One reason for this, according to product developer and company MD, Chris Tolken, is the time taken to create and fine-tune a comprehensive software suite of this magnitude. "With the information challenges currently facing local government today, we believe we are now positioned to offer the best solution, either through direct use of our software by local government departments themselves, or through an outsourcing program where we manage the data externally on their behalf."

Much more than traditional GIS

In terms of its dedication to the needs of local government, MunSys moves way beyond traditional GIS (Geographical Information Systems) which tend to be aimed at more general mapping applications. The main focus of MunSys is the provision of a total solution for all municipal spatial applications.

"MunSys is the complete spatial management tool for local government," says Tolken, "our big advantage over competitive products, which tend to be traditional GIS systems, is that MunSys was created specifically for this market. In addition, the system is probably the most open available and is, unlike many GIS systems, extremely easy to use."

Traditional GIS tend to be very complex which means that users have to go through a steep learning curve in order to use the system effectively. "We have made this process a whole lot easier," adds Tolken," the user-friendliness of MunSys means that new users no longer need to become GIS experts in order to make full use of the system's power and capability."

Based on proven Oracle and Autodesk technology

MunSys has been developed using industry standard Oracle and Autodesk technologies. Says Tolken, "Our applications have been developed on top of AutoCAD Map utilising Autodesk's proven design technology. Furthermore, since the modern trend is increasingly towards 'open' and away from proprietary based systems, we decided to use Oracle's enterprise database technology for the storage of both attribute and spatial data. Oracle spatial is fast becoming one of the most accepted ways of storing spatial data in an open architecture that is widely accessible."

MunSys currently comprises six fully integrated packages that cover the full spectrum of municipal spatial data requirements. "Since GIS systems are typically only strong with regards specific municipal applications, such as mapping, we understood the need to purpose design software solutions for all the main areas of municipal activity. As a result we developed our application packages in close cooperation with local government to ensure that their specific needs and concerns were properly addressed." states Tolken. The MunSys applications comprise:

CMS - Cadastral Management Solution (cadastral and town planning data).

EMS - Electricity Management System (electricity networks).

RMS - Roads Management System (roads, storm water and traffic intersections).

SMS - Sewer Management System (sewer networks).

WMS - Water Management System (water networks).

MunSys I - Internet/intranet data distribution and reporting system.

All the applications share a common database, are extremely easy to use and require very little training.

MunSys Technologies is a dynamic team of specialists offering a number of services to municipal clients including Oracle database design and implementation; data capture, manipulation and conversion; general consulting and training and outsourcing.

MunSys Technologies

(011) 781 1224

ctolken@munsys.co.za

ctolken@munsys.co.za