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

survey
Survey Ready Every Day: Why It’s Not Just a Once-a-Year Activity
January 13, 2026

Unannounced surveys are no longer the exception in healthcare—they’re the norm. Accrediting bodies increasingly expect sterile processing departments (SPDs) to demonstrate consistent compliance, real-time documentation, and reliable adherence to manufacturers’ instructions for use on any given day, not just during audit season. Joint Commission survey data continue to show that high-level disinfection and sterilization practices…

Read More
HR
HR at a Crossroads: Navigating Culture, AI, and the Future of Work
January 13, 2026

The modern workplace is at a crossroads, shaped by the rapid rise of AI, shifting cultural expectations, and increasing pressure on leaders to balance efficiency with humanity. Organizations are being forced to make intentional choices about how they operate, how they lead, and how they invest in their people — choices that will define…

Read More
Trades
From Hands-On to High-Tech: How Innovation Is Transforming the Next Generation of Trades Talent
January 13, 2026

The skilled trades are facing a turning point. With a rapidly retiring workforce and an ever-growing demand for infrastructure, HVAC, and electrical expertise, the U.S. is experiencing a talent gap that’s becoming impossible to ignore. Looking ahead to 2026, industry analysts anticipate the construction sector will need to recruit nearly half a million new workers,…

Read More
continuing education
Career-Connected Continuing Ed: How Upright Education Helps Colleges Upskill Adult Learners in Digital Skills
January 12, 2026

Higher education is undergoing a quiet shift. While undergraduate enrollments remain in long-term decline, continuing education has emerged as one of the sector’s fastest-growing segments, expanding at more than 11% annually. At the same time, rapid advances in AI, data, and cybersecurity are reshaping nearly every job category, forcing institutions to rethink how quickly…

Read More