ABS Nautical Systems Hosts 12th Annual User Conference in Houston

(Houston, TX) ABS Nautical Systems, the world’s fastest growing provider of fleet management software held its Annual User Conference 12-15 September. In recognition of the 150^thanniversary of ABS, the conference took place in Houston, Texas, home to ABS’ worldwide headquarters.

More than 100 industry professionals from over 50 maritime companies participated in discussions on the future development of NS5, collaborated on ideas of how best to use the software and previewed ABS Nautical Systems’ next generation software release, NS5 Enterprise.

In her opening remarks, Karen Hughey, President and COO of ABS Nautical Systems shared with attendees notable developments within Nautical Systems since last year’s conference. Accomplishments largely centered on the strategic investment in resources to enhance the quality, service, performance and user experience of NS5 – most important was the addition of personnel, including quality assurance managers, testers and a project management team. Hughey also noted the company’s record growth and expansion which she attributed to ABS Nautical Systems’ strong customer-centric approach.

“Our vision is to be the leading provider of fleet management solutions in the industry by continuing to develop quality, client-focused solutions and our User Conference is a key element in that process,” said Hughey. “The exchange of ideas throughout the conference not only enhances the user experience for our customers, but it also provides us valuable insight into how and why they use our software. This information is extremely useful in planning and developing future products.”

In addition to the conference’s traditional open-dialogue sessions on NS5’s features and functionality, several sessions were dedicated to garnering in-depth customer feedback in module-based focus groups. Divided into small work groups, attendees discussed daily challenges and brainstormed potential product enhancements.

“The focus groups this year were an excellent opportunity to dialogue about overcoming challenges. Throughout the year, the ABS Nautical Systems team may come up with hundreds of ideas for improvements, but they’re gaining insights from customers to help prioritize those future enhancements,” said Saikat Basu, Global Manager, Marine Systems, Helix ESG.

“Attending the conference gives me a sense of ownership and an opportunity to exchange ideas with other users as well as with the Nautical Systems team. We’re all here to voice opinions and better the software program for everyone,” said Carlos Beeche, Maintenance Manager, Humboldt Shipmanagement.

“ABS Nautical Systems is willing to listen, which is great for the users,” said Joe Costanza, Environmental Engineer, Liberty Maritime Corporation.

In addition, the conference offered sessions in Maintenance, Workforce, Safety and Supply Chain management, as well as System Administration/IT. Several customers presented case studies and best practices which offered tips and tools for efficient and effective use of NS5. Attendees also were able to participate in a live, hands-on demonstration of the new NS5 Enterprise software.

About ABS Nautical Systems
ABS Nautical Systems, a division of ABS, is the fastest growing provider of fleet management software in the world. Its offerings are at the forefront of software solutions that promote cost and operational efficiency for the maritime industry. Through these innovative and customer-driven investments in research and development, ABS Nautical Systems is able to supply its clients with practical software solutions that can have a measurable impact on a ship or offshore user’s operations and business. Headquartered in Houston, Texas, ABS Nautical Systems has offices around the world to serve its extended customer base.