Over the years I have been asked on various occasions “Why doesn’t IDEA force users on new-build and existing projects, to get a database populated in a standard format”, “Why does IDEA still sell empty software to new customers” and “why don’t you insist on a full training plan for new users once the software is purchased?”.

Well the simple answer is: because here at IDEA we want to provide our customers, with a solution which fits your needs. With collaboration between both parties, we aim to provide systems which tick all your boxes and leave you to concentrate on the more important tasks on-board.

A little story I would like to share with you:
“On a 68meter vessel a towel rail broke in one of the guest cabins. To replace this towel rail could became a very difficult task, due to the fact that there are hundreds of different manufacturers and designs available on the market today. Even if you could source a similar rail, there is a distinct possibility that the screw holes do not line up with the originals, resulting in a very expensive process or even having to replace a whole panel to accommodate the new fittings. The stewardess in this instance, who was familiar with the on-board database located the necessary part in the data file, which was listed together with the photo of the item, the details of manufacturer and the supplier. In no time at all the towel rail was replaced with the same part as the original, saving a lot of unnecessary additional costs.”

A package like IDEA will result in an easy to use database, and will allow the crew after only a few hours training, to use nearly 90 percent of the software’s potential! Not only saving you time but money.

Moral of the story: The investment in a software package can save you not only in the short term, but having a well-documented and maintained asset can save money over its entire life-time.

Best regards
Tobias