Data security - protecting your data when used for mapping

When maps form part of a territory planning or marketing/management information system, and web pages are used to manage and display the information, there is often a question surrounding data security and access to operational systems.

Have no fear as the mapping solutions Tech4T provide are stand-alone and we also tend to only work with a copy of non-sensitive information - see below.  In addition, as a company Tech4T treat information confidentiality very seriously and this is set out in our NDA (Non Disclosure Agreement) which is available on request.

1. Our mapping solutions are built into a set of related web pages (with built-in navigation and search routines) and provided in a folder structure that can be placed on an individual's PC, on an Internet or on an Intranet. We also supply separate PDFs of maps and Excel data sheets that can be password protected.

2. Due to the complex process in building these map-based information systems - Tech4T use a minimum of 14 tools and probably 20 - 30 different processes - we tend to handle changes by providing a contractual or ad-hoc maintenance service. For a monthly fee calculated based on the amount of change required, we can add or modify customer etc. locations, refine territory boundaries, or make other changes as needed.

3. Where we need to use client data in any of our mapping solutions - either for territory design, rebalancing or when creating a map-driven information system - we typically work with 'a copy' of non-sensitive data. This is usually provided in a secure spreadsheet or text file. There is therefore no risk to any of the underlying source data.

4. The content of the client data will vary depending on its use, but usually the most sensitive it gets is the territory manager's name and optionally their home Postcode so we can plot a base locations, the customer name, a Postcode (so that we can position them on the map), a sales value, maybe the type of account, and optionally a unique URL that can optionally access the customer's own website or link to their record held in an in-house database. This last point only applies where the mapping system is used within an internal Intranet.

5. Importantly, the solutions we provide do not need to access live operational data and therefore there is no requirement to pass through a client's security, firewall, etc.

6. Therefore, subject to point 4. above, there is no security risk to the client nor any need to directly access live operational data.

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