Dotted Eyes’ Contractor Portal frees first ...

15 September 2009, 3:52pm

Dotted Eyes’ Contractor Portal frees first customer from data sharing bind

The leading spatial solutions provider Dotted Eyes is launching Contractor Portal, a web application for local government organisations that simplifies the distribution of Ordnance Survey and other spatial datasets to their contractors.

Local authorities carry a significant workload when distributing datasets including preparation and completion of paperwork, selection and processing of datasets, timely distribution of the completed data cut-outs and compliance with strict contractual terms.

Contractor Portal provides an automated, audited workflow that streamlines the entire licensing and ordering process. It enables contractors to access data on a self-service basis, and allows authorities to manage their data distribution through a real-time console.

The advantage of Contractor Portal is that it saves time and reduces costs for both local authorities and their contractors. It also ensures that current data is used more frequently on projects. Finally, its auditing module has been developed with appropriate data partners to ensure full compliance to current contractor licensing requirements.

Contractor Portal is powered by Safe Software’s renowned FME Server technology, which is integrated with Dotted Eyes’ leading mapping interface. This structure provides local authorities with a proven and trusted platform from which to seamlessly deliver services to their partners.

"We are very pleased to see Dotted Eyes introduce this new solution which integrates our FME Server technology,” said Don Murray, President and Co-founder of Safe Software. “Contractor Portal is a great example of how FME Server’s on-the-fly data transformation capabilities enable data distribution workflows that previously were not feasible.”

The first of a number of customers to sign up already is Liverpool Direct Limited, an £80 million-a-year joint venture company formed by Liverpool City Council and BT which provides a range of ICT services to government and business.

Brian Jones, Geodata Team Manager at Liverpool Direct, said: “Whenever a contractor has to use Ordnance Survey mapping they need to apply for a licence. That requires the contracting body to source and exchange the data and manage the licence application. Contractor Portal completely automates that process as it enables the contractor to self-serve. We anticipate considerable efficiency savings being generated from this avoidance of contact with contractors. The lighter touch minimises the amount of resource required from my team, freeing us up to do a lot more of our business critical, internally driven GIS work. On top of that we will be supplying a much more reliable service that can turn round requests a lot more quickly than before.”

Dotted Eyes Managing Director Benjamin Allan said: “Contractor Portal is part of our overall strategy of improving and facilitating the management of the spatial environment. In this case, we are enabling organisations to take a step-change in the management of their data distribution. Contractor Portal’s speed, flexibility and functionality mean that public projects are less likely to be delayed by data access issues. It also means that less time is spent on low value data manipulation allowing more time to be spent on more value-generating activities.”

Dotted Eyes is holding a webinar at 10am on 25 September for those who want more details. Register online at www.dottedeyes.com/cplaunch, or, for more information, email info@dottedeyes.com.

www.dottedeyes.com

GeoConnexion UK