Marine Manufacturers find ... "There’s an APP for that"

Marine product providers turn to high tech tools to enhance service, information and – yes – their bottom lines.

There’s an APP for that. You’ve heard it before and in many contexts. Increasingly, the global waterfront is getting into the act, too. Typically available for iPhones and/or any kind of smart phones, these Apps are perfect for the busy executive. Putting information at your fingertips, when you want it and no matter where you might be; is at the heart of it all.
Like New Wave Media, MarineNews magazine’s parent, many companies are harnessing the utility of a well-designed App to deliver clear, concise data. Where Maritime Global News brings the latest news, updated regularly, marine vendors of all kinds are using Apps to deliver the good news about their products.

Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings’ SeaGuard, an app that provides users with protective coating recommendations for VLCC/VLBCs, chemical tankers and OSV/PSVs, debuted in October. The app is optimized for both iOS and Android. A first for any coating manufacturer, SeaGuard provides on-the-go coating recommendations from stem to stern. Designed to help port engineers and fleet managers access accurate and up-to-date coatings information via mobile technology, it’s also a convenient alternative to bulky binders stuffed with outdated product data sheets. If a new product is introduced, or an old product is no longer manufactured, SeaGuard has the updated information.
SeaGuard’s home screen allows the user to select the type of vessel in need of coating. Once the vessel has been selected, labeled areas of the vessel appear. SeaGuard recommends the coating system for each area. The recommendation includes both a primary and alternative system, providing information on the generic coating system (primer, intermediate and top coat), stripe coat (if needed), dry film thickness for each coat and total mils for the system. Surface preparation and application equipment tips are included in the recommendation. Clicking on a product name brings up a detailed product data sheet.
“SeaGuard provides our customers with stem-to-stern coating solutions,” says Tim McDonough, Sherwin-Williams regional marine market segment director. “Port Engineers and fleet managers alike will have, at their fingertips, the latest, detailed Sherwin-Williams’ coating specifications to meet their specific and unique need – anywhere in the world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To be assured that you have the latest, most up-to-date information at your fingertips is incredible.”
www.protective.sherwin-williams.com

Harrington Hoists
Harrington Hoists, Inc., a supplier and manufacturer of electric and air powered chain hoists, electric wire rope hoists, lever hoists, manual hand chain hoists, push and geared trolleys, overhead cranes, crane accessories and a full line of replacement parts, has created its own new mobile technology in the form of the Harrington Mobile APP. According to Harrington Hoists, the Harrington Mobile is the quickest way to find all of Harrington’s market leading products including images, descriptions, individual product specifications and dimensions, and outline drawings on your mobile device. There are also links to Harrington’s full web site, social media and contact information in the application. Users of Harrington Mobile can now conveniently get all the information they need while traveling or on a sale or service call. Harrington Mobile is a free APP available through the App Store and Google Play. It is customized and compatible with iPhones, iPads, iPod touches, Androids and Tablets. Scan the QR codes and “Join The Revolution.”
www.harringtonhoists.com

Brennan Industries 
Not to be outdone, Brennan Industries Inc., a supplier of a wide range of more than 30,000 standard and special hydraulic fittings, has expanded its already successful, existing mobile application that provides easy access to the Brennan product catalog and product cross-reference tool, to include pressure ratings for more than 6,000 parts in more than 330 popular series. The mobile app, optimized for iPhone and Android devices, now includes pressure ratings in PSI or bar units for many Brennan products, as well as the ability for users to search for ratings by series or part number.
The mobile app, originally introduced in 2012, gives users quick access to more than 30,000 Brennan products, product comparison information and the company’s contact information. “Pressure ratings are important for our customers’ applications, so putting that information at their fingertips is one way that Brennan can make their jobs a little easier,” said Bill Jarrell, vice president of marketing and operations at Brennan Industries. “Especially when they are using their smartphones out in the field.”
The pressure rating product search is also available on mobile and desktop browsers by visiting brennaninc.com/pressure-ratings/ directly as well as through the mobile app which is available at brennaninc.com/mobile.
The app features an easy-to-navigate product catalog that is broken down by categories and includes specifications for each product. The app also offers a product cross-reference tool that allows users to compare Brennan products side-by-side with competitors’ products to determine the best value. Users who want more information about Brennan or how to contact the company can find their nearest location, contact phone number and email address and a Brennan overview video conveniently through the app.
www.brennaninc.com

(As published in the December 2013 edition of Marine News - www.marinelink.com)