IDEA On The Horizon – June 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.

As we build to a more agile way of working, you’ll notice our software being updated more frequently than ever before. Across IDEA YACHT, IDEA FLEET and IDEA SBA, 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 June 2024.

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.

IDEA YACHT App

Extended layout drawing module in the mobile app to allow markers (below)

Implement the functionality to add documents whilst performing a round (below)

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

June 11, 2024

IDEA YACHT Release 2024.2.3

Michael Graveston

2024.2.3 Key changes

We are excited to announce the release of IDEA YACHT 2024.2.3, packed with new features and improvements. IDEA Snag List now boasts a layout view in the web version, displaying the GA layout on the right and lists/tables on the left for a streamlined workflow. Snag List sharing has been enhanced with department codes and counters for better project distinction. 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.

2024.2.3 Changelog

IDEA YACHT

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 gets new functionality. (below)
- Added possibility to search in IDEA Snag List and IDEA Direct Order chat in web version.
- Added possibility to search in the IDEA Snag List and IDEA Direct Order external page chat.

New dashboard purchase approval widget

IDEA YACHT MOBILE APP

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.
New functionality to add component cover pictures (below)

To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.

May 24, 2024

Ask The Dirk: Restore deleted data in the Vessel Database

Michael Graveston

Did you know that you can restore deleted data in your vessel database?

For recovery of data in the Vessel Database, you need to temporarily activate the recovery view to have all previous deleted elements (folders and entities like single spare items or components) being displayed in the vessel database’s left navigation menu. In order to differentiate deleted elements from non-deleted data, deleted items will be crossed out.

Please go to the main node in the vessel database, here you can switch on displaying previously deleted items:

Once activated please navigate to the folder/entity you want to recover, this can be an entire domain or a single inventory item, and press the restore button:

As soon as you reload the page or navigate to another module and back, the recovery function will be automatically turned off again, no longer displaying deleted data in the left navigation tree.

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!

May 17, 2024

May 2024 Newsletter

We’re developing and improving our market-leading yacht managment solutions IDEA YACHT and IDEA FLEET faster than ever before, so to keep you up to date with what’s in the works here at IDEA Data Solutions we’re launching a brand-new monthly preview called ‘IDEA On The Horizon’

IDEA at The Hill Robinson technical seminar

IDEA were at The Italian Sea Group S.p.A yard on the 7th May for the Hill Robinson technical seminar. Amongst some really interesting presentations from companies across the yachting spectrum, Roberto Millo was delighted to showcase how IDEA’s technologies are changing to stay ahead.

IDEA at the Superyacht Village, Palma International Boat Show

We had a great time at the Palma Superyacht Village. The IDEA team Jan Langweg and Karl Armstrong were in attendance in the Repair and Refit area, tents RR11 and RR12, with our strategic partners Spectro | Jet-Care.

Thank you to everyone who came and said hello and to those who attended our Gin n’ Tonic reception. We hope to catch up with you all again soon!

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

Restore deleted data in the Vessel Database

Did you know that you can restore deleted data in your vessel database? 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

May 15, 2024

May 15, 2024

IDEA On The Horizon – May 2024

Michael Graveston

Welcome to the brand-new ‘IDEA On The Horizon’, where we’ll 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.

As we build to a more agile way of working, you’ll notice our software being updated more frequently than ever before. Across IDEA YACHT, IDEA FLEET and IDEA SBA, 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 May 2024.

IDEA YACHT

Vessel database UI overhaul. (below)
- We’re making huge changes to the look and feel of our vessel database, incorporating clearer colourways, new visual hierarchies, and simpler navigation tabs.

Budgets will now generate a description text to ensure you get exactly the approval flow that you wish to set.
- Given the flexibility IDEA has, this should hopefully help you to solve things on their own without contacting us and of course also helps during presentations to explain what is possible.
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 gets new functionality.
- Adding possibility to search in IDEA Snag List and IDEA Direct Order chat in web version.
- Adding possibility to search in the IDEA Snag List and IDEA Direct Order external page chat.

Updated IDEA Cloud email templates to include more information in subject and message to help 3^rdparties to understand who/what was shared with them.

IDEA Editor for photo documentation overview.

IDEA FLEET/SBA Mobile app

Advancements in Spare Parts features
- A brand-new spare part request feature to IDEA FLEET Mobile app
- Add movement feature to IDEA FLEET Mobile app.
- A new view that will look like a shopping cart where you can see the summary of the spare request.
- Scan barcodes within the spare part list view.

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

May 13, 2024

Meet The IDEA Data Solutions Management Team

Michael Graveston

1st May 2024

Following recent changes at IDEA Data Solutions, allow us to introduce your Senior Management Team, as Christian Mühle takes the helm as Managing Director. Working to our mantra of ‘First Time Right’, the management team is tasked with continuing to provide excellent service to the yachting industry, and to ensure IDEA YACHT and IDEA FLEET maintain their position as leading yacht and fleet management tools.

Christian Mühle – Managing Director

Joining IDEA Data Solutions in the summer of 2011 as a Software Developer, Christian has embarked on a journey that has seen him rise to the role of Managing Director. Armed with a degree in Fachinformatik für Anwendungsentwicklung from BKTM, Mönchengladbach, he quickly rose to prominence, spearheading groundbreaking projects in logistics, POS systems and accounting. Notably, the Nord Rhine-Westphalia native pioneered a stock control and invoicing solution, revolutionising multi-location business operations.

Transitioning seamlessly into leadership roles, Christian’s proudest achievement lies in nurturing a dynamic team from two to twelve individuals, steering them towards unparalleled success in yacht and fleet management, notably with SBA. With a passion for technical writing and penchant for tinkering with electronics, you can often find him trying to beat the high score on the IDEA Arcade yacht game that he helped craft.

Jan Langweg – Head of Professional Services

Jan Langweg, hailing from the German town of Stadtlohn near the Dutch border, embodies a the values of technical prowess and managerial acumen. With a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Twente, Netherlands, he delved into a career marked by innovation and efficiency.

From his tenure at VDL ETG, where he orchestrated a remarkable 125% increase in efficiency through process improvements, to his role as Assistant Technical Manager at Feadship, overseeing the successful delivery of Feadship 1008, Jan has left an indelible mark on the yacht-building industry.

Joining IDEA Data Solutions in October 2020, initially as a Customer Success and Product manager, he rose to the position of Head of Professional Services and Business Development. Jan’s passion for challenging yacht projects shines through, notably with the implementation of IDEA Snag List. Beyond his professional pursuits, he finds solace in sailing and indulges his fascination with high-performance cars and cutting-edge technology.

Diego D’Esposito – Head of Product Development

Diego D’Esposito, originating from the picturesque landscapes of Napoli in Sorrento, Italy, is a seasoned professional in the tech industry. Graduating with a degree in Computer Science from Parthenope University of Naples, the avid SSC Napoli supporter has been an integral part of IDEA since April 20, 2015. Notably, his dedication to the SBA/FMP project showcased his commitment to excellence, and fostering invaluable client relationships.

Diego’s passion extends beyond the confines of his professional life. An avid enthusiast of cutting-edge technologies, he immerses himself in the realms of 3D printing and laser technology, sculpting intricate designs with precision. His fascination with virtual and augmented reality further underscores his unwavering curiosity and commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in his role as Head of Product Development.

Emily Taylor – Head of HR

A native of Manchester, UK, Emily brings a wealth of HR expertise to her role as Head of HR at IDEA Data Solutions. Joining the team permanently in April 2024 after nearly 5 years of supporting marine software businesses within parent company Volaris, Emily’s journey is marked by dedication and continuous learning.

With a BSc(Hons) degree in Psychology from Leeds Beckett University and a CIPD Level 5 qualification in HR Management, Emily’s career blossomed within Volaris, culminating in her current leadership position. Her proudest achievement lies in her ascent from an entry-level HR assistant to Head of HR, a testament to her resilience and passion for people development.

In her new role, Emily is thrilled to contribute to IDEA’s growth journey, with recent hugely positive engagement survey results. Beyond work, Emily’s interests span fitness and wellness advocacy, particularly in mental health, where she actively supports initiatives within her team.

Felix Menges – Head of Sales

Felix Menges, originally from Münster and now rooted in Essen, Germany, has embarked on a transformative journey within IDEA Data Solutions since June, 2014. Starting with studies in maths and economics to become a teacher, Felix found his calling in sales and the yachting industry.

Transitioning from the documentation department to a Sales Manager apprentice in 2016, Felix’s career trajectory underscores his commitment to growth and innovation. Now at the helm as Head of Sales since late 2021, he leads his team with a vision to expand and uphold the IDEA Standard – First Time Right

Proudly contributing to IDEA’s exponential growth over the past decade, Felix is passionate about delivering cutting-edge solutions that revolutionise vessel operations. Outside of work, the BVB supporter finds fulfillment in witnessing the industry’s evolution and championing collaborative software solutions to unite all stakeholders.

Michael Graveston – Head of Marketing

Joining IDEA in March 2023, Michael has previously worked as a Senior Content Marketer for a leading ecommerce SaaS company following his tenure spearheading the marketing efforts at Blackburn Rovers Football Club. With a BA Hons in Broadcasting, Digital Media and Communications from Liverpool John Moore’s University, Michael originally pursued a career in radio broadcasting before utilising his creative and communications skills to lead the radio station’s digital strategy.

Born in Hannover, Germany, Graveston was raised and resides in rural Lancashire, UK, and is an elected district Councillor and Deputy Mayor of his hometown.

Tasked to improve communications and brand awareness for IDEA Data Solutions, Michael has relished the opportunity to immerse himself in the yachting industry and has organised IDEA’s attendance at major tradeshows.

April 30, 2024

Press Release: IDEA Data Solutions Managing Director

Michael Graveston

24th April 2024

Due to recently occurred personal circumstances, IDEA Data Solutions GmbH and Tobias Allebrodt have decided to end their collaboration as of 19th April 2024, and with immediate effect. The IDEA management team will continue to run the business and further build the IDEA Universe. Further information on the leadership of the business will be announced imminently.

IDEA Data Solutions

April 24, 2024

IDEA YACHT Release 2024.2

Michael Graveston

2024.2 Key changes

Introducing the latest IDEA YACHT software release 2024.2, ushering in a wave of enhancements and fresh features to elevate your user experience to new heights.

In response to your feedback, we’ve revamped the order and quote request process within IDEA Direct Order, allowing you to seamlessly reply to comments directly in an order/quote request thread. Efficiency and clarity are now at your fingertips.

With the new update, you can effortlessly check in contractors, reviewers, visitors, and more through the intuitive interface of IDEA Crew Board. Managing personnel has never been easier.

Continuing our dedication to refining the user interface, we’ve made further updates and simplifications to the Round UI/UX. Experience smoother navigation and enhanced functionality as you create and manage rounds. Plus, keep track of NFC checks in the round history, providing a comprehensive overview of each round’s activities.

Maintenance is key to the longevity of your vessel, so now, even if a job is deleted, you’ll always have access to the maintenance history for a component.

We’ve made managing users and responsibilities in the app easier than ever. Depending on your role and position, hide sections of the app to streamline your workflow and focus on what matters most.

2024.2 Changelog

Direct Order

With Direct Order, vessels can request order quotes directly from vendors, streamlining the procurement process. We’ve made communications even easier:

Reply to a comment directly in an order/quote request.
Vendor can now configure certain settings, such as default currency etc.

IDEA Crew Board

Now you can check in 3rd parties onboard, like contractors, reviewers, visitors etc.
Auto-fill to remember previous visitors, this is useful in case it’s a periodic visit, like IDEA checking your build process and to make documentations/take photos.
Scan in Crew ID cards to quickly check in/out (requires crew ID card module).
New overview tab, showing everybody onboard (crew and visitors).
Quickly navigate to IDEA Crew Board. Scan the QR code (printed and shared) to open the board from anywhere.

Logs & Rounds

Performance improvements for huge entry log value collections.
Further updates and simplification for the new Round UI/UX.
Reflect permission more easily, prevent starting rounds you can’t finish.
Tooltips to inform users why a button is disabled.
New feature: Point out that a round was run with NFC checks in the round history.
New feature: Power user keyboard navigation when completing a round on web.

Maintenance

New feature: Update multiple hour counters at the same time.
Always show maintenance history for a component even if the job was deleted.
Further columns for the maintenance history view, user can customise the tables to their needs.

IDEA YACHT Mobile App

Upgrade for layout drawing, better performance opener for further new features (stay tuned).
Simple sync view, we’ve made the interface cleaner with our famous IDEA yacht glyph.
New feature: Apply permission from web on mobile
Allow user to hide sections of the app depending on the users position and role. This links both IDEA YACHT web and app together so permissions and access are reflected in both. What a user has access to on the web, they will have access to on the app. This advancement greatly improves the management of the app onboard.

IDEA Snag List

External viewers can now be added with full view permissions (the default is currently limited permissions).
Very useful if you have a person working remotely that should see all content.
Full support in the external page and API.
A new field to track estimated time for snag entries.
Connect snag entries to purchase orders.
Complete new chat view.
UI / UX Updates for external pages to improve usability on desktops.

Purchasing & Stock control

Budget usage export, to integrate budget tracking in 3rd party apps.
New column for Purchase Order overview page to show total costs (users can design the table as they need it).

To find out more about IDEA Snag List, Crew Board, Direct order or any of our additional modules, contact our Sales team on sales@idea-data.com

To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.

April 16, 2024

April 2024 Newsletter

To kick off the 2024 Med season with a bang, YACHTNEEDS marketplace, Port Vauban, and IDEA Data Solutions are bringing an exclusive crew party that gathers the crème de la crème of the yachting world for one incredible night to celebrate crew.

IDEA Whatsapp Group

Are you using the market-leading yacht management solution? If so, then the IDEA YACHT WhatsApp group is your essential ticket to staying ahead of the curve in the realm of luxury vessel management.

The Perfect Yacht Software and Hardware with IDEA YACHT & Yachtneeds

This collaboration aims to provide expert advice on selecting the best servers and hardware for superyachts, ensuring seamless connectivity and optimal performance.

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

Tracking spares handed out to crew

Did you know that with IDEA you can also track spares handed out to persons onboard. For this each item has a crew and guest tab where you can make the entry… 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

April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024

DON’T MISS THE BIGGEST CREW PARTY IN THE MED!

Michael Graveston

To kick off the 2024 Med season with a bang, YACHTNEEDS marketplace, Port Vauban, and IDEA Data Solutions are bringing an exclusive crew party that gathers the crème de la crème of the yachting world for one incredible night to celebrate crew.

We’ve lined up an amazing evening of: delicious paella and pizzas, a luxury food tasting station, wine, beer, cocktails, entertainment, and an incredible sax & DJ duo.

Yachties, this will be a night not to be missed! Tickets are free but limited to yacht crew only.

WHEN: Friday Apr 19, 2024
TIME: 7pm til 11pm

WHERE: Le Nomade statue, Port Vauban, Antibes

THEME: Circus. Unleash your inner circus enthusiast, circus mime, clown, or your inner spirit animal and don yourself in the most eccentric costume imaginable.

**HOW TO GET YOUR TICKET?**

Sign up at www.yachtneeds.com. Once registered, you’ll see a pop-up with the event link to pre- regsiter for your FREE ticket. 1 ticket per crew member and you must have a ticket to enter the party.

SEE YOU THERE!

March 31, 2024

Author: Michael Graveston

Michael Graveston

Michael Graveston

2024.2.3 Key changes

2024.2.3 Changelog

To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.

Michael Graveston

May 2024 Newsletter

IDEA at The Hill Robinson technical seminar

IDEA at the Superyacht Village, Palma International Boat Show

Ask The Dirk

Restore deleted data in the Vessel Database

Michael Graveston

Michael Graveston

Christian Mühle – Managing Director

Jan Langweg – Head of Professional Services

Diego D’Esposito – Head of Product Development

Emily Taylor – Head of HR

Felix Menges – Head of Sales

Michael Graveston – Head of Marketing

Michael Graveston

Michael Graveston

2024.2 Key changes

2024.2 Changelog

To book in your update on replicating installations please contact our support team on support@idea-data.com. All online installations will update automatically.

April 2024 Newsletter

IDEA Whatsapp Group

The Perfect Yacht Software and Hardware with IDEA YACHT & Yachtneeds

Ask The Dirk

Tracking spares handed out to crew

Michael Graveston