Stellenbosch University's Facilities Management Division (SUFM) received global recognition for its outstanding and effective use of Geographic Information Management Systems (GIS) technology in its campus operations. The Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) awarded the division its esteemed Special Achievement Award, a testament to its commitment to innovation and excellence.
SUFM's Development Planning and Design division was one of only 217 GIS users selected out of 680 000 organisations globally to receive this prestigious award."
"This award serves as a testament to the SU's unwavering commitment to leveraging cutting-edge GIS technology to revolutionise our operational processes across its campuses and employing technology to do more with less," says SUFM's Director Development Planning and Design, Francois Swart
Swart and his colleagues, Warren Jacobs (Building Information Management Specialist) and Jermaine Hendriks (Manager: Facilities Information) received the award from Jack Dangermond, president and founder of the ESRI, during the Plenary Session at the International ESRI user conference in San Diego, US on Monday, 15 July 2024. "This recognition not only celebrates SU's remarkable achievements but also underscores its pivotal role in setting new standards within the global GIS community," says Swart, for whom this award marks another milestone for SU 'in its legacy of excellence and innovation, reaffirming its position as a beacon of progress within the technology landscape'.
According to Swart, SU's journey into digitising its building management systems on the University's campuses started in 2001. "It was a steady step-by-step process to gradually improve the management of our structural and spatial buildings, incorporating valuable data to make more informed decisions and simplify our processes to do 'more with less'. "We now can leverage SU's comprehensive GIS platform to determine future planning scenarios and cost-saving measures. With limitless possibilities, this technology empowers SUFM to harness spatial information, make informed decisions and enhance communication across environments."
Swart said that by embracing GIS technology, SU has overcome challenges associated with facility management, providing a solid foundation for future facilities data integration and sustainable campus development.
The GIS team would like to thank SUFM's senior management for all the support over all the years and the provision of resources to achieve this award.
