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2016 May June Marina World

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The magazine for the marina industry

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR

SETTING THE STANDARD FOR BOAT HANDLING EQUIPMENT Versatile hydraulic trailers Hydraulically expanding width frame Full frame lift for easy lift and set Complete suite of options available Factory pricing on all equipment sales

MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE The Viking Systems team worked closely with BWML to customise the cloud-based Harbour Assist system. Photo: Simon Burt Photography BWML opts for real-time control A new award-winning management software system called Harbour Assist has been adopted by British Waterways Marinas Ltd (BWML) for implementation at its 19 inland and coastal sites as of September this year. Developed by Viking Systems in Cornwall, Harbour Assist uses tailormade, cloud-based technology to give operators of harbours and marinas complete, real-time control. The software lets operators and managers control everything from their mobile device or computer, from on-thewater payments to financial reporting. Customers and visitors can also log in from any device to manage their accounts and make payments. The highly secure software has already been successfully deployed at facilities in Dartmouth, Padstow, Fowey and Torquay. The new software was selected because it is fully integrated and thus able to support all aspects of BWML’s business. “The use of cloud technology was key for us as it provides universal access and connectivity in any location, helping us deliver improvements to customer service,” said BWML operation director, Darren Bramhall. “I was also impressed as to how additional features could be developed within Harbour Assist, allowing us to consolidate features that would provide additional benefits to our 3,000 customers in ways of communication and ease of payment.” Nick Gill, commercial director of Viking Systems, explained the customisation. “We’ve worked closely with the BWML team to ensure the software suits both their needs and those of their customers. We’re delighted to be on board with one of the UK’s largest marina operators.” Gill was also keen to stress that Harbour Assist isn’t just a solution for large marina groups. “The software can be scaled to suit virtually any size of operation,” he emphasised. “Dartmouth uses Harbour Assist to manage in excess of 2,500 berths but many of our clients operate a maximum of 200 berths and find Harbour Assist an ideal way to manage their day-to-day operations.” “As well as managing visitor and annual berths, the software is fully integrated, letting you schedule and account for all the main marina or boatyard tasks. For example, annual inspection and maintenance, customer communications, waiting lists, liftouts and scrub-downs, hard standing ashore, drystack berthing, electricity metering and invoicing, fuel services and parking.” By using GPS technology to map the marina or harbour and an easyto-use layout, managers can stay in control whether they’re in the office, in the yard or on the water. The sales and development team work closely with each client to match the system to their needs. And as with BWML, this can mean developing new functionality to meet their requirements. Gill explains the ethos of Harbour Assist as “offering a cost-effective solution for everyone, from independent marinas to high-traffic coastal ports to harbours servicing small fleets”. “A lot of harbours and marinas use outdated and server-based systems that aren’t integrated, which can lead to huge inefficiencies both in terms of time and money. A lot of current solutions tend to be one-size-fits-all affairs, so there was a clear gap in the market for something more efficient,” he added. Contact Harbour Assist in the UK on email: info@harbourassist.com www.marinaworld.com - May/June 2016 43

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