Optimization of maritime climate control
Heinen & Hopman improves efficiency, accuracy and collaboration
Onboarding customers more efficiently
In the constantly evolving world of engineering and marine innovation, Heinen & Hopman has established itself as a leading specialist in the design and construction of advanced marine climate control systems, for commercial ferries to luxury yachts. The company is known for its dedication to creating comfortable, efficient and reliable environments aboard more than 15,000 ships worldwide.
For more than half a century, Heinen & Hopman has been a pioneer in the maritime industry. Their expertise in ventilation, cooling and heating has resulted in smart solutions that not only meet the highest standards of comfort and safety, but also contribute to energy savings and sustainability at sea. With an extensive portfolio of successful projects, Heinen & Hopman has put itself on the map.
- Verify correct operation of systems
Deviations in operating procedures and manual processes increase susceptibility to error - No direct input possible
Offline registration made real-time insights difficult to obtain - Distributed information
Multiple input methods created decentralized information in core process
The road to digitization
Although Heinen & Hopman is known for their technical expertise, they faced challenges in managing and commissioning the complex climate control systems during ship construction. Verifying the correct operation of climate control systems required manual processes that resulted in inefficiency, errors and the loss of valuable information.
Commissioning App as a Solution
To address these challenges, Heinen & Hopman sought a partner to develop their “Commissioning App,” built with Mendix low-code. This application transformed the way the company manages and validates climate control systems before a ship is delivered to the customer.
The app’s Minimum Viable Product (MVP) focused on the air portion of climate control such as balancing and optimizing airflows so that that the right amount of air is delivered to the right places in a ship or space.
The air section deals with adjusting various components of the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system, such as the air distributors, air handling units and dampers, to ensure that there is optimal air distribution.
The next step is to digitize the water part, which focuses on balancing the water flowing through the heating or cooling system.
The Commissioning App allows engineers to select specific projects through the app on a tablet to easily navigate different areas on board. This digital platform also allows them to capture and analyze detailed measurements of air pressure in pipe systems. Any adjustments needed to ensure optimal performance can be noted directly through the app. These changes are recorded, reviewed and approved.
This project became a success thanks to close collaboration of end users with design and app developers in a scrum team.
We introduce Mendix
About the Commissioning App
Accuracy first
The app has not only mapped and streamlined the process, but also provides a uniform standard for each “Commissioning Engineer,” minimizing deviations in practices. Although some anomalies still occur, the app is expected to improve management accuracy and efficiency.
Centralization of data
Previously, data was collected in various ways, such as Excel and handwritten notes that later had to be entered on the computer. This can process is now much more streamlined thanks to the Commissioning App, which allows employees to perform inspections faster and more efficiently. In addition, the app offers centralization of all information and can ensure data accuracy.
Offline availability with Progressive Web App
The work of the Commissioning Engineer in which the app is also used takes place at the shipyard where the ships are built. The Commissioning App is designed to verify, among other things, ventilation and cooling systems installed on ships. Taking into account the potentially unstable Internet connection within the engineers’ work environment, the app was developed as a Progressive Web App (PWA), a hybrid version between a regular app and a native app. This allows users to use the app offline, and once the Internet connection is restored, all data entered offline is synchronized. Moreover, this app just runs in the browser, so no play or app store is needed!
- Uniform standard
Deviations in procedure minimized - Data management simplified
All information in the same place - Continuity of operations
Productivity even without an Internet connection
The impact
Improved collaboration: The app facilitates real-time collaboration between different departments and the customer, improving communication and coordination.
Continuous operations: The offline availability of the Commissioning App allows engineers to continue working even when there is no Internet connection. This increases their productivity and ensures continuous operations.
Accurate verification: Digital verification of systems and performance contributes to higher accuracy and reliability of climate control system operation.
Efficiency and time savings: Using the app saves time and reduces the risk of human error or miscommunication, resulting in more efficient project management.
Digital transformation: All changes and approvals are recorded digitally, creating a clear transfer for future reference and to the customer.
New standard in efficiency and precision
By combining engineering knowledge with innovative technology, Heinen & Hopman has transformed their operational processes and set a new standard of efficiency and precision in the management of climate control systems on ships.
In the quest for continuous improvement and optimization, Heinen & Hopman has reached an important milestone with the Commissioning App. The app promises not only to improve the reliability and precision of climate control systems, but also promotes collaboration between managers, project engineers and commissioning engineers, and thus communication with customers.
Related:
- Increased efficiency and accuracy
Always seamless and error-free processes. - Seamless Collaboration and Data Centralization
Perfect communication and reliable data management - Continuous operations without internet
Always productive, even without the Internet
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