A web-based GIS application to optimize the customer onboarding for a utility company

Abstract

Web-GIS can be used to optimise company workflows, in this study the new customer connection process for an electricity utility company was optimised. The system development life cycle (SDLC) consisted of five major stages, starting with requirements analysis, and concluding with web-based GIS application use and maintenance. The Web-GIS was based on the waterfall methodology for developing this application, which follows a sequential and systematic flow of processes. Each stage in this methodology must be completed before proceeding to the next stage, ensuring that errors are not carried forward. A web-based GIS application was developed named 'JICONNECT WEB APP'. It streamlined the online customer registration process for electricity supply to their premises. The web app was used to optimise existing workflow for onboarding new electricity customers and tested to ensure it was relevant and reliable. The integration of this application with other existing applications in the customer connection business structure would lead to increased efficiency. The study's results indicated that the application would benefit the electricity utility company because it offered a cost-effective solution that save time and resources.