Damen Shipyards Selects IFS Applications

Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards has selected business consolidation applications by IFS, a provider of software solutions and services that enable enterprise to better plan and execute resource-related decisions.

IFS Applications is a component-based, extended Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) suite developed using Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) technology, and enables the companies to streamline their activities in a number of core processes such as service and asset management, manufacturing, supply chain and projects.

With the new implementation, Damen Shipyards will be able to improve its software usability with the help of IFS Enterprise Explorer, an advanced interface that optimize operational productivity of the enterprises. The group leverages its worldwide workforce of over 6,700 employees to build around 150 ships annually, which include vessels ranging from tugboats and ferries to navy frigates and super yachts.

Apart from deploying IFS Service Management for effective management of ship repairs and spare parts sales, Damen Shipyards Gorinchem also leverages the call center and warranty management features of the IFS solution for solving customer queries related to warranties. The company will benefit from IFS Applications in the execution of its financials processes, while it also plans to deploy the contract management and project management components in IFS Applications. The implementation of the new solution from IFS will help Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in successfully accomplishing a variety of projects such as service and repair work and new fabrication projects.

“Our principal reasons for choosing IFS Applications were the modern user-friendly user interface, IFS’ global service and support network, and the fact that the project, service, engineering, purchasing, logistics and fabrication processes were completely integrated,” commented Aart-Jan van der Wekken, project leader of ERP at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem.

“We have long experiences of working with global customers in project-based industries who manage projects across national boundaries,” said Nico van Heuven, managing director at IFS Benelux. “For many years, we have focused on developing best-practice industry solutions in cooperation with our customers, and we believe this has been a crucial success factor in the project.”

In September 2010, Torresol Energy, a provider of concentrated solar power solutions, selected IFS Applications to manage the entire lifecycle of its engineering projects and to maintain its solar thermal energy plants.