Relationally Integrated Computer Systems (RICS)

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil & Gas Resource Management asked JMT to build a web-based system to track their activities, allow customers to request permits, and provide the public with information about oil and gas activities in the state of Ohio.​

This new relationally integrated computer system (RICS) is a platform that allows ODNR to define their workflows, build pages to complete the flows, define the data entities, and deploy those flows. Users are also able to take advantage of integrated tools including contacts, notes, approval, tasks, emailing, mailing, and payment processing tools.

JMT built components specific to the oil and gas industry that take advantage of geographic information system (GIS) technology. As an example, the RICS permitting workflow helps users through the process of requesting to build a well and creates a design plan for ODNR to analyze. This component utilizes GIS technology to query data to determine what rules and regulations are applicable in the area including the presence of underground drinking water, underground mines, and other geologic features. Additionally, because oil and gas wells do not necessarily go straight down, GIS allows the RICS system to display the proposed well in 3D allowing ODNR staff to identify possible conflicts with other nearby wells. Based on the well requirements entered by the user, the RICS generates multiple views of the information, such as the schematic view, 3D view, and map location.

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