Nederlands Loodswezen relies on accurate calculations to determine how wind conditions affect the safe navigation of large vessels entering and leaving ports. For years, pilots performed these calculations using a highly complex Excel spreadsheet that contained extensive domain-specific knowledge and calculation logic. This approach created several challenges. The spreadsheet was difficult to maintain, lacked transparency for users, and was not easily accessible when pilots were working on the move. In addition, much of the knowledge behind the calculations resided with a small number of experts, creating a risk of knowledge loss as key personnel approached retirement. To ensure operational continuity, improve accessibility, and safeguard critical expertise for future generations of pilots, the organization needed a modern, user-friendly solution that could replace the legacy spreadsheet while maintaining the accuracy and reliability required for maritime safety.
Business Need: Nederlands Loodswezen relies on accurate calculations to determine how wind conditions affect the safe navigation of large vessels entering and leaving ports. For years, pilots performed these calculations using a highly complex Excel spreadsheet that contained extensive domain-specific knowledge and calculation logic. This approach created several challenges. The spreadsheet was difficult to maintain, lacked transparency for users, and was not easily accessible when pilots were working on the move. In addition, much of the knowledge behind the calculations resided with a small number of experts, creating a risk of knowledge loss as key personnel approached retirement. To ensure operational continuity, improve accessibility, and safeguard critical expertise for future generations of pilots, the organization needed a modern, user-friendly solution that could replace the legacy spreadsheet while maintaining the accuracy and reliability required for maritime safety.
Solution: Conclusion Low Code Company and Nederlands Loodswezen developed Windload, a Mendix-based application that enables pilots to calculate wind loads on vessels through an intuitive digital experience. The application is available as both a web application and a native mobile app, allowing pilots to perform calculations wherever they are, even when internet connectivity is unavailable. Users enter vessel characteristics, environmental conditions, and weather data, after which the application automatically performs the complex calculations and presents the results in a clear and understandable format. The solution replaced a highly complex Excel spreadsheet and transformed a specialist process into a guided workflow consisting of five intuitive steps. By combining domain expertise with user-centered design, the application significantly improved usability while preserving the calculation logic and operational knowledge built up over many years. From a technical perspective, the solution was developed using the Mendix low-code platform, enabling rapid delivery, cross-platform availability, offline functionality, and a scalable foundation for future enhancements. The success of the application led to the development of additional decision-support applications for pilots, including a solution for calculating required tugboat capacity.
Results: null