Transitioning from gINT: Comparing Alternative Software Solutions-Transitioning from gINT Comparing Alternative Software Solutions Recording

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Video Summary

This session focused on guiding geotechnical firms through the transition away from GINT, a legacy geotechnical data management software nearing end-of-life, toward newer solutions. Experts from firms including Strata, Langan, Terracon, and GZA shared real-world experiences, emphasizing practical lessons over technical product details.<br /><br />Key discussion points included software selection, implementation, data migration, training, and user adoption. Firms assembled cross-disciplinary teams involving engineers, data managers, and IT to evaluate multiple platforms, prioritizing user experience, data quality, interoperability with analysis software (like GeoStudio and LeapFrog), and cloud accessibility. Popular choices included OpenGround (Bentley's successor to GINT), Boredium, and TabLogs, with decisions influenced by factors such as ease of use, client alignment, vendor support, and adaptability to standardized workflows.<br /><br />Data migration was approached carefully, with strategies ranging from phased project-by-project migration to building custom backend repositories to maintain complex workflows. Tablet-based logging became widespread, greatly enhancing field data collection efficiency, though some users retained paper logs due to personal preference. Training commonly employed a "train-the-trainer" model supplemented by vendor support, user feedback loops, and targeted sessions to ease the cultural and technical shift.<br /><br />Challenges involved standardizing workflows formerly customized per project, managing change resistance, and ensuring consistent data governance amid new permission structures. Unexpected benefits included increased organizational enthusiasm for embracing technology and improved data integration enabling advanced visualization and AI-driven insights.<br /><br />Panelists advised firms to invest time in thorough vendor evaluation, engage diverse stakeholders early, leverage peer networks, and adopt a paced implementation approach to secure a smooth, effective transition to modern geotechnical data platforms before GINT support ends in 2028.

Keywords

GINT transition

geotechnical data management

software selection

data migration strategies

user training and adoption

cross-disciplinary teams

OpenGround software

tablet-based logging

workflow standardization

data governance

vendor evaluation

AI-driven geotechnical insights