DNV launches major upgrades of DNV Exchange and its Nauticus Production System (NPS) in early June.
Improvements made range from improved workflow support, full implementation of e-approval, to integration of 3D graphic models and more. At the heart of NPS version 5.0 is the new product model, covering all parts of a vessel throughout its lifecycle.
The Nauticus Production System (NPS) version 5.0 has been almost totally rebuilt and moved over to the .net Microsoft technological platform. Its release represents a major milestone for DNV Maritime.
“Nauticus is a large development initiative in terms of cost, but it serves as a foundation for many of the other activities in DNV Maritime, such as improving the production work processes and building and sharing knowledge,” says Jon Rysst, head of Maritime Technology and Production Centre.
Technological advances
The release of NPS 5.0 represents a technological leap forward for the system.
“With version 5.0 we now see the implementation of both the product model and the new technological platform. These two advances will enable us to move forward and realise the NPS vision we set more than 10 years ago even further in the years to come. For our customers, it simply means that DNV now is able to provide even better service in multiple areas, including improved access to vessel information,” says Rysst.
New or improved features in DNV Exchange
When customers log on to the new version of DNV Exchange in June, they will first of all notice improved access to their vessels data and overview of documents. They can now search for and select a vessel from anywhere within the application.
In addition, all certificates, surveys, conditions, components and compartments will have their own homepage for easy reference of related information such as history, checklists with survey requirements, survey findings and other data. The new DNV Exchange will also provide better support for survey scheduling and improved online survey request.
Product model
The ship specific product model is the heart of the NPS 5.0, according to Rysst. It is a data model containing a description of all parts of a vessel. It is applicable to all types of vessels within the scope of classification through their whole lifecycle, including design, construction and operation. It also covers all rule and regulatory regimes and all work processes, such as newbuilding supervision, certification of material and components and ships in operation surveys. In addition, all information gathered during surveys, such as findings, pictures, data recordings etc. are stored in the product model and are available for review and re-use.
Each vessel will now have its own specific and detailed functional breakdown structure, or Product Model, based on a common standard. This will enable all class related information gathered through the life cycle of vessels to be systematically organised, stored, retrieved and processed.
“The new version of NPS and DNV Exchange is more than an efficient ICT support. It also is part of the development of our class concept, body of knowledge, processes and activities for sharing of knowledge, competence building activities and more,” says Rysst.
Other improvements
With NPS 5.0, DNV becomes the first class society to offer an a full electronic approval service. Moving from paper based to electronic information exchange is a trend in the industry that DNV tries to answer and support with NPS 5.0 and the following functionality:
- Electronic drawing approval with electronic signatures.
- Import/export of datasheets and electronic certificates through international standards for data exchange.
- Handling of scanned documents, as it has been decided to move from paper to electronic documents in the next years.