Traditionally, this would have required an overwhelming amount of manual processes and paperwork to track every detail.
Not anymore.
The Hunter Class Frigate Program is transforming shipbuilding with state-of-the-art manufacturing methods and automated equipment to deliver world-class quality while saving time and money.
We’re not only radically improving our construction processes, we’re transforming the entire Osborne Naval Shipyard to make it digital.
So, what is a digital shipyard?
A digital shipyard integrates advanced technologies into traditional shipbuilding processes, creating a seamless thread of digital connectivity across design, production, and operational phases. This environment leverages real-time data analytics, automation, and interactive systems to enhance shipbuilding productivity, quality, safety, and collaboration.
By replacing manual processes and extensive paperwork with automated workflows and digital tools, a digital shipyard significantly improves the management of complex shipbuilding projects, optimises resource usage, and fosters innovative approaches to naval construction.
To enable digital transformation of Osborne Naval Shipyard, we’ve implemented several initiatives to strengthen digital threads.
Collaborating with Australian company Hardcat Lebosi, we have introduced a tool tracking system, that replaces manual processes with an innovative pass-swiping asset management capability. Checking out a tool is now as simple as scanning a pass, the tool or consumable, and then scanning them back in when done. The software also tracks tool usage, duration, job assignment, and operator qualifications which eliminates time, mistakes, and paper.
Speaking of paper – we’re transitioning towards a paperless shipyard with the rollout of our ‘Visual Factory’, a solution that has evolved into a sophisticated, interactive digital communication platform.
Our ‘Visual Factory’ streamlines immediate content publishing to our workforce, enabling access to information, instantaneous data sharing to interactive screens, and the showcasing of live business intelligence dashboards across the shipyard. These enhancements are set to significantly bolster workforce collaboration and elevate productivity in our operations.
Managing the enormous amount of materials and millions of parts needed to build six ships is critical to the program’s success. Through ‘Project PinPoint’, we are implementing a new digitised inventory tracking system featuring mobile capabilities that will streamline material management processes. Using handheld devices, the warehouse and logistics teams will be able to perform material management activities and complete data entry while remaining mobile. This system will increase capacity, speed, and accuracy of data entry, by replacing manual sheets with efficient barcode scanning.
As these materials and parts progress through the production line, ensuring each work station operates at maximum efficiency is crucial.
Tool tracking, Visual Factory, and PinPoint are just a few of our digital transformation initiatives that are making our shipbuilding processes more efficient, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.