Transforming Marine Research: The Innovative Approach of MNP Digital
The Collaborative Beginning
In an era where the integration of technology and data is transforming industries, MNP Digital embarked on a groundbreaking journey by initiating a discovery phase alongside key stakeholders. This collaborative effort laid the foundation for creating a central platform designed to revolutionize the marine industry. With a focus on program management, the team began transforming crucial insights gained during the discovery into a concrete implementation plan, setting the stage for a powerful technological solution.
Harnessing the Cloud: Microsoft Azure
At the heart of this transformation is a cloud-based platform built on Microsoft Azure. The choice of Azure allowed MNP Digital to leverage cloud computing’s myriad benefits, enabling instant scalability without the need for significant hardware investments. Clients can now access this platform with ease, paving the way for research and development that integrates advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The platform doesn’t just facilitate operations; it acts as a catalyst for innovation. Equipped with pre-built data models, it supports diverse applications such as process modeling, thereby enhancing the potential for intelligent decision-making based on real-time data.
Ensuring Data Security and Integrity
MNP Digital recognizes the importance of data security, especially in sensitive areas like marine research. Each user is provided a secure landing zone that gives them access to data models reflecting ocean conditions accurately. This not only inspires confidence among clients but also allows them to perform mission-critical tasks with a sense of security.
By integrating with the Ocean Subsurface Data Universe (OSDU™) — an open-source data platform tailored for the offshore energy sector — the team gained access to vast amounts of data and robust management capabilities. This strategic decision shortens the development timeline for new solutions, allowing clients to bring their offerings to market more quickly. Additionally, the platform incorporates data governance processes, ensuring structured and unstructured data sets are managed effectively.
Advanced Cybersecurity Features
The security of the platform extends far beyond compliance with public sector standards. By adhering to enhanced security frameworks, including Exxon’s Enterprise Architecture Principles, MNP Digital has implemented innovative measures to keep data safe. Various methodologies allow secure data access, from infrastructure separation to row-level user-based access within specific data models. This strategic layer of security ensures that only those with the appropriate permissions can access sensitive data.
Client Engagement: Building a Customer-Facing Website
A significant aspect of the Digital Oceans Canada (DOC) initiative was the creation of an engaging customer-facing website. This platform serves not only to inform the public about the project but also includes an e-commerce backend, allowing clients to easily access services. Emphasizing user experience, the site became a key communication tool in bridging the gap between technology and stakeholders.
The Power of Collaboration
The success of this initiative can be attributed to the 100% collaborative approach adopted by MNP Digital and its partners. Each organization involved brought decades of collective expertise to the table, fostering a culture of innovation. The true value of the solution lies not just in the technology but in the rich reservoir of knowledge and insights shared by seasoned professionals.
Resulting Advancements and Continuous Evolution
The ultimate result of this collaborative journey is a solution that significantly accelerates digital deployment within Canada’s marine industry. By enabling better decision-making and facilitating shared costs and resources, the platform nurtures innovation and enhances value creation. The integration of pre-built data models, which accurately depict ocean conditions, also minimizes the need for costly and potentially hazardous physical sea trials for technology validation.
Furthermore, the platform is designed to evolve. Continuous updates will incorporate new functionalities and self-service capabilities tailored to the ever-changing needs of clients. Such adaptability will refine data usage and management practices while improving processes related to marine environment and equipment twinning and operator training.
A Collaborative Future: The DOC Digital Laboratory
A standout feature of the DOC initiative is the DOC Digital Laboratory — a collaborative digital space where third parties can conduct simulations, research, and software development. This shared environment fosters creativity and innovation among organizations, promoting technological advancements and collaborative solutions tailored to the marine sector.
Conclusion
MNP Digital’s visionary approach to creating a platform for Canada’s ocean environments is nothing short of revolutionary. "Our vision was to create a platform that could provide an incredibly accurate simulation of Canada’s ocean environments, accelerating innovation, reducing costs for organizations, and speeding up time to market for new solutions. With Digital Oceans Canada, we have achieved just that," explains Randy Billard, CEO of Virtual Marine.
By embarking on this journey of collaboration and innovation, MNP Digital and its partners are not only transforming the marine industry but are also setting new standards for how data and technology can drive sustainable growth and innovation.
