Master Plan: The digital transformation that revolutionized USPEC's operations
The USPEC (Unidad de Servicios Penitenciarios y Carcelarios) in Colombia is the entity responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the country's prisons. Its work includes the construction, maintenance, and improvement of prison infrastructure, as well as the provision of basic services such as food, water, clothing, and medical care for persons deprived of liberty.
Likewise, USPEC coordinates logistical and security aspects to ensure that prison facilities are functional and meet dignified standards, in line with human rights and the country's laws. However, for some years now, it has been facing a key challenge: modernizing its operating processes and optimizing the way it collects and manages data on the country's prison establishments.
With more than 130 detention centers under its administration, USPEC had to evolve from a manual information gathering system to a technological solution that would allow it to work more efficiently, guarantee transparency, and improve real-time decision-making.
A challenge with multiple dimensions
USPEC's IT area received scattered data in spreadsheets generated by external consultants, while reports were designed in limited tools such as Power BI, without integration with the entity's internal platforms. In addition, field data capture was done manually, increasing the risks of typing errors and delaying processes.
Faced with this situation, USPEC sought a comprehensive solution that would allow it to centralize, organize, and modernize these processes, taking advantage of Google Cloud technologies.
In partnership with Xertica.ai, USPEC implemented a comprehensive solution that combined advanced technologies and modern methodologies to transform its operation. This included:
- Data migration and centralization: 20 spreadsheets were moved from Google Drive to BigQuery, using Dataflow to structure and normalize the data, turning it into accessible and reliable information.
- Real-time application with AppSheet: An intuitive tool was developed that allows field staff to capture data in real-time from any device, even without an internet connection, eliminating the risks associated with manual records.
- Advanced visualization with Looker Studio: Static reports in Power BI were transformed into interactive and dynamic dashboards in Looker Studio, improving the presentation of key information for decision-making.
The technologies used in the "Master Plan" played a crucial role in addressing USPEC's challenges. BigQuery (a powerful analysis tool) allowed the centralization and structuring of large volumes of data in a scalable way, while Dataflow automated information processing and Cloud Storage ensured secure and accessible storage.
The no-code application developed with AppSheet allowed the digitization of field data capture in real-time, and the interactive dashboards created in Looker Studio offered clear and dynamic visualizations of the information. All of this was built on a solid Landing Zone foundation, which ensured a secure, organized, and scalable environment for cloud implementation.
During the process, at Xertica.ai we worked hand in hand with the USPEC team to ensure that the solution responded to their needs. From the initial data migration to the design of the application and analysis dashboards, each step was adjusted to ensure a real and positive impact.
The results speak for themselves:
- Increased accuracy and reliability: Eliminating manual records minimized typing errors and ensured the integrity of the data collected.
- Improved decision-making: Looker Studio dashboards offer a comprehensive and real-time view of information, allowing managers to prioritize strategic actions based on reliable data.
- Scalability and sustainability: The implemented solution is designed to grow with the entity, allowing future integrations and technological developments.
"The solution developed by Xertica.ai has allowed us to innovate in our prison management. With the AppSheet application, we can capture data in real-time and transform that information into strategic decisions thanks to Looker. This technology not only improves our processes but also ensures that we can better fulfill our mission of guaranteeing decent conditions in prisons," said Camilo Romero, Telecommunications Group Coordinator, USPEC.
This initiative not only strengthened USPEC's ability to manage data from the more than 130 prisons under its administration, but also established a solid technological foundation to face future challenges with sustainability and scalability.
