BIMCO introduced a new solution called SmartCon, which aims to make contractual easier and more secure. The product was launched at an event in Singapore on Thursday 18 January 2018.
SmartCon is built into a Word document, which will integrate and merge with the normal workflow of shipping professionals and legal staff. The contracts can be shared until it is fixed, without security risks, as everything is protected and authenticated by Microsoft’s Cloud security infrastructure.
“SmartCon is a brand-new approach to contract editing, we believe that it will significantly ease the work life of our current users and will attract new users to BIMCO’s contract universe,” noted Grant Hunter, Head of Contracts and Clauses at BIMCO.
SmartCon will replace IDEA, which handles close to 40,000 contracts a year, and was introduced in 2000, and it will include all of the latter’s software features. However, SmartCon is based on an encrypted Word-document, which provides additional security, and reduces complexity. In addition, it has context sensitive explanatory notes, direct access to eLearning modules and members can write directly to BIMCO’s Support & Advice function.
An authentic contract can be opened using the software, and then edited and changed, with the integrity of the document not being compromised. The changes can be seen by both parties and the core features, which make it a binding legal document, cannot be removed.
“With today’s focus on cyber security, we believe this tool is very timely. It provides the best security possible and ensures users always work on authentic BIMCO documents,” Mr. Hunter added.
