Australia’s ASC starts digital transformation program

Australian submarine and warship builder ASC has announced the launch of a digital transformation program which will help apply new technology and innovation to the state-owned shipbuilder’s defense programs.

ASC expect the transformation program to have flow-on effects for Australian and overseas suppliers to its Collins Class sustainment and warship construction programs.

ASC Chief Executive Officer Stuart Whiley said the digital transformation would build on ASC’s track record of successful innovation, delivering better ways of conducting its work and better value for ASC’s customers.

“Following several years of reform and improvement across our operations, the digital transformation will further challenge the status quo, leading to further cultural change and creating opportunities for major improvements,” Whiley sad.

ASC has engaged digital technology provider Accenture for the first phase, scoping the program, understanding the current state and gathering relevant insights.

“ASC is a vital player in the growth of Australia’s submarine and shipbuilding sectors and we look forward to leveraging our digital transformation for the benefit of the nation.” Accenture chairman for Australia and New Zealand, Bob Easton, said. “We are delighted to be working with ASC on the first phase of their digital transformation journey. This is a very important project and we are committed to supporting defence and infrastructure development in Australia.”

The company says improvements under consideration will likely include increased use of seamless digital technology, the integration of big data analytics, and the implementation user interfaces, such as virtual and augmented reality and the internet of things, to improve ASC’s productivity.

In a previous announcement, ASC noted it had become the first Australian defense company to receive international certification for Asset Management (ISO 55001) which shows that ASC is planning for the entire life cycles of the Collins-class submarines, which will serve the nation into the 2040s.