TTA’s multi-phase IT infrastructure plan

TTA initiated a multi-phase IT Infrastructure Plan to either replace or revamp existing systems and processes. Its two primary objectives were to increase productivity in order to handle future fleet and business expansion, and to provide enhanced services to its clients.

Its IT Plan included the following phases:

1. Create a new network and infrastructure foundation
2. Build and integrate ERPs for commercial, technical, financial, and human resources departments
3. Build a business intelligence/data warehouse
4. Optimize the systems to better serve customers and clients

Taking a close look at dry bulk operations

TTA’s Dry Bulk Shipping Group had been using a commercial software package to handle its day-to-day operations. However, the outdated package had reached a point where it no longer served their needs. Although the commercial and accounting modules were contained within the same package, there was no linkage between the two. The team had to export commercial data into Excel files and re-key them manually into other modules; day-to-day operations processes such as voyage calculations were quite time consuming. The old software did not support any statistical reports required by management, nor did it provide continuous upgrades.

The Dry Bulk Shipping Group launched a thorough review of several well-known commercial maritime software vendors. As Pongsak Kanchanakpan, Director of Group Personnel/Administration for TTA, explained: “Overall we needed a comprehensive, integrated package that would eliminate repetitive tasks and deliver a complete, real-time picture of our dry bulk operations for management. Specifically, our commercial and operations staff needed a powerful tool to assist in their work to fix vessels and post fixture work. We wanted the vessel reporting system to be linked directly with the operations modules. The new program had to interface with our financial ERP package and be able to generate statistical reports for top level executives.”

“Our commercial and operations staff needed a powerful tool to assist in their work to fix vessels and post fixture work. We wanted the vessel reporting system to be linked directly with the operations modules. The new program had to interface with our financial ERP package and be able to generate statistical reports for top level executives.”

Pongsak Kanchanakpan, Director of Group Personnel & Administration, Thorensen Thai Agencies

TTA finds a “trusted partner” in Veson Nautical

After careful consideration and extensive testing, TTA chose Veson Nautical’s Integrated Maritime Operations System (IMOS).

Pongsak Kanchanakpan noted, “We were impressed with Veson Nautical from our first meeting because the staff was able to thoroughly assess our business requirements and provide solutions to our needs. Because they took the time to listen carefully to our input, we were sure the solution would deliver on all points. We felt we had found a vendor and a ‘trusted partner’ that would be committed to our mutual success.”

IMOS has created a centralized, integrated platform to manage all of TTA’s marine transportation operations. IMOS’ simple, user-friendly, yet powerful package delivers a number of features and benefits, including:

• Comprehensive report generating capabilities, including statistical analysis
• Ability to track Thoresen’s shipping business
• Sophisticated tools to assist in post fixture work
• Seamless interface with the financial ERP package
• Reporting system from the vessel linked directly to operations modules
• Quick access to accurate voyage data
• Drastic reduction in manual and repetitive work for the commercial team
• Scalability as the company builds its fleet size and client portfolio

Pongsak Kanchanakpan concluded, “We are very pleased with the decision to select IMOS. Clearly the software itself is of high caliber and we’ve quickly seen improvements. But there are other benefits as well. Veson Nautical takes a long-term view of upgrades, customer service and maintenance. Its customer support staff is very responsive to our queries and requests. As I said earlier, we were looking for a trusted partner rather than simply a vendor – and have found that with Veson Nautical.”