SDSD were required to design and develop a new group collaborative email system for use predominantly by shipbrokers and owners. The company had inherited 2 legacy systems with outdated functionality, security, technologies and architecture. Despite the limitations of the software, many users remained loyal to the outdated platforms, therefore SDSD had to manage often competing specifications and requirements from users spread across 100+ clients. The key was to develop the new system based on the best process, but with full configurability enabling users to take advantage of new features while keeping the previous process flows.

Deployment was complex and required well-controlled project management to ensure minimal downtime and to oversee unique delivery plans per client. A dedicated database management team provided specialist migration, with dedicated database environments set up to allow for data catch-up post-migration, ensuring that the system remained in operation and no data was lost.

Support was key, users needed ongoing training, and each company had unique requirements based on how they had configured and interacted with the original legacy system. Mechanisms were put in place for systems to run in parallel, enabling users to receive training using their own live data.

As a leading player in offshore services to the global oil and gas industry, the client original outsourced the development of their in-house asset management system to a large Singapore based IT company. However it was apparent to the management team that the system required further bespoke development and extension to match their unique commercial requirements.

SDSD’s expert development capability and productivity platform domain knowledge was seen as a key strength. SDSD developed a new spare parts tracking and inventory management module as part of the existing in-house maintenance management system.

SDSD also designed an improved synchronisation methodology to reduce costs and improve speed of data transfer, and a new document control and management system. Additionally the client required SDSD to ensure compatibility with Google Chrome (original system used Windows IE), so that users were not impacted by any feature restrictions
.

Following the PMS software development project, the client required SDSD to provide developers to work as dedicated resources, bringing SDSD productivity platform development expertise directly into their existing IT team. The developers are responsible for existing and new features for users, planning and executing upgrades, QA testing and deployment. Additionally the client required dedicated SDSD support staff to join their in-house team, and work as an extension of their support department. The SDSD dedicated resource manages user requests and issues from vessels, liaising with developers to resolve issues, which are captured via a ticketing system.

The client switched from a well-known maritime ERP system to the SDSD designed asset management platform. The company had used a crewing module however had faced consistent issues with usability leading crew and office users to use workarounds. This resulted in reduced efficiencies and time wasting. The users also complained of frequent bugs.

Customisation was a key strength for SDSD, as the client felt their original provider did not offer enough flexibility of design for their growing and changing needs.

By switching to SDSD, the client ensured that the crew module was customised to their precise business processes. The flexibility of design inherent in all SDSD development projects ensures that the new module can evolve as needed and in line with regulatory changes or internal demands.

The client switched from a well-known maritime ERP system to the SDSD-designed asset management platform. The company had used a crewing module however had faced consistent issues with usability leading crew and office users to use workarounds. This resulted in reduced efficiencies and time wasting. The users also complained of frequent bugs.

Customisation was a key strength for SDSD, as the client felt their original provider did not offer enough flexibility in design for their growing and changing needs.

By switching to SDSD, the client ensured that the crew module was customised to their precise business processes. The flexibility of design inherent in all SDSD development projects ensures that the new module can evolve as needed and in line with regulatory changes or internal demands.

SDSD worked with the client on a number of installation and bespoke integration projects and expanded the use of the collaborative messaging and broker/chartering software to over 350 staff users in 8 countries.

SDSD consolidated the company’s legacy 15 systems with users globally as part of an IT infrastructure project to reduce costs and improve efficiencies.

The client required a SAP interface which would feedback to their existing Oracle system, plus the ability to drag & drop messages from Outlook into Matrix and vice versa. SDSD worked with SAP to ensure success of the interface.

The client had used a well-known ship management platform, however the lack of flexibility and customization had left users and management frustrated. Following a competitive bidding process the client chose SDSD based on strengths including feature customization to match internal processes and also expertise in third party integration. The latter was particularly important as the client had unique challenges in their process flow between the procurement and accounting systems.

In addition the client used SDSD’s development team to design specific adjustments and custom features to enhance user experience and workflow. SDSD’s regular software release programme reassured the client that work would be developed and implemented promptly

Support and training were important, and local language translation was vital. SDSD were able to support a local ‘super user’ through regular dedicated training, a portal with access to videos in local language and help guides.