily sign in requirement before they can begin the day’s tasks. Work order completion’s can’t be submitted without first filling out the JHA.
Who We Are
GCS is a Geospatial Information Technology Services Company delivering award-winning solutions.
Our team of geospatial IT and cloud certified professionals help organizations unlock and enable GIS technology. With over 200 years of combined technical expertise, GCS converts your ideas into reality through customer-driven, innovative applications. GCS customers gain strategic value through increased productivity, efficiency and profitability, optimizing mission-critical business processes.
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