Utilities depend on accurate maps to get field work done right the first time. Yet too often, crews are forced to toggle between a GIS portal and their mobile workforce software just to see where assets are located. That slows everyone down.
With ServiceLink, you don’t have to choose. Enabling ESRI GIS integration puts your maps and assets directly inside dispatch and field workflows. This post explains what you get with Basic ESRI Integration, why it’s a best practice to turn on now, and how to take the next step with Advanced ESRI Integration.
(Note: ServiceLink integrates with ESRI by default, but if your utility uses another GIS provider, let us know and our team can explore options).
Why ESRI GIS Integration Matters for Utilities
- Reduce context switching – crews and dispatchers work in one system, not two.
- Fewer errors – asset details appear directly within orders, minimizing manual lookups.
- Better field adoption – new hires learn one platform, not multiple tools.
- Stronger data quality loop – field crews can flag discrepancies quickly for GIS teams to review.
Embedding maps directly into ServiceLink means field staff see assets where they work, not in a separate window.
What You Get with Basic ESRI Integration
Basic ESRI integration is included with ServiceLink and provides:
- Map visibility in ServiceLink – view ESRI layers inside dispatch and mobile views.
- Asset identification – click assets (hydrants, valves, meters, etc.) to see core details.
- Layer controls – toggle layers on/off to keep screens clear and responsive.
- Zoom and filter options – scale from system-wide views down to job-specific assets.
This simple setup is the best practice starting point for any utility.
Best Practices for Rolling Out Basic ESRI Layers
- Start small – enable only the 2–3 layers crews use daily.
- Link layers to work orders – tie hydrants, valves, or meters directly to relevant jobs.
- Keep details simple – show essentials in popovers; leave advanced attributes optional.
- Pilot first – test with one crew or district before scaling.
- Capture discrepancies – encourage crews to note mismatches so GIS teams can correct them.
What’s Possible with Advanced ESRI Integration
When you’re ready to take GIS further, ServiceLink offers Advanced ESRI Integration as an add-on. This unlocks:
- Create service orders from the map – click an asset and generate a service order instantly.
- Field redlining (with QA) – mark corrections in the field; changes flow to GIS for review before going live.
- GPS coordinate capture – updated lat/longs from field completions sync back to CIS and GIS.
- Flexible layer management – configure which layers to display for speed and clarity.
Advanced integration closes the loop: crews not only see assets but also improve asset data with every job.
ESRI and Beyond: GIS Options with ServiceLink
ServiceLink integrates natively with ESRI, but we know some utilities use other GIS systems. If your team prefers another provider, let us know. Our integration framework supports flexibility so you don’t have to compromise on your mapping platform.
Next Steps
- Turn on Basic ESRI Layers – if you haven’t already, enabling ESRI visibility in ServiceLink is a simple win that speeds up work and reduces errors.
- Explore Advanced ESRI Integration – when you’re ready to create orders from the map and feed updates back into GIS, we’ll help you plan the rollout.
Contact us to get started with Basic or Advanced ESRI integration and bring your map directly into ServiceLink.
