ServiceNow expands into indoor mapping with Mapwize acquisition

ServiceNow is extending its footprint into indoor mapping with the acquisition of French startup Mapwize. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

ServiceNow, a workflow automation platform used by businesses such as Deloitte and American Express, said that when the Mapwize acquisition closes in the next couple of months, it will offer the technology as part of a broader service to help employees reserve seats, conference rooms, and other public spaces — as well as generally navigating around large buildings and campuses. Mapwize will eventually be integrated into the Now platform on desktop and mobile.

Founded out of Lille, France in 2014, Mapwize is designed to help companies digitalize their existing floorplans — with the ability to import any format, such as AutoCAD — and design and manage their maps from a single interface. Mapwize can also be integrated with beacons and other wayfinding hardware technologies.

Above: Mapwize can integrate with indoor positioning systems

Hybrid

The acquisition comes as some businesses are looking to get their workers back to the office while others have committed to a permanent remote working arrangement. How this will evolve remains to be seen, but many companies are likely to take a hybrid approach — allowing employees to work from home sometimes, providing they come in at least part of the week. This is the world ServiceNow said it’s looking to support by bringing Mapwize under its wing.

The platform can help employees returning to an unfamiliar building with new layouts and new hires who haven’t visited an office yet, and it will also help building managers and administrators identify usage patterns so they can better design their office layouts.