BENEFITS OF A NEEDS ASSESSMENT IN DEVELOPMENT OF A MGP INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

摘要

In order to manage voluminous quantities of data, Northeast Utilities Service Company (NU)rninitiated development of a customized GIS-based information management system to store, maintain, andrninterpret data related to its MGP and other environmental sites. The information management system willrncentralize project data; facilitate electronic data standardization; and increase data quality, interpretation,rnand reporting. A needs assessment was the critical first component to successful system planning andrnimplementation. The purpose of the needs assessment was to determine data types, system functionality,rnand operations within existing infrastructures. Early involvement from all applicable parties, includingrnsite project managers, upper management and information technology staff, provided essential guidancernin planning. Working with the end users assisted in understanding typical data interpretation routinesrnand regulatory reporting requirements. The needs assessment established a project foundation, so thatrnthe final information management solution results in a tool that saves time and increases siterncharacterization, investigation and remediation project efficiencies.