Qatar’s economy is one of the highest in the world based on GDP per capita, ranking generally among the top ten richest countries on WW rankings. Qatar decided back in 2008 to introduce its Qatar Vision 2030 based on Digital Transformation to diversify its economy. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, Qatar understood very early the importance of future-proofing its economy by investing in digital transformation, skills development, and innovation. Qatar Vision 2030 serves as a roadmap for building a resilient and adaptable economy that can thrive in the digital age.

We sat with Masoun Shahbandar, Senior GIS Expert at CGIS (Center for Geographic Information Systems) since 1991,  who shares insights into the journey of a unique initiative powered by Claris FileMaker, the world’s leading Workplace Innovation Platform. 

What is the mission of CGIS?

CGIS, part of Qatar’s Ministry of Municipality, is the country’s official geospatial agency. Functioning as the national mapping and remote sensing agency, CGIS sets the standards for creating GIS across all government agencies. It has been at the forefront of shaping Qatar’s geospatial landscape.

Leveraging the latest technologies, including aerial and satellite imagery as well as mobile mapping solutions, CGIS ensures the accuracy, integrity, and accessibility of Qatar’s geospatial information.

What is your background with Claris FileMaker?

Claris being an Apple subsidiary, Masoun first discovered FileMaker while working at Apple in Jordan.

I was immediately hooked by it. Even back then, FileMaker stood out as a unique and powerful tool.

Masoun

With a strong background in computer science and a Bachelor’s degree in this field, he quickly realized the potential.

This interest led him to experiment with FileMaker for several years, crafting various tools, such as a management and registration solution for an international event back in ’93 when no suitable solution existed.

What was the starting point of the project?

The use of iPads for GIS field survey operations sparked the attention of the Minister, who recognized the efficiency and effectiveness of the system.

In 2014, the Minister identified the potential to streamline site inspection operations.

Initially, the objective was to streamline basic data entry and email tasks using a similar system to the GIS field survey operations.

Recognizing the need for a more robust and complete solution, Masoun suggested the development of a comprehensive database solution.

The requirements were clear: an iPad application paired with a web interface for seamless data synchronization, ensuring real-time updates without the need for additional applications. The solution also had to be user-friendly and intuitive.

FileMaker quickly came to Masoun’s mind. Within just two hours, he built a first pilot using a FileMaker form based on an existing inspector’s document. This impressive demonstration won over the Ministry, paving the way for a more comprehensive system.

The project began with just one person, two developers joined the team later on. Without being familiar with FileMaker, these two developers became proficient in just a few weeks, thanks to the platform’s ease of use.

How does the Claris solution work?

The new solution revolutionized the workflow of inspectors by efficiently managing the complete work cycle and streamlining tasks that were previously manual and time-consuming.

• Assignment of inspectors
  Assignments to geographic locations are seamlessly handled, thanks to the integration with the GIS software enabling real-time tracking of inspectors’ locations displayed on a live map. Assignments are also tailored to their areas of expertise, whether it be hygiene or building inspections.

• Inspection
  Inspections are conducted efficiently, with pre-set criteria to check and automatic capture of locations, thus eliminating manual and imprecise notetaking.
  The solution is linked to Ministry of Commerce and Real Estate systems for automatic permit checks, saving considerable time previously spent on manual processes.
• In case of violation:
  Inspectors can swiftly document violations, including photos and videos, and even issue warnings directly through the app.
  The report process is expedited through a streamlined digital workflow facilitating swift resolution and reducing bureaucratic delays (SMS notification to get the director’s authorization, instant SMS notifications to violators and options for immediate online payment). Additionally, the app can generate police reports.
  This entire process that took weeks could be resolved within minutes with the solution, greatly enhancing efficiency and compliance.

Up to 1 000 inspectors could be connected at a time.

How was the system welcomed by the inspectors?

Let’s face it, change in work processes can be intimidating at first. To encourage the adoption of the tool, inspectors had to understand its philosophy: the FileMaker app is an ally to increase their efficiency and empower them as augmented employees!

Trying out the solution firsthand and witnessing its transformative impact on their daily operations, they then became enthusiastic advocates. The learning curve proved surprisingly manageable, owing to the solution’s intuitive interface.

Within a couple of months, inspectors comfortably navigated the platform, embracing it as an indispensable tool that significantly enhanced their efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out their missions.

What are the benefits of the Claris solution?

The implementation of the solution resulted in significant cost and time savings.

Previously, inspectors could manage a maximum of 3-4 inspections daily. With the solution’s implementation, this number jumped to over 20 inspections per day for each inspector.

This boost in productivity led not only to a substantial increase in the number of inspections conducted. It also accelerated the process of reporting violations across the country and subsequently the corrective actions to address any deficiencies identified during the inspection. For instance, in Doha alone, building inspections skyrocketed to 5 155 in 2022, which improved monitoring and maintenance of building infrastructure.

The remarkable increase in inspection capacity not only optimized resource allocation but also underscored the solution’s ability to generate substantial savings through enhanced operational efficiency.

Why Claris FileMaker was the right fit to create this solution?

For Masoun, the choice was obvious.

One of the reasons that led him to choose FileMaker is the seamless integration between the database, web interfaces and iPad app, with all changes made on the go reflecting instantly.

I doubt there is another solution that can accomplish that.

Masoun

Creating, deploying, and making changes to the solution is also incredibly easy, and one didn’t need to be an experienced developer.

The integration with other systems, such as Oracle, is also straightforward.

When asked if they ever reached the limits of FileMaker at some point, Masoun replies: “We did not tap the full potential of FileMaker yet, maybe 50% of it, so far. We have never got any complaints or encountered any issues or blocks that hindered our progress.”

Masoun’s advice to skeptics?
“Just try it and see for yourself”

What was the impact of this Claris solution?

The impact of the solution on the Ministry was overwhelmingly positive, garnering very favorable feedback from other administrations.

Such achievements led to invitations for demos from several ministries expressing keen interest in adopting similar solutions.

Furthermore, the solution fostered greater awareness of regulations and standards.

Notably, in legal challenges, the solution bolstered inspectors’ reports, mitigating previous vulnerabilities due to improper phrasing of violations, thus ensuring greater legal compliance, efficacy, and huge savings.

The impact of this type of system on society is profound and far-reaching:

• safeguard public health and safety by ensuring adherence to safety standards
• protect consumers by ensuring product quality and reliability
• promote fairness and equality by ensuring that businesses adhere to ethical practices
• contribute to environmental sustainability by promoting practices that minimize negative impacts on the environment

This initiative perfectly aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030, aimed at transforming Qatar into an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people by 2030.

Central to this vision is digital transformation, and the implementation of this system exemplifies a significant stride towards achieving this goal. By revolutionizing the inspection process, it made operations faster, smoother, and more efficient.

Feeling inspired?

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