M-Files Corporation, the intelligent information management company, today announced the general availability of M-Files for Esri ArcGIS. The solution integrates the M-Files intelligent information management platform with Esri’s world-leading geographic information system (GIS) for mapping and analytics, offering a new way to manage documents and other information by integrating and using maps and geodata to browse and access information. The integration provides seamless, in-context access to important documents and information residing in other systems directly from the ArcGIS and M-Files user interfaces.

“M-Files for Esri ArcGIS connects map item data with information in M-Files, making content retrievable in both systems for a more unified user experience,” said Eija Paajanen, director of product marketing at M-Files. “Bridging information gaps and eliminating information silos, M-Files helps users increase visibility, boost process efficiencies and better ensure compliance.

There is tremendous synergy between M-Files and Esri as partners as we both have global reach, support diverse government and private industry user communities and have very complementary information management offerings, said Paul Hartwell, partner executive for Esri's natural resources sector. M-Files has carefully engineered the integration and there has been a lot of early interest including city governments in Australia, mapping agencies in Europe, utility companies in Scandinavia and oil and gas operators in North America.

Whether it is a contract for a piece of land or a maintenance request on a certain asset in a huge industrial plant, most of the data in maps or other GIS applications relates to documents from other systems. Users are all too familiar with the pressures of figuring out where that information is “ rummaging through network folders, email inboxes or shared network drives. Different versions and the unclear status of documents found add to the problem.

M-Files intelligent information management eliminates these burdens and ensures that the information users need is instantly accessible and controlled, no matter where the user is or where those documents are stored. M-Files provides instant access to documents and other information from repositories like the file system, ECM/DMS, SharePoint, and other business applications such as ERP or CRM systems.

Any item on a map can be connected with information in M-Files for instant access to the latest data and documentation, no matter which system the information is stored in – resulting in a new intuitive and productive way of accessing information. Companies can manage and control company assets from the familiar location-based navigation of ArcGIS and gain unprecedented visibility over business-critical information. Using M-Files workflow and permission capabilities, customers can drive processes and projects related to map items to gain visibility and speed.

The M-Files for Esri ArcGIS integration connects map item data with information and documentation in M-Files, making content accessible and manageable in both systems. M-Files for Esri ArcGIS functions on two levels. From the user perspective, the M-Files for Esri ArcGIS integration offers a seamless way of working, accessing, and managing content. The M-Files interface is embedded into ArcGIS web applications allowing users to access and interact with related content from M-Files. Likewise, ArcGIS maps are embedded into the M-Files desktop application, allowing users to access related map(s) and assets. On the server level, M-Files brings in data from ArcGIS and uses that data to connect and organize documents and non-GIS controlled content. This removes the need to manually input data from ArcGIS into M-Files in order to connect information between the two systems.

One typical application area for the combined solution is land acquisition and development projects. Land acquisition requires many document-intensive steps, like surveying sites, gathering permits, and making agreements with multiple landowners. M-Files for Esri ArcGIS provides full visibility on the entire acquisition process, including all documentation in a single application. Automated workflows, targeted notifications, and less manual processing result in fewer errors and delays.

Another use case is asset maintenance, where visibility and process efficiency are important aspects. Rather than gathering data from various systems, M-Files for Esri ArcGIS provides instant access to the complete maintenance history in a single view. Furthermore, managers and technicians can report on maintenance tasks and track the status of various projects in a single application. All of this results in saved time and costs for maintenance as well as fewer operation disruptions, health and environmental incidents, and repair and recovery costs.

More information on the integration of Esri's ArcGIS and M-Files:
https://www.m-files.com/en/m-files-for-esri-arcgis

Learn more about the M-Files platform’s unique approach to intelligent information management:
https://www.m-files.com/en/intelligent-information-management

About Esri
Esri, the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping, offers the most powerful geospatial cloud available, to help customers unlock the full potential of data to improve operational and business results. Founded in 1969, Esri software is deployed in more than 350,000 organizations including 90 of the Fortune 100 companies, all 50 state governments, more than half of all counties (large and small), and 87 of the Forbes Top 100 Colleges in the US, as well as all 15 Executive Departments of the US Government and dozens of independent agencies. With its pioneering commitment to geospatial information technology, Esri engineers the most advanced solutions for digital transformation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced analytics. Visit us at esri.com.

About M-Files Corporation
M-Files provides a next-generation intelligent information management platform that improves business performance by helping people find and use information more effectively. Unlike traditional enterprise content management (ECM) systems or content services platforms, M-Files unifies systems, data and content across the organization without disturbing existing systems and processes or requiring data migration. Using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in its unique Intelligent Metadata Layer, M-Files breaks down silos by delivering an in-context experience for accessing and leveraging information that resides in any system and repository, including network folders, SharePoint, file-sharing services, ECM systems, CRM, ERP, and other business systems and repositories.
Thousands of organizations in more than 100 countries use M-Files for managing their business information and processes, including NBC Universal, OMV, Valmet, Rovio, SAS Institute and thyssenkrupp. For more information, visit http://www.m-files.com.

M-Files is a registered trademark of M-Files Corporation. All other registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.