Survitec Group's RFD Beaufort Launches New Marin Ark Service Management Platform

Online, January 24, 2012 (Newswire.com) - RFD Beaufort, a subsidiary of global survival specialist, Survitec Group, has launched its new Marin Ark Service Management Platform, developed by Belfast software specialist, Crafty Devil.
Marin Ark is RFD Beaufort's flagship marine survival product. In the event of a marine emergency, Marin Ark is the world's safest and fastest method of evacuating passengers and crew. Today, there are over 1,000 Marin Ark systems in operation on ferries and cruise ships across the globe, capable of accommodating up to 632 people.

Phil Norton, Director with Crafty Devil, says: "This announcement marks the completion of the first stage of our work with Survitec Group. We have created a group-wide web services platform, which allows Survitec to streamline its service and customer management processes, share information and benefit from cross-site collaboration. Our business-focused approach has created a bespoke, scalable and cost-effective software solution, which is already delivering benefits quickly and consistently."

As would be expected of a safety critical product, every Marin Ark system is subject to a painstaking annual servicing and inspection process. Previously, this was managed using paper-based forms and processes.

The new web-based system, designed, developed and supported by Crafty Devil, enhances the service and post manufacturing process; paper flow is reduced, on-site productivity is improved and ultimately vessel down time can also be reduced. Recognising the safety critical nature of RFD Beaufort's product portfolio, the new system also provides a detailed audit trail and benefits from integrated document management and archive functions.

Speaking at the launch of the new system Moya Johnston, Managing Director of RFD Beaufort, says: "The implementation of this system marks a key milestone in the development of the Marin Ark platform, reflecting our commitment to customer care, quality and safety. Marin Ark is a world-beating combination of manufacturing innovation, customer services and information technology that cements our status as market leaders. Crafty Devil has played a vital role in delivering this vision to our customers."

Based in Dunmurry, Northern Ireland, RFD Beaufort is part of Survitec Group - a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of marine, defence and aerospace survival technology. With a truly global manufacturing and service footprint, Survitec Group brings together best-in-class brands with reputations for quality design and innovation.

Belfast, Northern Ireland based Crafty Devil is Survitec Group's Web App Development Partner. The award winning company, specialises in the design, development and whole life support of bespoke productivity and management software on a 'Software As A Service' (SAAS) basis.