How to Evaluate Potential GIS Vendors for Your Project
"With 24 years of experience, EI Technologies has gained the experience to successfully manage GIS projects of all sizes."
Your organization has finally decided to take the plunge and build a GIS. But with so many GIS vendors to choose from, how do you pick the right one?
The right one is the vendor that best meets the needs of your organization. So before you start evaluating credentials of various consultants, first consider your own capabilities, needs and objectives.
A typical GIS implementation project has four major components. Your organization may require services from an outside vendor to complete some or all of them:
- Development of specifications for your GIS.
- Creation of the Database
- Development of Application
- Provisions for training and follow-on support
By indentifying which of these services you need, you will create a blueprint for choosing the best consultant. Now you are ready to evaluate potential GIS Developers. Consider the following questions in your evaluation.
1. What is the scope of GIS services provided?
Not all GIS consultants are capable of implementing all four of the above-named services. Whenever possible, find one vendor who offers all of the services you require.
2. Can the vendors provide examples of how their approach to GIS implementation will handle your specific tasks?
Every vendor has a different approach to GIS Development challenges. Make sure their results are compatible with your objectives. If they will be developing specifications for you, ask to see samples. If the vendor will be digitizing your data, request some sample conversations.
3. How many GIS formats does the GIS consultant support?
At last count, there were 48 different GIS software packages available. If your vendor has experience with only three or four, chances are they will try to sell you the package they are most comfortable with, instead of the one that best meets your needs. The more packages they know, the more likely they are to work in your best interest.
4. How much input will you have in development of project specifications?
To ensure the GIS meets your stated objectives, you should be allowed to give continuous input into designing specifications before work begins and throughout the project. Don’t be afraid to change specifications during development if you don’t like them. But find out up front what it will cost you to make those changes after work begins.
5. Does the vendor have hardware expertise?
Ideally, the consultant will acquire the necessary hardware for your system, but ask if some of your existing hardware may be compatible. Make sure any new hardware can be upgraded as your needs evolve.
6. What does the quoted price include?
Have the vendor spell out everything that is included in the price, such as software, hardware, and data conversion. Agree in advance on the costs of unexpected design changes.
7. What is the vendor’s policy if they underbid?
It happens. Vendors inadvertently underbid on projects. Find out if it will cost you or them. Ask if they require a change order when they underbid or do they absorb the additional cost?
8. How long will it take to complete implementation, and how long before they system is operational.
Often these are two different dates. Find out if the vendor provides training so your people can access the system immediately. See if the vendor offers regular reports on development progress. Agree in advance to specific recourse if the project is not completed on time.