b'customizing the system to each operators specific needs.Most modern software systems are open and can be inte-Having previously set up a system for a popular software,grated, but there are some that cant. The analogy shared theyre able to work quickly with future clients using thewas of wanting to put a gas stove in your kitchen. To do same software. Though its not quite out of the box, theso, you need a gas line running to your house. If you dont program was compared to a sound system you may pur- have one, youd look to see if theres one in your area. If not, chase for your home which you can adjust to your prefer- youd have to work with your city and utility company to ences. A team working with an operator on an integrationhave a gas line running to your area and then have it con-will take time to learn what the specific needs are for thenected to your home. Similarly, the largest hurdle faced by given business and customize the work flows to meet a cus- integration software companies is working with platforms tomers exact requirements. that dont (or dont yet) have a way to connect. Operators large and small can benefit from integration, butOperators can keep this in mind when shopping for new a company must decide if its the right fit for their set up.software. While researching options, ask sales representa-An operator with only one boat and a small staff, may findtives about their systems connectivity capabilities. If they it easy for their team to manually manage data. For a largerdont offer any, it may be difficult to integrate that soft-or more complex operation, it can be a burden to overseeware because its a closed system. Although increasingly substantialvolumesofinformationmanually.Ifateamuncommon, it is sometimes an issue. spends a lot of time on manual, repetitive tasks that could be automated and where accuracy could be improved, inte- Having a broad understanding of what integration is, we gration may be helpful.reached out to a PVA vessel member who has implement-EXCEED GLOBAL EMISSIONS STANDARDSOperate a lightweight vessel equipped with hybrid or electric engines. Reduce your operating and maintenance costs. Minimize your environmental impact. BUILD A CARBON FIBER FERRY YOUR CHILLER EXPERTS SINCE 1995!For the most rugged and reliable commercial/militaryquality chillers available choose Flagship Marine,proudly manufactured in the USA with domestic alloys only. Rugged, reliable, If you want alland simple design.the bells andIndestructible, whistles wenaturallysupply the fullantimicrobialline of WebastoCuNi heavy walledchillers andcondensers. other products.State Of The Art Marine Air Conditioning SystemsLearn about Americas only carbon T- and K-Class ferry builder: 3211 SE Gran Park Way, Stuart, Florida 34997 www.ARCADIA-ALLIANCE.com www.flagshipmarine.comwww.itrmarine.com 772-283-1609sales@flagshipmarine.com25 SEPTEMBER 2023'