Unlocking the Power of Data Integration with Our FME Accelerator
Today, IMGS & DataBuilders hosted our Autumn FME Accelerator, a 90-minute interactive workshop which is designed to help users explore how FME can connect, transform, and automate data workflows.
The session was led by Ciaran Kirk, Operations Director at IMGS & DataBuilders, who has over 22 years of experience in GIS and data integration. Using Safe Software’s Strigo training platform, attendees were able to work directly within an interactive FME Lab in their browsers, no local installation required. We were delighted with the strong turnout for our FME Accelerator, welcoming an engaged group of attendees who were eager to learn how FME can simplify and strengthen their data integration workflows.
What We Covered:
Our FME Accelerator guided participants through the core principles of FME in five key sections:
Why Data Integration?: We began by exploring the importance of data as a strategic asset and the challenges organisations face, from incompatible systems and manual processes to growing data volumes. Ciaran demonstrated how enterprise integration connects cloud, on-premises, GIS, and business systems to deliver cleaner, more actionable data.
Connect to Data: Participants learned how FME reads data from over 450 systems and integrates sources like databases, enterprise apps, and spatial data. Using FME Workbench, we explored how to visualise, inspect, and debug data through feature caching and visual previews.
Transform Data: We showcased how to use FME transformers to restructure, clean, and enrich data, from adjusting attributes and validating values to performing spatial analysis. Attendees saw firsthand how easy it is to adapt workflows as data needs evolve.
Automate Workflows: Automation was a highlight of the session. We demonstrated how FME Flow enables real-time and scheduled workflows, helping teams eliminate repetitive manual processes. The group also learned about CPU-usage engines and standard engines, and how they can scale data processing efficiently.
FME Community and Learning Resources: To close the session, we introduced attendees to the FME Community, FME Hub, and FME Academy, free resources packed with templates, transformers, and tutorials for continued upskilling.
Why FME Matters
FME is more than just a data transformation tool, it’s a complete integration platform that empowers organisations to connect systems, ensure data quality, and automate workflows. By bringing together spatial and non-spatial data, users can gain deeper insights and make better, faster decisions.
A huge thank-you to everyone who joined us for today’s session! Don’t forget to stay tuned to our website and social media pages for details of Future FME Accelerators.
