Digitalization has multi-level impacts on shipping companies’ operations. It not only can substantially optimize costs in vessel maintenance but also improve operational performance. With 1.89 million seafarers powering a growing world fleet, there is huge potential for improving operational efficiency in the shipping industry by bringing technologies to the frontline. For example, tasks such as information collection and inspection quality can be conducted in one platform, removing double data entry and many administrative burdens. In the meanwhile, these designated officers ashore can also receive up-to-minute information on what is happening in the sea, and safety is therefore increased.
Why modern seafarers need a mobile-first solution
Having a strong seafarer workforce will directly impact a shipping company’s profitability and market share. With regulations getting stricter, seafarers reported feeling stressed and squeezed by the increasing workload placed upon them. The elephant in the room about seafarers’ work is that they are spending a large part of their time collecting, organizing, and passing on information. However, the majority of the information only stays in paper and excel, and can not provide deeper insights into risk prevention.
Though mobile-first communication has become the norm across many industries, there seems to be a disconnection when it comes to seafarer’s onboard manual operations. Mobile phones for crews can become super beneficial especially when it comes to the routine work that is heavily based on paper, pen and excel. For example, crews can use a mobile application to plan, conduct, and upload inspection results in one platform. According to Kaiko Systems, crews save around 48% of time spent on inspection with its mobile inspection application. Human error is also reduced vastly.
In addition, data sharing and communication with the shore team becomes much easier, allowing shore teams to identify findings immediately. The streamlined processes and optimized operations therefore contribute to increased safety and efficiency for both at sea and at shore.
How mobile solutions enables proactivity in technical operations
Accurate data collection is an important element in technical operations. To achieve this, Kaiko Systems is making it easier for seafarers to capture data from the frontline. Crews are equipped with an intuitive mobile application, which helps them to conduct routine ship inspections, prepare for port state control checks, communicate with shore-side faster and increase safety onboard. Shore teams are getting up-to-minute data from vessels and can identify detentions and deficiencies faster, which enables a proactive and predictive approach to technical operations.
Streamlined and efficient collaboration
Seafarers on the frontline can use a smartphone to complete routine ship inspections and provide evidence of findings. The data from the onboard inspections is then shared with a shore-side team, which can use reports and analytics to identify trends in fleet performance and optimize preventive maintenance plans. This allows for efficient collaboration between seafarers on the frontline and technical management teams.
Another example of improved team collaboration is the preparation for a PSC inspection. Kaiko Systems mobile application provides seafarers with special checklists to prepare for PSC inspections. With these digital checklists, crews can conduct pre-PSC checks, identify potential deficiencies and fix them prior to entering ports. The data is then compiled into an automated report and can be shared with a shore team. This provides a comprehensive overview that can be used to better prepare for future inspections.
Increasing data reliability and reducing entry errors
Digitizing routine tasks also helps to reduce manual data entry errors. By eliminating human error, there’s less of a risk that urgent findings will be lost by entering data incorrectly. This can minimize potential delays in rectifying the findings.
Digitization also improves the overall accuracy and reliability of data by ensuring that all records are up to date. Unlike manually updating paper-based documentation, digital records can be updated in real-time and stored on an easily accessible platform. This helps to ensure that all records are relevant and consistent, reducing the risk of errors or miscommunication.
Up-to-minute insights enable proactive technical operations
By collecting accurate, up-to-minute data from vessels and teams, shoreside teams can have a better understanding of what’s happening on the vessel. Based on one of Kaiko Systems customer’s feedback - crews saved 48% of the time on doing routine inspections and reporting. As seafarers on the frontline spend less time on routine jobs and reports, they can focus on what matters the most in technical operations and increase overall performance and safety.
Shore-side teams receive up-to-minute data from crews. Additionally, having information in a structured way allows for saving time on analysis and rectification. With Kaiko Systems, shore teams can identify findings right away, prioritize based on urgency and importance, and take a proactive approach to reduce off-hire risks.
Fast followers will reap the most benefits of digitalization
When it comes to optimizing workflows, digitalization rewards first movers and fast followers. With the rising levels of uncertainty and volatility in the market, companies tend to first observe the costs and experiences of others before taking actions. But those companies that act earlier will reap the benefits of efficiencies earlier and therefore have a first-mover advantage over their competitors.
By digitizing onboard technical tasks like inspections, Kaiko Systems enables proactivity and reduces off-hire risks. The use of an intuitive mobile application helps seafarers to conduct routine ship inspections thoroughly and accurately, become prepared for port state control checks and compliant to other regulations. Shore teams are receiving up-to-minute data from vessels and can identify deficiencies faster, which allows for proactive and predictive maintenance plans. Ultimately, Kaiko Systems enables safer, smarter and more collaborative technical operations.
