Features: - Tanker Operator

New are the modules reporting
and analysing plus compliance
management. "Ship operators
and managers have expressed
the need for a more workflow-orientated
software tool in order to overcome the
increasing administrative burdens of
complying with industry requirements and
regulations", commented Heiko Hofmann,
managing director of Ms Logistik Systeme
GmbH (MsLS), the GL Group company,
which put it together.
Based on the results of a focus group
consisting of three of Germany's largest shipping
companies and GL, compliance management
was designed as a best practice solution for
recording, analysing, acting upon and
documenting incidents, as well as occurrences.
The incident management tool is a main
component of compliance management and
facilitates the implementation of a company's
safety and quality management systems. The
module can specify the type of report with
default categories - accident, complaint,
deficiency, hazard, improvement, incident,
near miss, non-conformity and risk.
Given this information, incident
management will delegate and manage tasks
involved in carrying out corrective actions. It
has an action plan, which also includes
preventive action.
The compliance management module
covers all relevant requirements of the ISM
Code, which can be supported by an IT
system, GL claimed. While documentation
management enables easy updating and
dissemination of safety and quality manuals,
certificate management configures crew
profiles for various ship types in compliance
with relevant regulations.
Dynamic
GL ShipManager 2 is dynamic. It is not only
programmed for document management, but
INDUSTRY - SHIPMANAGEMENT SOFTWARE
Class society
offers integrated
software tool
Leading German class society Germanischer Lloyd has released
a second version of its software suite - GL ShipManager.
also for workflow orientation. With
compliance management it doesn't have to be
communicated through an external email
system like Outlook. It has a messaging
function, which is integrated in the mask of
the screen. Furthermore, the messaging
function has a ranking list, so all the persons
involved can be contacted.
The reporting and analysing module is
integrated with all other modules in the
system to collect data on various operational
processes and generate reports. It provides a
tool to analyse, evaluate the efficiency and
optimise costs, as well as processes.
Reporting and analysing offers an array of
standard reports combined with freely
definable reports and the flexibility of ad-hoc
reporting. The user is able to create his, or
her own reports and analyse key figures
on demand.
New license
In order to allow customers to implement
GL ShipManager within their own financial
constraints, MsLS sells GL ShipManager 2
under a new license model. In addition to
purchasing the software licenses, a leasing
option with the same software will be
available. With the upgraded system, the
data handling is claimed to be more
efficient and there is an expansion
of interfaces.
There is an increased efficiency and
security of data transfer, allowing any type of
attachments to be sent quickly and safely. In
addition, there is an increased configurability
of transfer data, which provides a higher
degree of protection.
The enhanced order management has a
function originally designed for a cruise ship
company. Namely, the integration of the
redelivery function as a standard component.
It enables efficient processing of transactions
in which goods or equipment are sent back
from ship to shore, for example, in the case of
incorrect delivery, damaged goods, quality
defect or service.
Each GL ShipManager module can also be
purchased individually. Implemented as a
complete suite, it is an integrated information
system that improves and automates
processes, resulting in a cost saving potential,
a reduction in workload and increased
efficiency, GL claimed.
The system will be continuously upgraded
with another version - 2:1 - due at the end of
this year. Another upgrade is planned for next
year, MsLs' head of marketing Michael
Bauerhaus told TANKEROperator.
Functions, such as a new comprehensive
crew management system, TMSA, ISM risk
management, hull monitoring, risk
management and assessment, shipboard
routing assistance (SRA) and condition based
maintenance will be enhanced, or added.
Bauerhaus explained that GL ShipManager
was originally designed to be a base system to
support all the other systems, which had
tended to become isolated.
The system as a whole aimed to cover all
processes, including GL tools, survey status
and many shipboard functions, including
heavy weather routing, crew functions etc.
The monitoring and certification of many
cargo and ballast tanks can be accomplished
in a short space of time with the minimum of
resources. Compliance documentation can be
speedily accessed. An incident report system
can be used with an integrated
communications system, between ship
and shore.
GL and MsLs will give comprehensive 24/7
support and training and among the companies
that have tested the system and provided
feedback are Hamburg-Sud (HSDG),
Columbus Shipmanagement, MPC and AIDA
Cruises. HSDG made use of the system's crew
management module.
TO
August/September 2008 � TANKEROperator 37