With a document management system everything gets easier.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fernando Lehrer on March 7, 2008 at 2:57

The question is not so much how can I get rid of papers, but more how do can I manage the huge and diverse amount of information that goes through the hand a a marine proffessional.
From Superintendents to Chief Mates ,from Brokers to Owners, the amount of information being managed is becoming unsurmountable.
New regulations, increasing in security and safety, the need to increase efficiency, environmental issues, etc...running a ship and a shipping company has certainly becomes more complex.
More to follow..

Permalink Reply by Torsten Ecks on March 7, 2008 at 8:00

Thank you very much Fernando,

standardisation of communication, like e.g. the initiative of Shipdex is one of the chances we have.
In addition we can automate a lot. We can collect information from different applications automatically by interfaces.
We can observe defined directorys, pull data out of them and put the information contained into a plcae, where it can be accessed easily when it is needed.
Let automatic workflows execute your internal processes - index driven.
One example: let a system check your mails from the ship whether they are in time, complete and let a workflow notify you in case they are not (controlled documents). In case they are they will be filed without you having done anything.
Tis is a real relief.
The possibilities are there already, but unfortunately many people shrink back from spending money for it, although it would return the invest for sure.
I admit that we still have some problems in transferring data to/from the ship because of long latencys, lower bandwidth etc.
On the other hand I always say: think big, start small (smart).

Permalink Reply by Torsten Ecks on March 26, 2008 at 19:39

...and have you ever thought of handling your administrative duties for all your handbooks, ISM and/or ISPS documentation etc. by a document management system?
Well-engineered systems are on the market already (like ours ;) ). Other industries than shipping use them since a long time.
May this provoking sentence activate a discussion?

Permalink Reply by Fernando Lehrer on March 26, 2008 at 20:08

Indeed.
My aim is to have an online system that will capture all related documentation through the whole lief cylce, from initial design phase, to construction, delivery,operation and scrapping.
A portal like a "my ship" file , in which you have place holders for all documentation ( Drawings, technical manuals,training manuals, machinery planned maintenance, hull integrity schemes,Class and statutory documentation, vetting and chartering history, and I can go on an on)
The key is having access to the some of the raw data without having to go through the hassle of invading a ship operators desk.

Permalink Reply by Torsten Ecks on March 26, 2008 at 20:54

Now it starts to get very interesting! What if I could deliver this solution today? Well I can. Another provoking statement.
File and display all documents, start workflows, version history.
Add documents like emails, fax, (MS) office, photos, and many other data formats?
Link ERPs by interfaces and enable them to put information directly into this system?
You can create a central knowledge base, a "my ship" file already and even access the information by internet. Just do it (oh, this was another slogan...).
I sent out a friends request to you. Would like to show you something by desktop sharing.

Permalink Reply by Torsten Ecks on March 31, 2008 at 13:46

...ever thought of doing your Quality Management in a document management system?