Does Spreadsheets Block Maritime Innovation?
Spreadsheets are a double-edged sword for the maritime industry. Their accessibility fosters data analysis and information sharing, but their limitations can hinder progress. In this short Q&A, Teqplay’s CTO Richard van Klaveren shared his thoughts on the role of spreadsheets in the maritime industry.
Spreadsheets are a double-edged sword for the maritime industry. Their accessibility fosters data analysis and information sharing, but their limitations can hinder progress. In this short Q&A, Teqplay’s CTO Richard van Klaveren shared his thoughts on the role of spreadsheets in the maritime industry.
Initial Appeal, Hidden Costs
Despite their limitation, there is a reason why the use of spreadsheets and manual data entry remain ubiquitous. They offer a user-friendly platform for anyone to contribute and analyze data. This ease of use creates a collaborative environment, but it comes at a cost.
The limitations of spreadsheets quickly become apparent as the complexity of data increases. They are not designed to handle real-time updates, a crucial component in the dynamic world of maritime operations. Imagine the challenge of manually updating a spreadsheet with constantly changing weather patterns or fuel prices, for example. Furthermore, large datasets, such as comprehensive maintenance records or intricate logistics planning, can quickly become unwieldy and prone to errors. The risk of outdated or inaccurate information becomes a real threat, potentially leading to costly delays or even safety hazards.
The Familiarity Trap
The initial comfort and ease of spreadsheets can lead to complacency. Companies become accustomed to their existing systems, neglecting to explore more sophisticated tools that could unlock a wealth of data-driven insights. This stagnation hinders innovation, preventing the industry from harnessing the full potential of data analysis. Critical decisions regarding route optimization, fuel efficiency, or maintenance schedules might be based on outdated or incomplete information, ultimately impacting profitability and safety.
Does spreadsheets block innovation?
Despite all the aforementioned limitations and flaws, spreadsheets should not be seen as the enemy of innovation.
Spreadsheets are the first step toward innovation.
The solution lies not in abandoning spreadsheets entirely, but rather in recognizing their limitations and strategically supplementing them with more advanced tools. New data analytics platforms can build upon the foundation laid by spreadsheets. They offer automation for real-time updates, integration with various data sources like weather feeds or sensor readings, and the ability to handle massive datasets. These advancements free up human expertise for higher-order tasks, allowing professionals to focus on strategic planning and interpretation of data-driven insights.
Spreadsheets have their place, but they shouldn’t be the final destination. By embracing new technologies, the maritime industry can sail towards a future of efficiency and resilience.
Explore more insights on maritime data in this next article: Maritime Data Reliability: Operator-Entered Data vs. AIS Data