Unlocking Shipping digitalisation by thinking in layers
Data rich, information poor
Ships have transformed into data-rich environments, but this valuable data often remains untapped due to the fragmented and complex architecture of most vessels. In a recent Digital Ship Webinar held on October 12th, 2023, Raa Labs shared how our vision of a layered technology stack can contribute to solving these issues by providing shipowners unprecedented flexibility and optionality. This article dives deeper into what we mean by a layered approach and what the advantages are.
The Challenge of Data Fragmentation
Vessels today generate an abundance of data, but much of this data still exists in isolation - untapped and unused. While some system providers have started sharing data in the cloud, these offerings are often limited in scope, addressing specific systems or isolated issues. This approach creates data silos, leading to compatibility issues and a lack of standardization. The data provided may also suffer from quality issues, with limited possibility to mitigate or manage the quality issues beyond omitting the affected data from your analyses. Shipowners who adopt a single-system approach typically find themselves locked into a specific vendor's ecosystem, driving cost and limiting their digital expansion.
The Value of a Layered Technology Stack
The RaaEDGE platform, developed by Raa Labs, introduces a layered approach to technology that offers shipowners a wealth of advantages. This approach is based on three key layers that forms the basis of the preferred technology stack for vessel digitalisation:
Onboard Layer: At the base of this approach is the onboard layer. Here, data is captured, standardized, and made available for immediate use. This layer acts as the foundation for the entire digitalization process, ensuring that data is collected, harmonized, and ready for action - already onboard the vessel.
Data Storage/Cloud Layer: Above the onboard layer lies the data storage and cloud layer. This layer serves as the central repository for data that has been transmitted from the vessel to the cloud, making it accessible across the organization or even to external stakeholders. It also paves the way for securely and efficiently leveraging a swathe of cloud-based applications and analytics.
Application and Analytics Layer: At the pinnacle of this approach is the application and analytics layer. This is where data is harnessed for various purposes, including predictive maintenance, fuel performance, and regulatory compliance. With a standardized data feed from the lower layers, shipowners have the freedom to select specialized applications and analytics tools tailored to their specific needs.
Flexibility and Optionality
By adopting this layered approach, shipowners gain invaluable flexibility and optionality. They are no longer confined to a single vendor or system; instead, they can cherry-pick the best solutions for each layer. This freedom to choose specialized partners for data capture, storage, and analytics empowers shipowners to optimize their digitalization journey.
Consider, for example, a shipowner who depends on specific analytic output, like a voyage optimisation recommendation provided by companies like DeepSea or Nautilus Labs, or a sensor based, real time ship performance model provided by Toqua. The specialized expertise that these companies offer is highly valuable, but depends on the lower layers of data capture and standardization provided by RaaEDGE. Conversely, RaaEDGE's focus on data standardization perfectly complements the specialized skill sets of these application and analytics specialists - or any other you might want to work with. This synergy allows all parties to excel in their respective areas and creates a seamless interoperability, far beyond what any individual company would be capable of.
The Future of Digitalization in Shipping
Looking ahead, this layered approach represents the future of digitalization in shipping. Shipowners will require data from all parts of their vessels for multiple purposes, whether for operational optimization, regulatory compliance, or customer engagement. A single-system or single-application approach will no longer suffice.
With the ayered strategy, shipowners can confidently select the best partners for each segment, ensuring that they harness the full potential of their operational data. This approach offers a pathway to navigate the complexities of digitalization and empowers shipowners to embrace a more efficient and sustainable future for their vessels.
In conclusion, the maritime industry stands at the brink of a digital revolution, and the layered approach to technology, exemplified by RaaEDGE, is the key to unlocking the potential of data-rich vessels. By thinking in layers, shipowners can maximize their flexibility and optionality, ultimately driving their journey towards more efficient, eco-friendly, and innovative maritime operations.
Get in touch to learn more about how RaaEDGE can help you move you forward in leveraging vessel data.