SHIPYARD TECHNOLOGY Today, data is managed in varying systems, ranging from databases to spreadsheets, in shared file drives or on individual computers or in file drawers. In conjunction with breaking departmental silos, we can also collaborate by maintaining our intellectual property in a secure, searchable, single source database environment. Digital workflows that manage our daily tasks are based in the same environment with our data and therefore able to better control and manage the data needed to build and maintain various vessels. One single system can rarely support all business needs; however, understanding the value and function of key technologies and how they interface will support the digital shipyard. For example, accounting and financial information is managed in an ERP system that captures transactions that support the financial aspects of business operations (i.e. purchasing, order issuance, time management). An event-driven MES system provides the execution of orders to track work completion, discrepancies, and change. Data-driven PLM systems manage the intellectual property of the vessel, so that the design, engineering and work packages are configuration-controlled and managed in a single source environment (Figure 2). As stated in the introduction, the shipbuilding industry is a low volume-high variance ‘engineer to order’ business. Change is constant in this environment and unless managed properly, is one of the most costly aspects to building and maintaining various ships. Managing communication is a key component to managing change. Changes that require engineering, design, purchasing, or production input can be tracked, supporting documentation can be captured electronically, task progress can be monitored, and reviews can be performed at any time via virtual review boards and status checks. Virtual departmental, cross-departmental, supply chain, and/ or customer meetings save time and reduce travel costs significantly. 46 BC Shipping News July/August 2012
The richness of IP (intellectual property) should be managed and leveraged throughout the life cycle of the ship. A comprehensive PLM solution allows companies to manage the entire life cycle of a product efficiently and costeffectively, from initial requirements, design and manufacture, through service and disposal. Computer-aided design (CAD), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), computer-aided engineering (CAE), product data management (PDM) and digital manufacturing converge through PLM into an open and scalable information system.
A comprehensive PLM solution allows companies to manage the entire life cycle of a product efficiently and costeffectively... For example, a request for a design change can leverage workflow logic that determines all stakeholders who will be affected and notifies them to gather their input. They can then perform various analyses against the change to see how it impacts vessel performance, costing, production planning, suppliers, and future maintenance. Digital collaboration between customers and suppliers enables early review of the proposed implementation
plan and optimizes final technical and business decisions. Hence, good business practices can be leveraged via automated digital workflows that provide early notification, facilitate collaboration and decision-making, and improve the speed and integration of change requests or task assignments. The following abstract is from a recent case study by Royal Schelde Naval Shipyards regarding their decision to invest in a PLM system based on their need to better support their business:1 Royal Schelde previously used an inhouse application for vessel configuration management that had several drawbacks. Engineering applications weren’t integrated and there was no ERP integration either. And even though change processes were well organized, the transfer from engineering to production was done manually. The application also lacked flexibility and did not allow for a swift reaction to market developments. This started the company on a quest for a product life cycle management (PLM) solution that would resolve these issues and provide additional functionality as well. “We expect the… implementation to pay off just by finding and distributing 1 Siemens PLM Software. (2010). Case Study: Digital lifecycle management at the shipyard of the future. Retrieved February 2012, from Siemens Product Lifecycle Management Software Inc. Web Site: http://www.plm.automation.siemens.com/en_us/about_us/success/case_study. cfm?Com ponent=30579&ComponentTemplate=1481
Figure 2: Main focus areas for ERP, PLM and MES.