Author: Michael Graveston

  • Ultimate Catamarans GmbH partners with IDEA Data Solutions GmbH to equip Spaceline Catamarans with market-leading superyacht management software

    Ultimate Catamarans GmbH partners with IDEA Data Solutions GmbH to equip Spaceline Catamarans with market-leading superyacht management software

    Christian Mühle and Olaf Steckstor

    Ultimate Catamarans GmbH partners with IDEA Data Solutions GmbH to equip Spaceline Catamarans with market-leading superyacht management software

    IDEA Data Solutions, the industry leader in asset management software for large superyachts, is proud to announce a new partnership with Ultimate Catamarans GmbH, a pioneer in the design and development of electrified aluminium superyacht catamarans with all the luxury and benefits of 100-meter+ superyachts.

    Through this collaboration, every Spaceline Catamaran will be delivered with IDEA Data Solutions’ technical software package IDEA YACHT, setting a new benchmark for safety, technical management, and after-sales service in the yachting industry.

    This cohesive partnership brings together both luxury catamarans and a state-of-the-art management system, specifically tailored to meet the sophisticated needs of superyacht owners and captains, enabling seamless technical maintenance that ensures optimal performance, safety, and long-term value retention.

    “We are delighted to integrate IDEA Data Solutions’ certified software into our Spaceline Catamarans,” said Olaf Steckstor, Head of Development and Sales Director at Ultimate Catamarans GmbH. “Our partnership underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. By combining our revolutionary catamaran designs with IDEA’s industry-leading software, we are providing our clients with an unmatched yachting experience that combines cutting-edge technology with the luxury and performance of a superyacht.”

    IDEA Data Solutions is widely recognised as the gold standard in superyacht management software, offering tools that cover everything from maintenance schedules and inventory management to compliance and crew management. By equipping Spaceline Catamarans with this robust software, Ultimate Catamarans GmbH ensures that every yacht is not only a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship but also a vessel that is easy to manage, safe to operate, and supported by world-class after-sales service.

    “Ultimate Catamarans GmbH is leading the in the large  luxury catamaran market, and we are proud to partner with them to enhance the ownership experience for their discerning clients,” said Christian Muhle, Managing Director at IDEA Data Solutions. “Our software is designed to simplify the complexities of managing superyachts, allowing captains and crew to operate their vessels safely and efficiently, while ensuring that owners enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing their yacht is managed to the highest standards – the IDEA Standard.”

    The inclusion of IDEA Data Solutions’ software package in all Spaceline Catamarans highlights Ultimate Catamarans GmbH’s dedication to innovation and excellence in the superyacht industry. This collaboration not only enhances the technical capabilities of Spaceline Catamarans but also ensures that owners have access to the best tools and support available, reinforcing the company’s position at the forefront of the superyacht market.

    For more information about Ultimate Catamarans GmbH and IDEA Data Solutions, please visit www.ultimatecatamarans.com and www.idea-yacht.com.

    Media Contacts:

    For Ultimate Catamarans GmbH:
    Olaf Steckstor
    Head of Development and Sales Director
    sales@ultimatecatamarans.com

    Phone: +491722522355

    For IDEA Data Solutions:
    Michael Graveston
    Head of Marketing
    michael.graveston@idea-data.com
    +49 211 303 66 28

  • August 2024 Newsletter

    August 2024 Newsletter

    Newsletter Aug 24

    IDEA YACHT: The solution for SY Anna Christina

    Seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain the yacht’s high standards, the owners of Anna Christina turned to IDEA YACHT, our comprehensive yacht management system from IDEA Data Solutions. Captain William Morris of Anna Christina highlights the transformative impact IDEA has had on the vessel’s operations.

    Release 2024.3

    IDEA YACHT software update 2024.3 introduces several exciting new features and improvements. A new 360 Photo Viewer allows users to view photos of the vessel through different build stages for better maintenance. A system setting now enforces a budget for purchase orders. The mobile app includes an extended layout drawing module, new layout filters, and the ability to add documents and create Snag List entries during rounds.

    IDEA at the shows!

    Show season is fast approaching and we’re heading to more than ever before. Make sure you reach out to catch up regarding your yacht management software, whether for new build, refit, or you’re looking to become more efficient on board!

    Dirk, senior supporter with body and soul

    Dirk has been working at IDEA since 2010, and is one of our veterans with 4,695 tickets solved in the last 2 years alone. Dirk is on hand to give expert support! This column answers your most common questions!

    Ask The Dirk

    Set expression and alarm levels for your entry points

    Did you know that you can set expression and alarm levels for your entry points in the logs? Read more…

    We always love to hear from our customers, please get in touch via our website or e-mail us. You can also follow our posts and join in the conversation on social media.

    Best wishes,

    The IDEA team

  • IDEA YACHT: the solution for SY Anna Christina

    IDEA YACHT: the solution for SY Anna Christina

    Michael Graveston

    Anna Christina
    “IDEA YACHT is the backbone of our planned maintenance system and helps us daily with the yacht’s operations.”
    Captain William Morris
    SY Anna Christina

    Anna Christina, a distinguished sailing yacht launched by Jongert Yachts in 2000, stands as a testament to Dutch craftsmanship. Measuring 41.6 meters in length, this superyacht epitomises luxury and engineering prowess. Accommodating up to eight guests and housing a crew of four, including the captain, Anna Christina is designed for both comfort and performance. The yacht’s exterior and interior, both masterfully crafted by Peter Sijm, complement its robust steel hull and lightweight aluminum superstructure.

    Seeking to enhance their operational efficiency and maintain the yacht’s high standards, the owners of Anna Christina turned to IDEA YACHT, our comprehensive yacht management system from IDEA Data Solutions. Captain William Morris of Anna Christina highlights the transformative impact IDEA has had on the vessel’s operations.

    “IDEA has improved our maintenance procedures, record keeping, and inventory, making our daily operations more efficient and preserving the yacht’s value. The ease of instantly generating maintenance reports for inspection and checking spare parts availability with a few clicks has improved how the yacht is maintained and prevented unnecessary breakdowns.”

    One of the standout features of IDEA YACHT is its mobile device application, which has streamlined engine room rounds. Captain Morris notes, “Making engine room rounds is quick and easy with a mobile device. The mobile device app has really improved over the years and makes day-to-day operations simple.” This mobility is crucial for maintaining the yacht’s high standards and ensuring swift responses to any issues.

    The system also excels in training and procedural consistency. “Step-by-step procedures are another excellent feature used in crew training and handovers. They ensure procedures are followed correctly with pictures and instructions for each step,” says Morris. This functionality is vital for maintaining the integrity of operations during crew changes, ensuring that all members are up to speed with the yacht’s specific requirements.

    IDEA YACHT’s integration capabilities further enhance its utility. The new Snag List feature, for instance, integrates seamlessly with existing systems, eliminating the need for additional third-party programs. This feature simplifies the identification and resolution of issues, promoting a more efficient workflow.

    Crew management is another area where IDEA YACHT shines.

    “Instantly generating crew lists is also extremely helpful and a feature I use constantly. Monitoring crew certificates, passports, etc., is a very nice feature that helps with compliance and significantly reduces the workload,” explains Morris.

    This comprehensive crew management tool ensures that all necessary documentation is up-to-date and easily accessible, facilitating compliance with maritime regulations.

    All these features combine to improve the crew’s efficiency, speed up handovers, and reduce the loss of vessel-specific knowledge that comes with crew changes.

    IDEA is the backbone of our planned maintenance system and helps us daily with the yacht operations,” Captain Morris concludes.

    Through advanced features and user-friendly interfaces, IDEA YACHT not only preserves the value of Anna Christina but also ensures the vessel operates smoothly, making it a quintessential tool for modern superyacht management.

  • IDEA YACHT Release 2024.3

    IDEA YACHT Release 2024.3

    Michael Graveston

    IDEA YACHT Release 2024.3

    2024.3 Key changes

    IDEA YACHT software update 2024.3 introduces several exciting new features and improvements. A new 360 Photo Viewer allows users to view photos of the vessel through different build stages for better maintenance. A system setting now enforces a budget for purchase orders. The mobile app includes an extended layout drawing module, new layout filters, and the ability to add documents and create Snag List entries during rounds.

    Notifications for new snag entries and an updated UI for better usability on larger screens have been added. The IDEA Chat tool now includes search functionality for Snag List and Direct Order chats. In the mobile app, users can now add and edit photos in various sections, perform actions after scanning NFC tags, and add component cover pictures.

    Fixes address issues with date display, search result views, notification generation for snag list modifications, and calendar birthday displays. The update also includes upgrades for Gradle plugins and addresses NFC tag license constraints.

    2024.3 Changelog

      IDEA YACHT

    • 360 Photo Viewer/Editor: New Photo Documentation viewer (below)
      • View 360 photos of your vessel through different build stages to aid with maintenance and locate vital components and wiring etc.
      • Create polygons on your 360 photos to create areas and assign locations for components
    • New System setting that enforces a budget for purchase orders
    • IDEA Snag List now has a layout view in the web version. (below)
      • With the GA layout on the right, lists/table on the left, this great new advancement will allow you to quickly see the points in a workflow on your different layouts.
    • IDEA Snag List sharing numbers are now department code and a counter.
      • The external page still shows the project number in front to help distinguish between multiple projects.
    • A new notification when a new snag entry is created.
    • Updated UI for IDEA Snag List Cloud to make the page easier to use on bigger screens, fix and align elements to follow design rules.
    • IDEA Chat Tool New Functionality (below)
      • Search capability within the Snag List and Direct Order chat on the IDEA webpage.
      • Search capability within the Snag List and Direct Order chat on the IDEA external page.
    • New purchase approval widget on the IDEA dashboard.
    • PO Approval Widget: Added a new dashboard widget for approving purchase orders directly from the dashboard.

    IDEA YACHT App

    • Extended layout drawing module in the mobile app to allow markers (below)
    • New Mobile Layout filter, for filtering all layout element by category
    • Added a view where you can add photos, to allow users to edit images in the following sections:
      • Spare part
      • Storage
      • Snag list document and note
    • Additional actions after scanning an NFC tag. For instance, upon scanning a component, users will be able to create snag lists.
    • Implement the functionality to add documents whilst performing a round (below)
    • Create a Snag List entry at the end of a round
    • Major update to allow you to customise the app dashboard (below)
      • Define and implement widgets
      • New menu style
      • New Dashboard and Menu tutorial with Captain Clive

    Fixes and Improvements:

      • You cannot import a component with the same name as a component that already exists in the same group
      • Error when opening “Permissions” page when some permissions are disabled
      • Small part of picture in right top corner is missing in Search overview
      • Display dates in the snag list details view based on the phone configuration.
      • Fix the issue where search results are always shown in tiles view, even if the system setting is set to list view.
      • Fix the issue where modifying a snag list entry in the mobile app does not generate notifications.
      • Fix the issue where adding a new comment to a snag list does not generate a notification.
      • Fix the issue where the calendar does not show birthdays.
      • Fix the issue where the start and end date fields for the “Timeframe” filter are not editable when the “Maintenance – Writeable” permission is disabled.
      • Layout Actions: Ensured that all action buttons for layout are always visible, regardless of browser size.
      • Report Fields: Hid fields related to purchase approval and budget approval from the report based on the purchase order states settings.
      • Snag List Cloud Page: Added new columns in the list view: “Last updated by IDEA Client” and “Last updated by Vendor.”
      • Snag List Cloud Page: Made changes to the left side menu displayed on the snag list details page from the external page.
      • Snag List Notifications: Implemented notifications for snag list creation.
      • Unique Name Field: Displayed the project number in front of the content in the “Unique Name” field on the snag list details page included in the cloud page.
    To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.
  • July 2024 Newsletter

    July 2024 Newsletter

    July 2024 Newsletter

    Last week the IDEA Product Development team descended on Düsseldorf to work collaboratively on projects they had identified that could improve both the way we work internally and our market-leading yacht management software.

    Joined by fellow Omegro company Akuiteao, the team set about completing tasks within the week whilst enjoying all that Düsseldorf had to offer.

    On The Horizon – July

    With summer season in the Med well underway, we know that you’ll be utilising IDEA YACHT and IDEA FLEET alot, so we’ll be working to ensure that your user experience is to the highest standard and that bugs and fixes are addressed promptly. With our 2024.3 major release fast approaching, here’s what we’ve been working on.

    IDEA Data Solutions – the Superyacht documentation veterans!

    We’ve crunched the numbers and since our inception in 2001 we have scanned 106,000 documents for superyachts, shipyard and management companies, to ensure their documentation is organised, present and correct. If you’d like to learn more about our documentation and prefessional services, book in a meeting today to get things First Time Right.

    Dirk, senior supporter with body and soul

    Dirk has been working at IDEA since 2010, and is one of our veterans with 4,695 tickets solved in the last 2 years alone. Dirk is on hand to give expert support! This column answers your most common questions!

    Ask The Dirk

    Set expression and alarm levels for your entry points

    Did you know that you can set expression and alarm levels for your entry points in the logs? Read more…

    We always love to hear from our customers, please get in touch via our website or e-mail us. You can also follow our posts and join in the conversation on social media.

    Best wishes,

    The IDEA team

  • IDEA Project Week 2024

    IDEA Project Week 2024

    Michael Graveston

    Project Week 24

    Last week the IDEA Product Development team descended on Düsseldorf to work collaboratively on projects they had identified that could improve both the way we work internally and our market-leading yacht management software.

    Joined by fellow Omegro company Akuiteao, the team set about completing tasks within the week whilst enjoying all that Düsseldorf had to offer.

    The projects included:

    Migration from Freshdesk to YouTrack – Michael and Patryk

    The IDEA Support Team use Freshdesk software to track tickets and PD Team use YouTrack software to track tickets for Development and Q&A. Patrik and Michal were tasked to migrate the support system over to YouTrack to streamline our operations. Now, with all tickets in one software, we can ensure we give the highest standard of support to our vessels and gain a great insight into improvements that can be made.

    IDEA Areas Editor – Diego

    This exciting project is to implement an editor to define areas inside our IDEA layout.

    The scope of the project includes:

    • Allowing users to define at least 3 points to create a polygon on the map.
    • Automatically detect the elements included within the area
    • Enabling users to search for elements within the defined area.
    • Providing filtering options based on the selected areas.

     

    IDEA Cloud App – Ionel

    Our Snag List functionality has gone from strength to strength, with a key component of its functionality being that shipyards, offices, and management companies can communicate with the vessel to see what may need fixing when the vessel returns for refit. Ionel was tasked this Project Week with creating a standalone app to allow them to communicate with vessels – so the IDEA CLOUD App was born. Watch out for its release in the coming weeks.

    IDEA AI Vision support – Anton

    As we look to utilise technologies to make life for a superyacht crew even easier, Anton was tasked with creating and AI model to identify text from documentation to fill IDEA YACHT with information with the touch of a button. The results were really impressive, and the model could recognise even the most illegible of writing to populate data fields with ease. Watch this space!

    Internal Manual manager – Yehya and Sebastian

    Did you know that IDEA can take care of all your vessels manuals? Well, we are now organising them even more efficiently than ever after the Project Week task to create a new tool for our Professional Services team to do all manual related work: manual checks, indexes, binder sets.

    The Manual Manager will consist of a local Windows app and a backend/API for requesting and creating manual data that will make life easier for our Professional Services team.

    Vue.js framework version migration – Roman

    Roman’s task was to upgrade the IDEA YACHT frontend framework and dependent components to the new major version VUE 3. Working hard to test possible errors and creating some workarounds when other integrations failed, it was a great project to ensure we are always on top of the latest script and versions.

     

    Our next major release 2024.3 will be released soon, so stay tuned for some big developments to both IDEA YACHT and the IDEA YACHT app

     

    To keep up to date and receive IDEA On The Horizon into your inbox every month, sign up to our newsletter

     

  • IDEA On The Horizon – July 2024

    IDEA On The Horizon – July 2024

    Michael Graveston

    Welcome to ‘IDEA On The Horizon’, where we take a look at what is on the development roadmap for the IDEA Universe over the coming month, and what to look forward to in the latest release.

    With summer season in the Med well underway, we know that you’ll be utilising IDEA YACHT and IDEA FLEET alot, so we’ll be working to ensure that your user experience is to the highest standard and that bugs and fixes are addressed promptly.

    Here’s what is on the horizon at IDEA Data Solutions for July 2024.

      IDEA YACHT

    • 360 Photo Viewer/Editor: New Photo Documentation viewer
      • View 360 photos of your vessel through different build stages to aid with maintenance and locate vital components and wiring and draw polygons to create areas to assign components.

    IDEA YACHT App

    • We’re preparing a major update to allow you to customise the app dashboard
      • Define and implement widgets
      • New menu style
      • New Dashboard and Menu tutorial with Captain Clive

    Fixes and Improvements:

      • You cannot import a component with the same name as a component that already exists in the same group
      • Error when opening “Permissions” page when some permissions are disabled
      • Corrected a small part of a picture in right top corner is missing in Search overview
      • Prevent the “System Settings” page crashing when the “Crew board pin” value is set to NULL and add script to set value for the “CrewBoardPin” row in the “SystemSettings” database table
      • Prevent the “System Settings” page to crash when fields: “Mobile check-in” and “Mobile check-out” are set to NULL and add script to set value for these two parameters in the “SystemSettings” database table

     

    To keep up to date and receive IDEA On The Horizon into your inbox every month, sign up to our newsletter

     

  • 5 ways to save time with your onboard maintenance

    5 ways to save time with your onboard maintenance

    Michael Graveston

    super yacht cleats, teak wood

    We know that maintaining a superyacht is a complex and time-consuming endeavour, requiring attention to detail and efficient scheduling. For yacht owners and crew, time efficiency is paramount. Leveraging technology and smart strategies can significantly reduce maintenance time without compromising on resources spent on the rest of vessel. Here are five effective ways to save time while carrying out maintenance on a superyacht;

    1. Centralised Maintenance Scheduling

    One of the most time-consuming aspects of yacht maintenance is keeping track of various tasks and schedules. Using IDEA YACHT software, you can centralise all maintenance schedules into a single, cohesive platform. This software allows you to set up automated reminders for routine maintenance tasks, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. By having a clear, organised schedule, you can efficiently allocate time and resources, reducing downtime and preventing maintenance tasks from piling up.

    1. Inventory Management

    Maintaining a superyacht involves keeping track of numerous spare parts, tools, and supplies. IDEA YACHT software offers robust inventory management features that allow you to monitor stock levels, track usage, and set reorder points for critical items. This means you spend less time searching for parts or making emergency orders and more time on actual maintenance. An organised inventory system ensures you always have the necessary components on hand, which is crucial for timely repairs and upkeep.

    1. Digital Documentation and Reporting

    Traditionally, documenting maintenance work and generating reports can be labour-intensive and prone to errors. IDEA YACHT software streamlines this process by allowing you to digitally record maintenance activities and generate reports with just a few clicks. This not only saves time but also improves accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements. Digital documentation ensures that all maintenance records are easily accessible and can be quickly referenced, which is particularly useful during inspections or audits.

    1. Predictive Maintenance

    Preventive maintenance is essential, but predictive maintenance takes efficiency to the next level. IDEA YACHT software incorporates data analytics and machine learning to predict potential issues before they become major problems. By analysing data from various systems and components, the software can alert you to anomalies that may indicate impending failures. A great way to do this is by monitoring your onboard fluids with our Spectro | Jet-Care integration. This allows you to address issues proactively, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and saving significant time and resources in the long run.

    1. Crew Training and Collaboration

    Effective maintenance is a team effort, and having a well-trained, coordinated crew is vital. IDEA YACHT software includes features for crew management and training. You can assign tasks, monitor progress, and facilitate communication among crew members through the platform. This fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is aware of their responsibilities and can access the necessary information to perform their duties efficiently. Improved crew coordination minimises delays and ensures that maintenance tasks are completed swiftly and effectively.

    Maintaining a superyacht doesn’t have to be a time-consuming ordeal. By leveraging advanced tools like IDEA YACHT software, you can streamline various maintenance processes, from scheduling and inventory management to documentation and predictive maintenance. These strategies not only save time but also enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of your superyacht operations. If you’d like to learn more about how to implement these best practices, contact one of our yacht management experts here.

  • June 2024 Newsletter

    June 2024 Newsletter

    June 24

    June 2024 Newsletter

    IDEA YACHT software update 2024.2.4 introduces several new features and improvements. A new 360 Photo Viewer allows users to view photos of the vessel through different build stages for better maintenance. A system setting now enforces a budget for purchase orders. The mobile app includes an extended layout drawing module, new layout filters, and the ability to add documents and create Snag List entries during rounds. Fixes address issues with date display, search result views, notification generation for snag list modifications, and calendar birthday displays. The update also includes upgrades for Gradle plugins and addresses NFC tag license constraints.

    IDEA Snag List hits the 900 snags mark!

    Since launching our IDEA Snag List module we’ve seen 900 snag entries reported across our online installations of IDEA YACHT! That’s a lot of time saved communicating across departments, whether onboard, with management companies or with shipyards. Learn more below.

    5 ways to save time during onboard maintenance

    We know that maintaining a superyacht is a complex and time-consuming endeavour, requiring attention to detail and efficient scheduling. For yacht owners and crew, time efficiency is paramount. Leveraging technology and smart strategies can significantly reduce maintenance time without compromising on resources spent on the rest of vessel. Here are five effective ways to save time while carrying out maintenance on a superyacht…

    Dirk, senior supporter with body and soul

    Dirk has been working at IDEA since 2010, and is one of our veterans with 4,695 tickets solved in the last 2 years alone. Dirk is on hand to give expert support! This column answers your most common questions!

    Ask The Dirk

    Customise the status for accounts

    Did you know that you can customize the status for accounts in IDEA? Read more…

    We always love to hear from our customers, please get in touch via our website or e-mail us. You can also follow our posts and join in the conversation on social media.

    Best wishes,

    The IDEA team

  • IDEA YACHT Release 2024.2.4

    IDEA YACHT Release 2024.2.4

    Michael Graveston

    IDEA YACHT Release 2024.2.4

    2024.2.4 Key changes

    IDEA YACHT software update 2024.2.4 introduces several new features and improvements. A new 360 Photo Viewer allows users to view photos of the vessel through different build stages for better maintenance. A system setting now enforces a budget for purchase orders. The mobile app includes an extended layout drawing module, new layout filters, and the ability to add documents and create Snag List entries during rounds. Fixes address issues with date display, search result views, notification generation for snag list modifications, and calendar birthday displays. The update also includes upgrades for Gradle plugins and addresses NFC tag license constraints.

     

    2024.2.4 Changelog

      IDEA YACHT

    • 360 Photo Viewer/Editor: New Photo Documentation viewer (below)
      • View 360 photos of your vessel through different build stages to aid with maintenance and locate vital components and wiring etc.
    • New System setting that enforces a budget for purchase orders

    IDEA YACHT App

    • Extended layout drawing module in the mobile app to allow markers (below)
    • New Mobile Layout filter, for filtering all layout element by category
    • Implement the functionality to add documents whilst performing a round
    • Create a Snag List entry at the end of a round

    Fixes and Improvements:

      • Display dates in the snag list details view based on the phone configuration.
      • Fix the issue where search results are always shown in tiles view, even if the system setting is set to list view.
      • Fix the issue where modifying a snag list entry in the mobile app does not generate notifications.
      • Fix the issue where adding a new comment to a snag list does not generate a notification.
      • Fix the issue where the calendar does not show birthdays.
      • Fix the issue where the start and end date fields for the “Timeframe” filter are not editable when the “Maintenance – Writeable” permission is disabled.
      • Upgrade Gradle plugins for Android IDEA YACHT and SBA.
      • Address NFC license constraints in the mobile app.
    To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.