Implementing Automated Processes to Improve Workflow May 19,
2011 Mark Zito, GISP, CFM GIS Specialist CDM
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What is workflow? A workflow consists of a sequence of
connected steps WORKFLOW
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What are processes? A series of operations performed in the
making or treatment of a product thefreedictionary.com A process is
a more specific notion than workflow Processes used in floodplain
mapping Hydrology Delineating a floodplain Plotting Base Flood
Elevations (BFE)
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What is Automation? The technique of making an apparatus, a
process, or a system operate automatically The state of being
operated automatically Automation simplifies processes and improves
efficiency Code Config Data
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Improving Processes Project Goals Reduce Costs Reduce Error
Automating processes can Standardize, streamline and simplify
procedures Decrease the potential for error Provide Quality Control
Allow junior level staff to perform more complicated processes
Standardize data formatting and storage
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Automate Workflow Develop Test Workflow Develop Test Processes
Develop Test Implement Automate
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Develop Workflow and Processes Create a workflow for the entire
project Define the major tasks Standardize procedures Provides a
diagram for teaching others Useful for dividing up workload amongst
multiple people Helps manage and track progress Test the workflow
and procedures Complete each task manually and record how long it
takes Helps streamline the process Important for calculating
cost/benefit analysis Identify repetitive and/or time consuming
tasks
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Is it worth Automating? Estimate time required to develop the
tool Can take a considerable amount of time Not all processes
require automation Estimate the time required to setup and use the
tool Compare estimate to manual approach Manually completing the
process vs. Time to complete using the tool + time required to
create the tool
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Is it worth Automating? Tool Estimate < = time to complete
manually? Other considerations: Can the tool be used on other
projects? Customizable as needs change Does the tool provide
increased visibility in the field?
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Development Considerations Macros Model Builder Scripting
Platform Full fledged application Requirements Licensing
Benefits 11 of 30 Processes Automated Reasons Improved
efficiency est. 20% Simplify processes reduce training Reduce Error
Coastal Workflow
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DEMO Coastal Tools
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Collecting Elevation Data Elevation data needed along transect
for model Elevation data provided in tiles Model is 1-Dimensional
Examples
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Ramer-Douglas-Peucker Algorithem Used to reduce number of
points along a curve Same algorithm used in Simplify Line Tool
Examples
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Reduced 96% of points Raw = 2,236 points Thin = 89 points
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Examples
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Automated Map Generation Esris Data Driven Pages and Map
Automation One MXD for all maps Generate thematic maps on-the-fly
Dynamic text Update layers or text on the fly Examples