The NIH/DEP oversees critical environmental programs, managing extensive data on air quality, water usage, hazardous materials, and compliance. However, the data was scattered across multiple formats and systems, with limited integration and analytics capabilities. NIH/DEP needed a unified platform to streamline data collection, enhance insights, and improve decision-making.

Challenge

• Disparate legacy systems for environmental data management.
• Lack of integration between geospatial data (ArcGIS) and operational data.
• Limited business intelligence tools to generate actionable insights.
• Increasing compliance requirements for environmental data reporting and management.

Our Approach

Ark adopted a holistic approach to address NIH/DEP’s challenges, leveraging advanced tools and methodologies to deliver an innovative, integrated solution.

Key Contributions:

1. Unified Data Management Platform:
   • Designed and developed a Power Apps Dataverse Model-Driven Application to consolidate and manage environmental data.
   • Enabled seamless integration with ArcGIS for geospatial data visualization and management using a custom Power Apps Component Framework (PCF).
2. Advanced Data Analytics and Reporting:
   • Built interactive Power BI dashboards for real-time insights on environmental metrics such as air emissions, water consumption, and hazardous materials management.
   • Conducted data cleansing and normalization to improve data accuracy and reliability.
3. Process Automation:
   • Implemented automated workflows using Power Automate, reducing manual effort and improving efficiency in data collection and processing.
4. Agile Development and Project Management:
   • Employed Agile methodologies for iterative development and delivery, ensuring alignment with NIH/DEP’s evolving requirements.
   • Used DevOps practices to streamline deployments and improve system reliability.
5. Integration with ServiceNow IWMS:
   • Facilitated the integration of NIH/DEP’s environmental data with ServiceNow IWMS (Integrated Workplace Management System) to enhance facility management and compliance tracking.

Results

• Centralized Data Management: Consolidated environmental data from multiple programs into a unified platform, enabling better governance and accessibility.
• Improved Decision-Making: Delivered actionable insights through dynamic Power BI dashboards, allowing NIH/DEP to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Reduced manual data handling and streamlined processes with automated workflows, saving significant time and effort.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensured compliance with federal environmental regulations through improved reporting and data accuracy.
• Innovation Recognition: NIH/DEP became the first government agency to integrate ArcGIS with Power Apps using a PCF component, showcasing Ark’s technical expertise.

Technology Stack

• Microsoft Power Platform: Power Apps, Power Automate, Power BI, Dataverse
• ArcGIS: Geospatial data integration
• ServiceNow IWMS: Facility management integration
• Node.js: Advanced backend development for PCF

Conclusion

Ark’s work with NIH/DEP demonstrates our ability to deliver innovative, impactful solutions that address complex challenges in data management and analytics. By leveraging the Microsoft Power Platform and integrating cutting-edge technologies, we empowered NIH/DEP to streamline their operations, improve compliance, and make better decisions for environmental protection.

This case study reflects Ark’s commitment to excellence in IT solutions, positioning us as a trusted partner for organizations seeking transformative digital solutions.