IHC Merwede
Versatile Dutch shipbuilder underlines the benefits gained
from implementing a shipyard-specific ERP solution
The Dutch shipbuilder IHC Merwede,
part of the IHC Group, is focused on the
continuous development of its design and
construction activities in the specialised
shipbuilding sector, in particular the
dredging, offshore and naval industries.
IHC Merwede is among the world’s market
leaders in the construction of specialist
dredging equipment. The shipyard is also
recognised as an outstanding builder of
complex, custom-built vessels for
offshore construction.
IHC Merwede’s clients include major
dredging companies, oil & gas exploration
groups, offshore contractors and naval
authorities.
Benefits obtained from
using AVEVA MARS ERP
T Streamlined IT structure
T Improved efficiency
T Optimised material flow
T Improved quality
T Reduced manufacturing
costs
T Shorter production time
CASE
STUDY
The well-known shipbuilder, IHC Merwede, has a
workforce of roughly 2,800 at different locations
in the Netherlands. The company also has branch
offices in China, India, the Middle East, Nigeria,
Russia, Singapore, Slovakia, the UK and the USA.
Success requires dedicated staff and technology.
Through their technological innovation, IHC
Merwede is known and respected throughout the
global shipbuilding industry as a leading player
in the international market .
IHC Merwede has gained its strong position in
the shipbuilding industry thanks to a highly
dedicated and skilled staff, combined with the
organisation’s willingness to examine and roll
out new technologies.
Aerial view of IHC Merwede’s shipyard located in
Hardinxveld-Giessendam, the Netherlands.
IHC Merwede’s Project Manager for Process
Integration, Jaap Toonen, admits that, in order
to keep that competitive edge, you have It consists of three applications:
continually to make sure that employees have MARS Material for material management
the right technology and IT solutions at their MARS Planning for resource planning and control
disposal. He points to one particular solution – MARS Production for production management
the AVEVA MARS ERP system for shipbuilding.
AVEVA MARS is developed in close cooperation
Jaap says, ‘For almost a decade, Merwede has with several of the world’s leading shipyards
been using an industry-specific ERP solution which means that a number of best-practice
called AVEVA MARS. It was implemented at our processes have been incorporated into the
shipyard back in 2000, as we were in need of a system, giving natural support for processes
system that could help us enhance our business which are vital for a modern shipyard.
processes, and support us in becoming an even
better shipbuilder. The AVEVA MARS system is currently
implemented at more than 70 shipyards globally;
‘Having evaluated the AVEVA MARS system, we close to 2,000 ships of different types have
decided to adopt it, since it was tailored for successfully been built using the system.
shipbuilding,’ he continues.
More than just a supplier of software
AVEVA MARS ERP, the world-leading ERP solution Today, AVEVA MARS has been deployed across
for shipyards, is developed by AVEVA, an various business areas at IHC Merwede, and it is
Engineering IT company with many international among the most important IT systems at the
offices. shipyard. It has grown, together with the
shipyard and, for several years now, they have
AVEVA MARS is a shipbuilding process been experiencing the benefits of implementing
management system that optimises project a shipbuilding process management system.
control, logistics, materials management,
resource and production planning. It is designed
specifically for the shipbuilding industry, to
significantly reduce cost and construction time,
thereby increasing the profitability of shipyards.
www.aveva.com

IHC Merwede is a versatile shipbuilder operating within various shipbuilding sectors.
The vessel above, HMNZS Canterbury, was built for the New Zealand Navy.
Jaap Toonen stresses that the main reason for the successful roll-out of the
AVEVA MARS system is due to an organisation which has been willing to
adjust to changes, and a professional software supplier which has always
had the right approach towards the assignment.
‘When implementing a new IT system that is at first completely unknown to
you, it is crucial that you gain the support of those who are going to use it
as their daily working tool.
‘One pitfall could be the fact that your employees do not want to claim
ownership of the new system, as your shipyard is already doing fine with
the current set-up, besides which, most people tend to be afraid of change
if they are not properly informed.
‘Fortunately, as an organisation, we have always focused on opportunities
rather than obstacles, so that was never a problem before, during or after
the implementation. Furthermore, AVEVA has always been a highly capable
supplier with whom we have had a very good working relationship from the
beginning.
‘After nearly a decade of cooperation we do not really see AVEVA as a
supplier, but more as a partner who knows very well our business processes
and our way of thinking.
‘After the implementation of AVEVA MARS, we optimised
several of our main business processes, including
materials management. A firm control of our material
flow has helped us become a more competitive and
efficient shipyard, as we have significantly reduced our
manufacturing costs.’
Jaap Toonen, Project Manager for Process Integration,
IHC Merwede
AVEVA believes the information in this publication is correct as of its publication date. As part of continued product development, such information is subject to change without prior notice and is related to the current software
release. AVEVA is not responsible for any inadvertent errors. All product names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective holders.
© Copyright 2010 AVEVA Solutions Limited. All rights reserved. CS/IHCM
‘They have a high level of customer service which is demonstrated by the
fact that they have a dedicated AVEVA MARS Service and Support team who
always provide quick, constructive solutions if problems should occur.
‘In addition to that, they have had three of their consultants stationed here
with us at different times, which was a good experience for us as it provided
us with competent local support.
‘Finally, AVEVA arranges regular user conferences, which gives customers
the opportunity to network and learn about various subjects that are of
importance to them. We always participate in the conferences, as we learn
a lot from them,’ continues Jaap Toonen.
Benefits obtained and future aims
Having used the AVEVA MARS system for almost ten years, IHC Merwede is
reaping the benefits of implementing a system that has been developed
specifically for the shipyard industry. The shipyard understands, however,
that they have to maintain the pace of technological innovation in order to
guarantee a competitive edge in a fierce market.
‘After the implementation of AVEVA MARS,’ says Jaap Toonen, ‘we optimised
several of our main business processes, including materials management. A
firm control of our material flow has helped us become a more competitive
and efficient shipyard, as we have significantly reduced our manufacturing
costs. We have also streamlined our IT structure, so all our systems are
working well together.
‘We know, nevertheless, that we are only as good as our last performance,
and we must always continue analysing and improving our shipyard
processes.
‘We have been continuously upgrading our AVEVA MARS solution when
necessary, and have added even more functionality. We expect to keep on
doing so, in order to maintain our strong position in the global
shipbuilding market,’ concludes Jaap Toonen.
The launch, on 22 August 2009, of the heavy-lift vessel, Oleg Strashnov, designed for the
installation and removal of offshore platforms; one of the many vessels that have been
built at IHC Merwede using AVEVA MARS.
www.aveva.com