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T he impact of technology on one of the world’s other oldest professions has been nothing short of revolutionary, in some cases forcing the ma- rine industry to fi nally lay aside centuries of thinking and time-honored, if not always accurate, tools. The digital age has not only transformed almost every aspect of seafaring vessels and the processes undertaken on board, but it has sharpened and strengthened the calculations and equa- tions used to measure, shape, process, speed, track and im- age the steps involved in creating parts, solving problems and rendering reality-based training. It’s not rocket science, and yet, many companies miss the boat when it comes to really listening to customers. For example, users are often disappointed in applications that can ring every bell, yet fail to address their most basic needs. Software developed by geeks for geeks won’t fl oat in maritime waters. Every software company in the Marine News 100 is here not just because they are market leaders in their sector. Toss in cutting-edge tools, good engineering, rigorous internal testing, best practices and expertise-backed support, and it’s no surprise mariners keep coming back to our fi ve win- ners for more: Hydrocomp, Transas, Boatracs (McMurdo group), Helm and FARO Technologies: HYDROCOMP If it touches the water, Hydrocomp is on it – the hull, rudder, propellers. “If it’s above the waterline, with the ex- ception of the main power plant, we’re not interested. It’s those things that make the ship different from a buoy that we’re involved in,” says McPherson. When the company entered the market, its competitors were developing suites of hull design software with a CAD/CAM focus. “No one touched applied hydro dynamics.” The New Hampshire-based maker of specialized hydro- dynamic design and performance predictive analysis tools for hulls is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and you don’t make it that far unless your products are really serving the needs of in-the-trenches users. The original game plan was to offer a broad range of naval architectural tools. That segued into a propeller soft- ware package after McPherson “suddenly became known as the propeller guy” after circumstances allowed him to Nautical Pedigrees Engineer Success of Top Marine Developers By Patricia Keefe MN 00 SOFTWARE Feature “If it’s above the waterline, with the exception of the main power plant, we’re not interested. It’s those things that make the ship different from a buoy that we’re involved in.” – Donald MacPherson, Technical Director of HydroComp, Inc. August 2014 44 MN 32-49 MN Aug14.indd 44 7/18/2014 1:35:12 PM
