Development of automated information control systems to improve ship management

BACKGROUND: Information control systems (ICS) play a key role in supporting effective management decision-making at all organizational levels. This is especially relevant for captains and managers who need to quickly receive, process, and distribute information during the planning and control. AIM: To analyze the operational features of the ship ICS and develop a mathematical model for in-depth system design at the design study phase. METHODS: The methods include analysis of international ICS design and operation practices and mathematical modeling with an option of computer experiments. RESULTS: The authors identified three management levels, i.e. strategic, tactical, and operational, and determined information requirements on each level. The paper describes the ICS architecture and specifications, the importance of user involvement in design, and the need for staff training and cost reduction. The authors developed a mathematical model allowing to conduct computer experiments to prove the efficiency of design solutions. CONCLUSIONS: Efficiency of ICS directly depends on the correct selection of information, user involvement in the design, and staff training. The presented model shows how theoretical approaches are used in real-life practice and may be used as a basis for further improvement of ICS for ships.