BASS, a leading fleet management software provider, today announced the release of BASSnet™ Document Manager and BASSnet Operations, two new software tools designed to establish common operating standards across the fleet, improve work processes, strengthen operational control between vessels and offices, and to facilitate knowledge sharing across the organisation.

Popular demand from within the industry has led to BASS developing the BASSnet Document Manager and BASSnet Operations over the past year as two new software products – both fully integrated in the BASSnet Fleet Management Systems. Both products are developed on the Microsoft.NET platform, a stable and future-proof technology platform, and they include user-friendly features specifically designed to provide high quality information and efficient operations management for ship owners and ship managers.

BASS’ Product Manager, Mr Rajesh Purkar, notes that ever-increasing requirements from authorities and charterers will only add to shipping companies’ administrative burden unless you respond with efficient and effective systems to help management ashore and crew onboard to handle this. BASSnet Document Manager allows companies to establish common operating standards and procedures across the fleet in order to ensure industry compliance, consistent performance; and safe, reliable and environmental-friendly operations.

More importantly, the system makes it easy for ships’ staff and other users to find their way in the myriad of documentation and apply the appropriate procedure or checklist for the task at hand. “This greatly helps you safeguard your company’s operations,” says Mr. Purkar.

BASSnet Document Manager ensures that all units and vessels have correct, up-to-date documents with efficient distribution to single vessels, groups of vessels or the entire fleet. It enables ships’ staff and office users to submit feedback for improvement of the company’s management system and facilitates knowledge sharing across the organisation.

BASSnet Operations allows rapid and easy access to the principal, technical and commercial particulars for vessels. It provides an overview of certificates’ status for all vessels in a fleet and facilitates enquiries on certificate expiration, ensuring that fleet certificates are kept up-to-date at all times. Furthermore, BASSnet Operations allows users to keep electronic navigation and engine log books, and to track each vessel’s voyage activities, location, and departure and arrival details.

From the office ashore, you can monitor the daily positions of all the vessels in the fleet and track each vessel’s fuel and lubricants consumptions in relation to machinery running hours and supply needs.

Purkar adds that data entry is minimal with BASSnet Operations, enabling the use of formula logic and default values. The system allows users to generate various reports from electronic log for easy fleet performance monitoring, and includes “push alerts” to get information to the right people at the right time.

The new software comes with a user friendly interface which requires no specific training. “We designed the system so that it would be cost-effective and easy to install,” says Purkar. “And all our software tools have been developed to enable shipowners and ship managers to remain in compliance with increasingly complex maritime regulations.”

According to Haakon Dalan, General Manager – product management, more than 850 vessels use BASSnet Fleet Management Systems to improve daily operational activities. To cater for the evolving business demands of the industry, the company allocates 25 percent of its annual costs to product innovation. “We have not only developed new features for existing modules, but are currently designing new and exciting functionalities for modules now in the pipeline,” he says.