Fiberside Chat (3-GIS): Automation is not autonomous. Why people are needed in data migration.

Stephen Hudak, senior GIS consultant for SSP Innovations in Centennial, CO. Hudak, has spent nearly a decade working in the field of GIS. While contributing to various positions, he has dedicated his time to working on enterprise software implementations and fiber optic data management systems. Joined with Hudak is Kevin Harrelson. Harrelson is the Production Manager of the Data Team for 3-GIS in Decatur, AL. Having worked in GIS for twenty-five years, his tenure with 3-GIS data migration spans nearly a decade.

Many companies struggle to keep up with the latest technology. Hudak and Harrelson agree that customers want fast and clear communication to see if their designs are working and accessible. GIS permits fast data automation for migration. Although manual methods seem like the quick and effective route, they produce significant risks to something going wrong and problem-solving. In the long run, automation saves time and money due to its ability with data migration “set and forget it” said Hudak.

Human in the Loop machine learning strategies keep humans active in building quality automation models by creating feedback touchpoints. Machine learning has allowed automation to take steps forward in efficiency compared to solely relying on a human.

Combining machine learning and human decisions can produce an ongoing evolution by integrating systems. Set up a system with a purpose and a plan. Depending on the problem, it comes down to a sliding scale between the human and machine work ratio. “The last thing you want to do is attempt to solve a problem, but you solve it in a way that creates more work than it’s worth,” said Harrelson. Human engagement allows for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis within the data migration process. Machine learning is ultimately not an all-or-nothing game.

CONTACT:  

Kevin Harrelson, Production Manager at 3-GIS, kharrelson@3-gis.com  

Stephen Hudak, Senior GIS consultant at SSP Innovations, stephen.hudak@sspinnovations.com 

Visit 3-gis.com to see previous episodes, videos, articles, and other resources   

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

safer HVAC chemicals
Stronger Training Pipelines and Smarter Social Media Can Help Solve HVAC’s Talent Shortage
June 9, 2026

The skilled trades are at a crossroads. By some industry estimates, for every five experienced technicians retiring, only two new ones are entering the field—highlighting a growing HVAC talent gap. At the same time, buildings are becoming more complex, more connected, and more dependent on high-performance mechanical systems. The stakes are real: without a…

Read More
design
Where Design Meets Durability: Why Commercial Surfaces Must Support Safety, Cleanability, and Long-Term Value
June 8, 2026

When a commercial space fails, it often fails quietly: a lobby floor that becomes slippery when wet, a hotel bathroom that is difficult to clean, a healthcare surface that cannot withstand constant disinfection, or an office finish that looks great until afternoon glare makes the room uncomfortable. These are not purely aesthetic problems; they are…

Read More
creative career
Crafted Journey How To: Building a Creative Career Across Scripts, Stages, and Sound
June 8, 2026

Creative careers rarely move in a straight line, especially for writers working across stage, screen, audio, books, and independent film. Sustaining that kind of life often means finding opportunities wherever they appear, building a strong network, staying open to different formats, and saying yes to collaborations that can lead somewhere unexpected. The stakes are…

Read More
EMR
EMR Strategy, Consulting, and Career Pivots with MedSys Co-Founder Mark Embry
June 8, 2026

Electronic medical records (EMRs) have moved from a back-office upgrade to a frontline determinant of care quality, clinician burnout, and hospital economics. With U.S. hospitals often spending tens to hundreds of millions—sometimes exceeding $100 million—on EMR implementations, the stakes have never been higher for getting both the technology and the human adoption right. As…

Read More