Speed Up Your ArcGIS UN Deployment With These Proven Strategies

Speed Up Your ArcGIS UN Deployment With These Proven Strategies

Published: May 29, 2025

Migrating to Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network (UN) can feel like navigating a maze – especially for utilities still managing legacy systems and outdated data models. 

While the promise of streamlined operations and better asset visibility is clear, the path to get there often isn’t. With timelines stretching from three to five years for many organizations, it’s no wonder that momentum stalls.

But here’s the reality: the timeline can be significantly reduced.

At 1Spatial, we help utilities cut through complexity. By emphasizing iteration, automation, and strategic tooling, we’ve enabled clients like Holland Board of Public Works to complete their UN migrations in under 100 business days. That’s less than half the time of traditional methods.

If you're aiming to speed up your own migration, here are the top tips to get you there faster.

1. Prioritize Data Readiness—Upfront

Migration timelines are often derailed by poor data quality. Missing attributes, misaligned geometries, and outdated asset records create a ripple effect of issues. If not addressed early, these errors can delay validation, increase cost, and frustrate stakeholders.

Tip: Start with a full audit using tools like 1Spatial’s UN Readiness App. With drag-and-drop simplicity, utilities can assess schema compatibility, detect connectivity errors, and spot non-conformities—all before a single line of code is migrated.

2. Use Machine Learning to Automate Schema Mapping

One of the most time-consuming tasks in a UN migration is translating data from the geometric model to the Utility Network schema. Doing this manually is error-prone and slow.

Tip: Leverage machine learning and AI-enabled tools to map old data structures to the new UN model. At 1Spatial, our solutions reduce the time and effort required for schema alignment by automatically applying transformation rules and surfacing gaps for review.

3. Test Early, Test Often

Delaying validation until the end of the migration creates risk. A single rule violation late in the process can cascade into rework and reset your timeline.

Tip: Apply a rules-based validation process from day one. Our UN Validation App helps you check conformance against Esri’s UN standards throughout the migration. The result? Faster troubleshooting and fewer surprises.

4. Choose SaaS Over Scripts

Many consultants offer migration support, but with heavy services and custom scripts that lock you into lengthy engagements. These aren’t always built for speed.

Tip: Adopt SaaS tools that scale instantly, are cloud-based, and offer transparency. 1Spatial’s suite of UN migration apps eliminates long development cycles and lets your team make progress the same day they log in.

5. Collaborate With, Not Against, Consultants

Many solution-providers in this space are consultancy-first organizations. While this alone brings value, there may also be opportunities for partnership.

Tip: Use 1Spatial’s tools to empower consultants. Our platform integrates easily into existing workflows, allowing partners to focus on advisory and implementation while your organization retains control and visibility.

6. Address Integration Early

GIS does not live in a vacuum. From SCADA and EAM to CIS, your utility’s operational ecosystem must sync seamlessly with the new UN model.

Tip: Identify integration points early and test data flows between systems throughout the migration process. Data governance isn’t just about GIS—it’s about enabling real-time decisions across the business.

7. Track Progress With Real Metrics

It’s hard to improve what you can’t measure. Without dashboards and benchmarks, timelines drift and teams lose clarity.

Tip: Use spatial reports and rule-based dashboards to monitor progress. Track issue resolution trends, rule compliance, and data quality over time. This level of visibility keeps everyone—from GIS managers to executives—aligned.

Case in Point: Holland Board of Public Works

Holland BPW faced the same challenges as many midsize utilities: limited internal resources, uncertain data quality, and pressure to integrate a new SCADA system. After 3 to 4 months of slow progress using traditional methods, they switched to 1Spatial.

With the UN Readiness App and supporting services, they accelerated their migration dramatically. “Thanks to 1Spatial, we achieved a successful UN migration in half the time,” said GIS Specialist, Neil Besteman. “Traditional methods would have exceeded our project timeline.”

In just 100 business days, Holland BPW completed their transformation, complete with improved communication, pinpoint error detection, and lower total cost of ownership.

Your Migration Doesn’t Need to Take Years

UN migrations don’t have to be long, complex marathons. With the right tools, the right mindset, and the right partner, you can move faster, without compromising on quality.

At 1Spatial, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From readiness assessments and schema automation to validation and post-migration support, our approach is built for speed, precision, and success.

Ready to accelerate your Utility Network migration?
Let’s start with a free two-week trial of the UN Readiness App and see how quickly you can transform your data, and your timeline.