Streamlining fishing operations with Claris FileMaker

SINOPECHE, streamlined its operations and enabled efficient management of production, HR, sales, and compliance by replacing an outdated system with a custom-built FileMaker solution.

Cathy

2 December 2024 •

5 min

Industry

Fishing

Challenge

Replace the outdated, complex system with a modern, user-friendly and solution to streamline operations, ensure regulatory compliance, and support future growth in a highly regulated industry.

Solution

Custom-built, scalable system for efficient business management (production, export, HR, and sales)

Benefits

Improved data accuracy and analysis
Data-driven decision-making
Increased efficiency and time savings to focus on key actions.
Enhanced compliance and reliability in a high-stakes industry

SINOPECHE is a Moroccan fishing company, specialized in cephalopods. Operating five specialized vessels, they engage in seasonal high-seas fishing for three-month periods.

With 90% of their catch destined for export, primarily to Europe (Spain and Italy) and Japan, SINOPECHE operates in a highly regulated industry subject to strict quotas and seasonal closures.

The company was previously dependent on an outdated DOS-based system to manage its operations and production, which struggled to meet the growing demands of the business and the rapidly changing industry.

Key challenges included:

Technological obsolescence: The rapid evolution of technology made the DOS system outdated and unable to adapt to changing business needs and regulatory requirements.
Complexity and inflexibility: The system was complex, making it challenging to use and accessible only to highly technical personnel. As a result, employees needed substantial training, and support demands were high.
Limited functionality: The system only managed operational aspects and lacked capabilities for human resources, commercial management, and reporting.
Data accessibility and analysis: Data was difficult to access and analyze, hindering decision-making and preventing year-over-year comparisons.

These limitations impeded the company’s efficiency, accuracy, and ability to make data-driven decisions.

This led them to explore alternative solutions that were flexible, comprehensive, user-friendly, and better suited to their needs and requirements, aiming to streamline their processes effectively.

Transforming tradition: Strategic partnership with Ebtikarweb

SINOPECHE engaged Ebtikarweb (Claris Partner) to lead the transition.

With over 12 years of experience, Ebtikarweb develops custom management software solutions for various industries, from fisheries and agriculture to hospitality, transportation, and manufacturing.

The decision to choose FileMaker to develop a new solution was straightforward. Mokhtar Ait Addi, CEO of Ebtikarweb was familiar with Claris FileMaker from a previous experience and knew it was the ideal platform given its flexibility, customizability, and efficiency.

I knew that developing with another technology than FileMaker would have been significantly more time-consuming and costly.
Mokhtar Ait Addi

With this solid foundation in place, Ebtikarweb has since become a true ally in the evolution of the business.

From prototype to full scale: Building a comprehensive management solution

The project began with a one-month prototype of a production management module, which successfully validated the concept. This initial success led to a commitment to develop a full solution encompassing:

Production management: Overseeing cephalopod capture and shipping.

Human Resources (payroll and resource tracking): Managing payroll and attendance tracking for both employees and ships.

Commercial Management: From product reception through to export.

The dashboard allows SINOPECHE to monitor key indicators at a glance.

Embracing change: How a modern solution transformed the workflow and mindset

The new system represented a substantial shift for SINOPECHE, whose team initially resisted change due to long-established habits.

However, once they had the opportunity to test the new solution, the simplicity and effectiveness of the solution not only won them over but also empowered them to work more confidently and efficiently.

You can’t compare the incomparable. We’ve gone from the dinosaur age to modernity.
Mrs Hakima, Export Manager

Five people now use the solution for export, production, and payroll.

Key to success: A tailored, user-friendly, and scalable solution

Several factors contributed to the solution’s effectiveness, ensuring it not only met the company’s current requirements but also ensured a smooth transition and positioned them for future growth.

The following key elements were instrumental in achieving this success:

Customization: The solution is tailored to the specific needs of SINOPECHE, ensuring optimal fit and flexibility.
It is built using a modular approach, allowing for phased implementation and customization.
Ease of use: The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it easy for employees at all levels to use the system.
Scalability: The solution is scalable and can accommodate future growth and changes in business requirements.
Data integration: The system provides a centralized repository for data, enabling better visibility and analysis.

Transformative benefits of the new FileMaker system for SINOPECHE

The transition to this system has provided SINOPECHE with a solution that meets their operational complexity while minimizing errors in a highly regulated industry.

The new FileMaker-based system has brought significant benefits, including:

Increased efficiency: Streamlined processes and faster access to information have significantly reduced manual effort and processing time.
Production reports based on weekly fishing notes sent by fishing boats at sea, which once took 10 to 15 days and required multiple tools, are now generated instantly.
Improved data management and accuracy: The solution delivers complete, reliable data, which is crucial in an industry where accuracy is paramount. This robust data management empowers informed decision-making and ensures consistently high-quality work.
The solution also helps ensures compliance to regulatory requirements and industry standards.
For example, the sale of goods requires precise documentation, including weight verification and veterinary certificates, which are now handled reliably and quickly within the system.
Enhanced decision-making: The ability to access accurate and up-to-date information has empowered decision-makers to gain valuable insights and make more informed choices.

Through its strategic partnership with Ebtikarweb and the successful implementation of a Claris FileMaker solution, SINOPECHE has transformed its operations to thrive in a highly competitive and regulated market.

This transition illustrates how the right technology, combined with industry expertise, can bring remarkable improvement and provide a foundation for the future, empowering SINOPECHE to navigate challenges and pursue new opportunities in the global market.