Rise of the machines
A line in a 1984 movie went like this: “Listen, and understand. That xxxxxxx is out there, it can’t be bargained with, it can’t be reasoned with, it doesn't feel pity or remorse or fear, and it absolutely will not stop... EVER!”
Fast forward 38 years, and we can easily substitute the word ‘digitalisation’ in to the above. The fact of the matter is that ‘bots’ (algorithms) are out there, they are removing error, eliminating waste & accelerating decision-making – in many areas across the shipping industry - from voyage optimisation and carbon reduction strategy through to improved cost forecasting and compliance. However, and unlike the threat underpinning this movie classic, the implications for humans are much more welcome.
Tasks that were once tedious can now be managed digitally; saving considerable time to enable teams to focus on the more complex (and interesting) tasks, as well as providing them with space to think strategically and continually improve the way they solve problems together. It further remains a fact that life and career expectations evolve as future generations enter the labour market. ‘Employment experiences’ are more important than ever to keep new entrants to any organisation, fully motivated and committed. Retention of talent needs to be front and foremost of any leadership team’s agenda. The positive implication of removing the mundane shouldn’t be underestimated as a key differentiator to achieve this.
Stonefort Marine continue to support a number of companies and investors in navigating this space. Variances between apparently similar products do exist – particularly with respect to levels of sophistication (the ‘tech base’), and therefore reliability and validity of outputs – so it is important to complete homework robustly before penning agreements. It is also not as simple as purchasing new kit in order to be perceived ‘modern & digital’ - how the adopted tech fits in to the wider operating environment and culture of the organisation is fundamental to success. Our advice is to invest in systems that will improve the bottom line and morale, but to do this very (very) wisely.