Take a break with... Karen Jones

Tell us about yourself? 

I’m an Account Manager working in the utilities team at 1Spatial. I graduated in 2018 from UCL with a BA in Linguistics and have worked in the Aviation industry where I gained experience in Asset Management and Account Management and Marketing.

Fun fact about you?

I am a complete DIY fanatic; very handy with a power tool and skilled with a paintbrush. Although the process is most definitely not the most enjoyable, especially if you’re just waiting for paint to dry, it’s the end result that really keeps me going.

What’s been your favourite thing about 1Spatial so far?

Using location data as the basis of what we do at 1Spatial unlocks a variety of opportunities and territories to get involved with. In turn, this drives research and development efforts and innovative thinking to produce and develop products suitable for a number of industries.

What’s the most interesting part of the utilities industry that you’ve learnt so far?

My primary understanding of the utilities industry comes from my previous role in aviation. From an asset management perspective, that was driven with the view of having a comprehensive picture of the utility asset base to manage internally. Now in my current role, my understanding and remit concerning utilities has shifted towards an externally focused approach where the utility space is changing due to transformation in the industry in part led by drivers from the regulators.

What do you think the biggest challenge for the utilities sector is in the next 12 months?

The biggest challenge will be the acceptance and commitment to systems thinking within the industry. The specific challenges this will present is the need to collaborate and share information.

In addition to the data transformation that is required, as a result of the industry being geared towards siloed working in the past, there is also a culture shift required to achieve a smarter way of working across utilities.

What do you think the most exciting opportunity for 1Spatial to help with the utilities sector is?

1Spatial’s Location Master Data Management (LMDM) platform together with 1Integrate has the ability to provide the sector with quality data that they can trust and maintain as it evolves. Also, the automation of BAU processes will remove the introduction of unintended error and increase workforce capacity. Allowing utilities to obtain key insights from their utility networks and enable smarter decision making.

If you were given an airline ticket to go anywhere in the world where would you go and why?

Indonesia, Bali for its picturesque views of the mountainous landscape, the beautiful beaches and the cultural experience.

To find out more about the work we do with the utilities industry, contact us or visit our utilities page.