Tilla Systems, a new start-up founded by company builder Flagship Founders, has developed a smart platform for the automated planning and execution of cargo ship crew changes.

Tilla uses API interfaces to integrate all its essential data sources. Crew data are pulled from existing systems like the Hanseaticsoft Cloud Fleet Manager or flight data from Amadeus, eliminating the need for manual updates. A machine learning algorithm proposes the best time and place for a crew change.

Niklas Weidmann, founder and CEO at Tilla said: “We’ve collated all the information, parameters and parties on one single platform, and employ data mining techniques to cut processing and travel costs. This allows better, more efficient decision-making about when and where a crew change should take place.” 

As well as including every stage from planning to reporting, the platform groups all important information (e.g. current travel restrictions or transport routes) in one place, reacts instantly to last-minute changes, and suggests viable alternatives. The high level of automation not only saves a significant amount of time and money but also focuses more closely on key aspects of crew management, such as recruitment and training.

One of Tilla Systems’ first customers is Hamburg’s shipping company Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG.

“Crew changes are extremely fragmented, dynamic and costly processes making them the perfect point to introduce digital solutions. With Tilla’s support we can keep a closer eye on crew changes, process information more quickly and efficiently, and ensure all our collaborations run smoothly,” said Johann Diercks, ship management director at Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG. “We can streamline our processes and offer our customers the best possible service.”

The platform’s official launch is scheduled for this year’s fourth quarter. Tilla plans to use the new system on around 150 ships where it oversees crew management.